Chapter 181

He undid the top two buttons of his shirt, maintaining a stern expression as he climbed into the waiting car.

Patrick glanced at him through the rearview mirror, swallowing nervously before speaking up.

“Mr. Dorsey, aren’t we waiting for Ms. Brielle?”

He had only just found out that Ms. Brielle was in the hospital, and was surprised to see Max leaving the Dorsey family gathering to be here in person.

With his eyes closed, a rare trace of irritation crossed Max’s features. “No need. She can handle herself,” he said calmly, striving to regain his composure.

Patrick pressed the gas pedal and dared not ask any more questions.

Meanwhile, at the Dorsey residence, Michael and Jose were deep in conversation, quite pleased with the impending marriage between their younger family members and already contemplating setting a date.

Jose took a sip of his coffee, his mind on Alivia at the research institute, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

“Alivia has been yearning for Max all these years. Now, it seems her wish is finally coming true.”

Dressed smartly in a tweed jacket, Michael looked spirited. “There’s no better daughter–in–law for my boy than Alivia. It’s a shame Max has been so work–obsessed, poor girl. Is she also the one who facilitated the investment of Dorsey International in Book this time?”

Jose chuckled, “She mentioned helping out, which is great. Both kids are too independent. rarely giving us old men a reason to worry.”

Michael glanced up at the wall clock and instructed a nearby servant, “Go check if Max’s car has arrived.”

The servant nodded promptly and left.

Spencer, sitting not too far away, felt restless. He still reeked of booze and feared a reprimand from Michael, so he kept his distance.

He’d been pulled in at the last minute, having planned to visit the Haywood family and see Lillian.

But now, with Max absent, Spencer’s mind drifted back to the previous night when he stumbled upon Uncle Max in a compromising position with a woman by the Haywood family’s floral wall.

Even now, Spencer wondered if it had been a hallucination because the woman Max had been kissing, sheltered under his coat, was definitely not Alivia.

Alivia had been abroad these past days, meeting with Noah to discuss the Book deal.

14:12 So, who was this woman Max was so protective of?

Growing more anxious, especially as he listened to the elders discuss marriage arrangements, Spencer feared being questioned, feeling a sweat break out on his back.

Eventually, Michael turned his gaze to Spencer, and took a sip of his coffee. “Spencer, why did Max attend the Haywood family’s banquet?”

Michael was genuinely curious; he hadn’t asked Max directly, but Spencer had been on the scene and should know something.

Spencer felt his spine weaken, his palms slick with cold sweat.

Had he not witnessed that scene, Max’s presence at the Haywood banquet would indeed have been surprising, b ut having seen it, Spencer believed Max must have been there to meet the woman he desired.

Various speculations ran through Spencer’s mind.

For instance, why hadn’t Max arranged a private meeting with the woman?

Could it be that her identity was sensitive? And Max so captivated by her that he couldn’t resist his impulses even by the floral wall?

Spencer’s thoughts were in turmoil, and an inexplicable fear gripped him.

“Grandpa, maybe Uncle Max was just there for a stroll. He barely spoke a word at the banquet.”

Spencer offered tentatively.

“Max is not one for casual strolls. In his eyes, nothing is more important than work,” Michael replied, setting his coffee cup down, his expression turning frosty. “You young ones are all the same, none of you give me peace of mind. And this matter with you and that Lillian has become the talk of the town.”

Spencer’s throat went dry with fear, knowing he was in for a scolding and quickly admitting his fault.

“Grandpa, that was my fault.”

Michael nodded, but his words were devoid of emotion. “Stay away from Lillian in the future. Spencer. I know you’ve been bewitched by others‘ words.”