Chapter 96

MAX POV.

It was obvious now. Nadia’s feelings for Richard weren’t just a passing fancy. She wanted him badly, and the fact that he had chosen Tammie over her was eating her alive.

Her anger was barely contained, simmering just beneath the surface.

I leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other as I observed her. She was usually so composed, so careful about keeping up appearances.

But here, in this room, with Richard and Tammie sitting almost close together, her mask was slipping.

Interesting, I thought. Very interesting.

Her jealousy was so useful to me. As it is a weapon, a tool to manipulate her further. But for now, I needed to focus.

My thoughts shifted back to the company. If Kenneth handed over his empire to Richard, it would be game over for me.

Richard was no fool…he would notice the discrepancies in the accounts, the missing funds. And once he did, I’d be exposed.

I can’t let that happen.

I needed a plan, and I needed it now. The poison in the fruit bouquet was a good start, but it wasn’t enough. I needed to destabilize the entire family, to create chaos so profound that no one would have time to notice my movements.

I was so deep in thought that I almost didn’t notice Jacob clearing his throat.

“Ahem.”

The sound pulled me back to the present, and I looked up just in time to see Jacob shifting in his seat. His expression was thoughtful, calculating.

What are you up to, Jacob? I thought to myself.

He wasn’t an ally, not by any stretch of the imagination. If anything, he was just another obstacle. But he wasn’t a threat either…not yet. He was too focused on his own petty jealousies to be of any real concern.

Still, I couldn’t ignore him entirely. The man had a knack for sniffing out weakness, and I couldn’t afford to let him catch even a whiff of mine.

I smirked to myself, leaning back slightly as I observed him. Whatever he was about to say, I was ready for it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nadia glance at me. Her expression was tight, her eyes filled with fear.

She’s worried, I thought, amused. She thinks Jacob knows something.

But I wasn’t worried. Not one bit.

Let Jacob say whatever he wanted. Let him try to play his little games. I wasn’t scared of him. I didn’t sweat, didn’t flinch. I was in control, and I intended to stay that way.

The room was silent for a moment, everyone waiting for Jacob to speak. I could feel the tension thick in the air, but it didn’t faze me.

Let’s see what you’ve got, Jacob, I thought, my smirk widening as I prepared for whatever was about to come next.

RICHARD GARRISON POV.

Sitting in the Johnsons’ grand sitting room, I couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. It wasn’t the opulence or the grandeur that made me uncomfortable…I was used to that. It was the overwhelming attention I was receiving, especially from Mr. Kenneth Johnson.

“Richard,” Mr. Johnson said, his voice warm and proud, “you’ve outdone yourself.

The gifts you bought for Tammy and the family…impeccable taste, truly. You’ve proven time and time again why you’re the perfect match for my daughter.”

His words made my cheeks flush slightly, something I hadn’t felt in years. I wasn’t used to this kind of open praise, especially in front of so many people.

Seated in the room were Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Tammie, Mr. Jacob, Max, Nadia, Alisha, and me. The room felt overly crowded, but the attention was squarely on me.

I could feel their eyes on me…some admiring, some indifferent, and others, well, a bit harder to read.

Perfect match for his daughter, I thought, suppressing a nervous smile. Was I really?

As Mr. Johnson continued singing my praises, I couldn’t help but glance at Tammie. She sat gracefully, her posture perfect, her face calm and composed. She looked every bit the ideal bride, the daughter of a wealthy and powerful man.

But there was something in her eyes that caught my attention. She wasn’t looking at her father or even at me. Her gaze was fixed elsewhere.

I followed her line of sight and realized she was staring at Alisha.

Alisha, seated beside me on the couch, seemed completely aware of the tension she was creating. She was quietly observing the room, her bandaged arm resting lightly on her lap.

Her presence here had been a source of tension since the moment we arrived, and now it seemed to be stirring something in Tammie.

Tammie, I thought, my brows furrowing slightly. Why are you looking at her like that?

For a moment, I considered the possibility that Tammy was simply curious about Alisha. After all, Alisha’s sudden presence in my life was unusual, and Tammie had every right to feel curious…or even suspicious. But the intensity of her gaze made me think it was something more.

Before I could fully process it, Tammie’s eyes met mine.

It was brief, just a fleeting moment, but in that instant, I felt a feeling of guilt.

She quickly looked away, her expression carefully neutral. But I could tell that something was bothering her.

Does she think there’s something going on between Alisha and me?

The thought made my chest tighten. I hadn’t done anything inappropriate, but I couldn’t deny that Alisha’s presence complicated things.

She was vulnerable, relying on me for support, and I couldn’t just abandon her. But how could I explain that to Tammie without making things worse?

I turned my attention back to Mr. Johnson, who was still speaking. He seemed completely unaware of the silent exchange that had just taken place.

“You’re a young man of great promise, Richard,” he said, smiling broadly. “I have no doubt that you’ll take excellent care of my daughter and our family’s legacy.”

I nodded, offering him a polite smile. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Max and Nadia exchanging glances.