Chapter 17

Max’s POV

I leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. Sienna’s absurd question replayed in my mind, and I couldn’t help but scoff. Did she seriously think I’d remember some random encounter from years ago?

The audacity of it was laughable. She looked at me with those wide, desperate eyes like she’d uncovered some profound connection between us. As if we were star-crossed lovers or something equally ridiculous.

“Unbelievable,” I muttered under my breath.

Sleep wasn’t coming, and the irritation simmering in my chest wasn’t helping. Plus, in recent days, sleeping alone had been quite not it… I thought quietly as I observed the bulge within my underwear. With a sigh, I swung my legs off the bed and grabbed my robe, draping it over my shoulders before stepping out of the room.

The hallway was quiet, the soft glow of the overhead lights casting long shadows. I headed toward the kitchen, intent on grabbing a glass of wine to dull my restless thoughts. Wine used to help for moments like this. Most times, it sung me back to sleep…

Since there wasn’t a woman to do so anyway.

As I passed the sitting room, I stopped in my tracks.

Sienna was there, sprawled on the couch, fast asleep. Her hair was a mess, and her head was tilted at an angle that screamed neck pain by morning.

For a moment, I just stood there, my eyes tracing the curve of her back as the robe she wore shifted slightly. The light fabric clung to her, accentuating her figure in a way that was... distracting.

“Stop,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head.

Whatever fleeting admiration I felt was quickly squashed. She was nothing more than a temporary inconvenience, a means to an end. But as I moved to leave, I found myself hesitating. Her neck really was at a terrible angle. If she woke up like that, she’d be complaining about it all day.

“Damn it,” I muttered, walking over to her.

Carefully, I slid a hand under her head, adjusting it so it rested properly against the armrest. I felt my fingers tilt slightly on making contact with her delicate skin. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. And I thought I felt my insides jump.

I stepped back, rubbing the back of my neck. “This isn’t about you,” I murmured, glancing at her sleeping form. “It’s about the kid.”

Satisfied with my justification, I turned and headed to the kitchen.

The wine was smooth and rich, just the way I liked it. I poured myself a generous glass and made my way to the study. As I settled into the chair, I opened my laptop, skimming through the usual influx of emails and reports.

Then I saw it—a message from Julian.

My jaw tightened as I clicked on it. Julian and I hadn’t spoken much since our parents died. He was always the schemer, the one who thrived on manipulation and lies.

The email was short and to the point.

"Max, we need to talk. Meet me at the park tomorrow at noon. – Julian"

I leaned back, swirling the wine in my glass. Julian never reached out unless he wanted something. The last time we spoke, he’d tried to worm his way into my business dealings, claiming it was “for the family’s legacy.” I’d shut him down then, and I wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of seeing him now.

Still, curiosity got the better of me. I closed the laptop and downed the rest of the wine, already dreading whatever game he was about to play.

The next day, I arrived at the park a few minutes early. It was a sunny day, the kind that would’ve been perfect if not for the unease gnawing at my gut.

Julian showed up right on time, dressed in a tailored suit that looked out of place against the casual backdrop of joggers and families. His short blond hair was slicked back, and that familiar sly smile tugged at his lips.

“Max,” he said, spreading his arms like we were old friends. “Always a pleasure.”

“Julian,” I replied flatly.

He gestured to a nearby bench, and we both sat down.

“You’ve been busy,” Julian said, his tone conversational.

“Get to the point,” I said, crossing my arms.

Julian chuckled. “Always so direct. Fine. I’ve noticed some... peculiar transactions coming from your accounts lately.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been watching my accounts?”

“Don’t act so surprised,” he said, leaning back. “I like to keep an eye on things. Family interests and all that.”

I scoffed. “Spare me the ‘family interests’ speech, Julian. What do you want?”

He tilted his head, his smile never wavering. “I want to know what you’re up to. Accumulating wealth in unusual ways while your company suffers? That’s not like you, Max.”

“It’s none of your business,” I said sharply.

Julian’s smile widened. “Oh, but it is. You see, if your little schemes backfire, it’s the family name that takes the hit. And we both know how much you care about the family name.”

I stared at him, my patience wearing thin. “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying,” he said, leaning closer, “that I’ll be keeping an eye on you. Just to make sure you don’t do anything... reckless.”

I smirked, though my blood was boiling. “You always were good at empty threats, Julian. Is that all, or did you actually have a point?”

He laughed, standing up and brushing imaginary dust off his suit. “Just a friendly warning, big brother. Don’t screw this up.”

I watched as he walked away, his confidence radiating with every step.

As much as I hated to admit it, Julian was dangerous. Not because of his strength—he had none—but because of his cunning. And if he was watching me, I’d have to be more careful than ever.

Because, indeed, I had a plan…

With a sigh, I stood up and headed back to the car, already dreading whatever scheme he’d try to pull next.