Chapter 80

MAXWELL'S POV

I stepped out of my office, feeling more determined than ever. The hallway stretched out in front of me, lined with framed certificates and awards. They were reminders of how far I’d come and how much more I needed to do. I headed toward the elevator, already thinking about the meeting I had coming up.

Jonathan Pierce was an important piece of my plan. If he agreed to join, it would make things move a lot faster. I couldn’t afford any mistakes today. I took a deep breath as the elevator doors opened. Time to put on my calm, confident mask.

I spotted Jonathan waiting by the glass doors in the lobby. He was tall and looked like he owned the place. He was the kind of guy who needed to be handled just right—with respect but also some cleverness.

“Jonathan,” I called out, reaching out to shake his hand. “Thanks for meeting with me.”

“Henry,” he replied, shaking my hand with a firm grip. “Always a pleasure. So, do you have good news for me?”

“That depends,” I said with a sma