Chapter 350

But all the madness was cloaked beneath a calm exterior. She moved towards the bed where Martha lay sleeping, and in a corner where Max couldn’t see, a resentful curl touched her lips.

“Hmm, I get it. It’s just tough seeing Aunt Martha like this, you know? Always makes me wanna do something for her.”

Max’s chill seemed to dissipate a bit. “Alivia, I really appreciate you taking the time to visit my mom.

Whether it’s cash or getting Dorsey International to invest in the research institute, I can make it happen for you.”

That was what they had agreed upon from the start, and he had provided Alivia with a card in the past.

What mattered most was that Max had made it crystal clear years ago–if he happened to meet someone he liked, he was going to marry that person. So, he didn’t need anyone waiting for him.

Everyone was an independent entity in this world. There was no need to waste time on someone else.

Alivia’s hand, hanging by her side, slowly clenched into a fist. Her nails dug into her palm. Before, she would have agreed without hesitation because she was confident that Max would never meet anyone he liked.

But reality had hit her hard. She would have to go back to the States and see for herself who this Brielle was that had ensnared Max!

“I know, Max. Don’t feel burdened. I visit Aunt Martha because she was always good to me, and you can’t let go of her, can you? If you do find someone in the future, I’ll just be happy for you. But I hope that doesn’t mean you’ll drift away from me. After all, we grew up together, didn’t we?”

She played the sentiment card first, to bridge the gap between them.

Max wouldn’t speak too harshly, whether it was for the years of acquaintance or her care for Martha, even considering Kenzo’s sake. As long as she could be by his side, even just as a friend, there would be opportunities in the future. Her presence would always be a threat to Brielle. The thought of Brielle defeating her was simply ludicrous.

After quickly weighing the pros and cons, Alivia’s eyes settled into a detached calm. “Max, have you met someone you like?”

Max’s expression softened in an instant, and he looked down with a gentle laugh. “I suppose 50.”

Alivia tasted bitterness, but thankfully, he had said “I suppose” and not “definitely.” Considering the obstacles lying between him and Brielle, their path wouldn’t be easy. But if Max were with Alivia, it wouldn’t be so difficult. Everyone would bless their union. Even Michael couldn’t wait 1545 for them to tie the knot.

A cold sneer flickered through Alivia’s eyes. The whole world seemed to be against Max and Brielle being together, yet it was rooting for Allvia and Max. No matter how capable Brielle was. how could she fight against so many? Moreover, Max’s feelings for Alivia were still unclear even to himself.

With this in mind, Alivia felt increasingly confident. She slowly unclenched her fist, the bloody marks marred her palm.

“Once you’re sure, you’ve gotta tell me, Max. Our relationship is special. Our families have been close for generations. I haven’t married, and people think I’m waiting for you. But we’re both clear–headed.

The most suitable person for you to marry is me, and vice versa. Even if we meet others we like, it won’t affect our friendship, right?”

No matter what, she wasn’t going to be left behind.

Now that Alivia had positioned herself advantageously, if Max and Brielle ever did come out as a couple and Brielle took issue with Alivia’s presence, then Brielle would seem petty and small–minded.

By then, a host of people would be up in arms defending Alivia. After all, compared to the time Alivia had known Max, Brielle was, at best, just a passing fancy.

Having analyzed all this, Alivia took a moist towelette and gently wiped Martha’s palm. “But Max, let’s not tell Aunt Martha until you’re sure about your feelings. She’s always hoped we’d end up together.

Hearing another woman’s name out of the blue would disappoint her. Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret.”

Indeed, Alivia’s words scored major points with Max. From Max’s perspective, this was the Alivia he knew, the girl raised with the best of everything since childhood.