Chapter 204
A trace of satisfaction flashed in Lillian’s eyes as she looked towards Max, almost appearing a bit intoxicated.
“Max, you probably don’t know this yet, but Patrick and Brielle, they’re an item. Saw it with my own two eyes last time. But I gotta say, Patrick, Brielle’s already got another suitor lined up. and I hear wedding bells are about to chime. You might wanna keep your eyes peeled if you’re on the market for a lady friend.”
She swirled the red wine in her glass, trying to craft an image of elegance and sophistication.
Patrick felt that Lillian was a woman with no brains at all, completely unable to read people’s expressions. He sneaked a glance at Max and, sure enough, Max’s eyes were frosty.
Lillian, oblivious as ever, edged closer, her mind preoccupied with the perfume she wore. She had done her homework on Max’s preferences; he wasn’t fond of overpowering scents. So tonight, she had chosen a fragrance with a subtle hint of tea.
Before she got close enough, Max’s voice cut through. “Wasn’t her engagement with Spencer canceled?”
This was the first time Max had engaged in direct conversation with her, even if it was about that bitch Brielle. But Lillian was far from thinking Max had any real interest in Brielle. After all, Brielle had hooked up with his driver. Surely a man like Max, perched high on his pedestal wouldn’t stoop to pick up someone else’s leftovers?
“The engagement with Spencer is indeed off,” she asserted with a hint of triumph, “but my parents have arranged another match, with Mr. Connor of Apex Dynamics.”
Apex Dynamics?
Max had never heard of it. Patrick, on the other hand, was quietly filling in the gaps. “Connor, a notorious playboy pushing fifty, got some messy business with the Haywood family. Looks like they’re shipping Ms. Brielle off to settle scores.”
Max’s fingers suddenly tightened around the stem of his wine glass, nearly shattering it. To Lillian, however, this seemed like Max was just lamenting the poor choice of his driver. “Max, I’m just running my mouth a bit, that’s all. Hate to see another guy get duped by Brielle. She once openly confessed in the Haywood household to having a man on the side.”
“Really?” Max’s eyes narrowed, a vortex that seemed to swallow light, covered with a shimmering ripple.
Lillian could practically drown in such a gaze. She felt certain that her little act of espionage tonight had elevated her in his estimation. She had thought it would take a serious effort to hook Max, but he seemed an easy catch. Her excitement was palpable, and the smugness was impossible to hide. “Max, let me toast to you. And I wonder, do you have any plans after the dinner?”
Chapter 204
She asked the question very tactfully, her cheeks blushing.
Meanwhile, Cameron watched Lillian sidle up to Max with a furrowed brow, worried she might upset him. The room was crowded with women harboring hopes of clinging to Max’s coattails, yet none dared to approach him directly. Who wasn’t aware of Max’s slight obsession with cleanliness? Anger him, and the whole venture could backfire.
But there stood Lillian, right by his side for quite some time, and he hadn’t budged. Not just Cameron, but others too, were puzzled. Everyone knew Lillian’s reputation was in tatters. How could she be so close to Max? Could it be that Max had a taste for just that kind of company?
The very thought left Lillian’s so–called friends, some of whom had gathered for the evening. seething with envy.
“Look at her eyes, practically glued to Max.”
or sleeve.”
“How can Max stand her? She’s wearing her intentions on her
The more indignant the onlookers, the more triumphant Lillian felt, almost convinced she had Max in the palm of her hand.
She signaled to Cameron with her eyes. After some consideration, Cameron decided to have someone prepare things.
Tonight, Max and Lillian must be in the same room.
