Chapter 414


    Max had never truly understood the notions of fondness or yearning. His life was a constant climb, an


    unending quest for achievement, with scant regard for the journey’s joys.


    He was a man devoid of excess emotion; even during the year Martha descended into madness, he


    remained stoic.


    His father always said he was born to do business. But now, a curious new sentiment was taking root


    within him, warming him to the core and leaving him utterly disconcerted. He didn’t recognize this


    feeling as shyness; rather, it felt as if every pore was radiating heat. So, he never did utter the words,


    “because I found you.


    His tone was even, and through the screen, Brielle couldn’t see the expression that yed upon his


    face, but for Max, even in the midst of a tempest, one would be hard–pressed to see him furrow his


    brow.


    Brielle paused, ensuring the trash bag was securely tied before heading downstairs. “I know.”


    Ever since Max had given her that rosary, she had a hunch about his feelings. But now, things were


    different. She nced down at her belly and thought it wasn’t the right time.


    Her world was in utter disarray.


    “Brielle, is your loss of appetite because you’re… jealous?” It was rare for Max, a man seemingly


    oblivious to the throes of love, to even recognize the concept of jealousy.


    “No. I just need some rest.”


    The hint of a smile in Max’s eyes faded slightly. Was she not jealous? He furrowed his brow. wondering


    if Brielle really liked him. Wouldn’t she feel uneasy knowing he was getting close to another woman?


    “Max, don’t worry, I won’t be affected by these trifles.”


    Trifles? Max’s frown deepened, unsure of what he was feeling. He didn’t want Brielle to be upset, yet if


    she truly felt no twinge of jealousy, he felt oddly deted. This must’ve been what Andrew meant by


    ‘torture.”


    “Yeah, as long as you trust me, that’s all that matters.”


    After hanging up, he pursed his lips, a picture of puzzlement.


    Just then, the chef rolled in the dinner cart, and he followed them inside. Martha hadn’t rested long


    before she was up and smiling at Max, beckoning him over. “Max,e and sit down.”


    The room was spacious, with arge dining table by the window. Martha was already seated there,


    prim and proper.


    Max walked over, taking a seat opposite her.


    Martha’s gaze shifted to the door, noting Alivia’s absence, and frowned. “Where’s Alivia? Did


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    Chapter 414


    she leave? Max, how could you not Invite her to stay for dinner? After all these years, you still have no


    clue how to treat ady.”


    As she finished speaking. Alivia entered, carrying a bowl of soup. “Aunt Martha, don’t me Max. I


    wanted to make you some soup to help you recover.”


    Martha stood up happily to take it, casting a reproachful nce at Max. “What are you waiting for?


    Max, go help her.”


    Max’s face remained impassive; he didn’t refuse but took the soup from Alivia’s hands.


    As Martha thought the two might grow closer, she heard Max say. “As I’ve said before, soup–making is


    best left to the professionals.”


    Alivia’s face fell, a look of hurt shing in her eyes.


    Hearing Max’s words, Martha felt exasperated, wondering how he could be so tactless, event with the


    woman who might be his future wife. She quickly took Alivia’s hand, blowing on it affectionately. “Don’t


    mind Max’s nonsense. I’m truly touched you made soup for me. I can’t wait for the day you join the


    Dorsey family.”


    Alivia nced at Max, knowing that any hesitation or coyness would only erode his trust in her. Max


    had already made it clear he had someone else in his heart. “Aunt Martha, let’s talk about thatter.


    Max and I are still young. There’s no rush.”


    From Max’s perspective, Alivia was making excuses for him. Although he was dissatisfied with the


    current atmosphere, he said nothing.


    Martha smiled even more warmly, patting Alivia’s hand. “Let’s eat.”


    Max’s mind was elsewhere during the meal, only picking at his food. When his phone rang, it provided


    the perfect excuse to leave.


    “Mother, Alivia, please enjoy. I have to go to the office.”


    Martha’s face clouded with displeasure. It was alreadyte; why hurry to the office? “Max, it’s been so


    long since we’ve had a peaceful meal together, and Alivia is here, too,”


    Alivia swiftly served Martha some food. “Aunt Martha, there’s no helping it. Max is busy with the


    company. Now that you’re back in the country, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to dine together. We


    can always do it next time.”


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Seemingly making excuses for Max, Alivia cleverly set the stage for another mealtime.


    Chapter 415