Chapter 54 Could You Have Clemency?

Maximus advanced towards Margaret, while the room remained silent, it was obvious to all the anger emanating from the Collins' successor.

Once Maximo stopped next to Margaret, Ricardo's somewhat babbling voice was heard, who clearly remembered the last encounter he had with Collins at the clinic and the threat he made to her.

So obviously I didn't want to make him angry again.

- Mother... I told you, we didn't..." Ricardo repeated insistently.

"We'll see..." Margaret growled in reply, then turned to Maximo. "Did you bring me what I asked for, Mr. Collins?"

“That's right. Maximus stretched out an envelope to Margaret, who received it anxiously. As he took out the pages inside, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Well..." Margaret pursed her lips in a line, her face showing disappointment. Do you think there is any way to mitigate this scandal?

"Of course, Mrs. Sinclair, a scandal is always overshadowed by a bigger one. Although I fear that the surname Sinclair will continue to be mentioned. Máximo replied confidently.

"What?" Margaret looked at him strangely.

"Tomorrow we will announce the banishment of Valeria Sinclair from the family. Maximus announced firmly, while everyone in the room was speechless. Valeria, especially, was stunned for a moment.

“Why? Ricardo got up abruptly from the sofa, clearly surprised.

"She's to blame for all this. Margaret held up the envelope that Maximo had given her. Ricardo fell back on the seat, visibly shocked.

“With this announcement, all the media will be shocked by this news, and no one will remember what was exposed today about Isabella. Máximo explained with determination.

- Grandma, grandma! You can't allow this! Valeria approached Margaret nervously.

"Why not?" Máximo intervened, looking at Valeria angrily. "If you were the one who spread the news about Isabella.

"How can you say something like that?!" I didn't do anything wrong! Valeria took one of Margaret's hands, her eyes full of tears. - You can't believe him, grandma, I didn't!

"I have in my hand the evidence, Valeria, your photos and the statements of those involved. Margaret replied with disappointment.

"What?" But...! But he can't do that! He cannot banish me! Valeria backed away, terrified.

"I remind you all that Mrs. Margaret Sinclair is no longer the head of the family, Isabella is now..." Maximo announced arrogantly, pointing to his spouse. Isabella remained static, processing the gravity of the situation. "They owe her all their respect as their new benefactor, and this grave fault committed against her may be regarded as a betrayal of the hand that feeds them. So, the most logical thing would be to punish her with banishment, wouldn't it? Máximo looked at everyone, his chin raised.

"Is it necessary, Mr. Sinclair?" Margaret asked Maximus, worried about the fate of her granddaughter, even though she knew she had to be punished. The idea of banishing her was especially painful because of what happened to her son Albert.

“That is the decision I have made. Máximo said firmly. Valeria, terrified, put her trembling hands to her face.

“Máximo is Isabella's spouse, Valeria. Margaret explained. "So, he's also one of the ringleaders of the Sinclair family.

Valeria understood that she did not have the power to intervene in the decision.

- Father! Valeria threw herself into Ricardo's lap, crying desperately. - Father, please! You can't let them do this to me, they can't banish me! Ask grandma, tell Maximo!

Ricardo, with a lump in his throat, looked at Maximo. He knew that intervening could put him in the same situation as his daughter, so he just patted Valeria's head.

- I'm sorry, Valeria, but you must assume the consequences of your actions. Ricardo murmured, trying to console her.

"What?" Valeria looked up at Ricardo, and seeing his lack of determination, she jumped towards her brother. "Aiden, please help me, say something!"

Aiden was completely upset, he had vowed a rematch when he discovered the culprit of harming Isabella, but it was his sister.

He knew that his sister was malicious and just as Margaret thought, he also believed that Valeria deserved punishment, but to be banished.

Aiden swallowed thickly, he didn't get along well with Valeria, but they had grown up together and she was his blood.

"Collins... Could you have mercy?" Aiden asked, raising his face with dignity, and addressing Maximo seriously.

“Clemency? Maximo frowned, his expression full of anger, indignation, and frustration.

"Max?" Isabella's gentle call caught her spouse's attention. Looking at Isabella, Maximo understood that she did not agree with his decision.

"Well, I'll have mercy..." Maximus growled, a mischievous smile appearing on his face.

"In”" Seriously? Valeria looked at him, surprised.

“Yes, on one condition... You will kneel and beg Isabella for forgiveness. Maximus said with a touch of perversity.

"What?" “Valeria, and everyone present, opened their eyes wide.

"Maximo, no..." Isabella tried to intervene when her spouse interrupted her.

"I'll fix this, Isabella..." Maximo said with a serious and concentrated mask.

The young woman could only wait in silence, because for the first time in a long time, her spouse gave her a little fear.

While Aiden clenched his fists with some helplessness and Margaret did not know what to say, because she was upset. Ricardo and Hector, as well as the latter's sons, looked at the scene with rage.

"Do it!" Kneel down and beg forgiveness... If you don't want to be banished. Máximo insisted, while crossing his arms.

Valeria looked around, knowing very well that no one would get involved, she hated what was happening, she hated Máximo and Isabella with all her heart, but she didn't want to stay on the street, with nothing.

So, with all the dignity she could, she took a deep breath and walked to the front of Isabella, who watched her with some pity, which made Valeria angrier.

The young woman threw herself on her knees to the ground, leaned her whole body forward, sticking her hands on the cold of the floor and with her face lowered, she said it.

- I beg you, forgive me. Valeria knelt down, her voice trembling.

"What did you say?" - Máximo looked at her coldly. - Say it with more respect.

Valeria felt a wave of anger, but she forced herself to remain calm.

"I beg you, Mrs. Sinclair, forgive me. He repeated more clearly and forcefully.

“Good. Maximus nodded, allowing him to rise. "Now..." He clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. “No one should worry, my team is already handling the scandal. Although the information has already been disseminated, we are working with the media to rectify and announce that everything was false. Some managers will be fired, but the problem will be fixed. “Máximo said it with arrogance and pride, leaving everyone stunned.

"What...?" Valeria stammered, feeling a shiver of fury.

- Did you already have everything arranged!? Ricardo stood up; his fists clenched. Máximo held back an arrogant smile. "You wretch, you wretch! Ricardo growled.

"I'll let this go for the moment..." replied Maximus. "Now everyone can go...

Ricardo turned on his heel, snorting, and took Valeria by the arm, leading her out of the room.

"Ah, Mr. Sinclair!" Ricardo stopped when he heard Maximo's call. "Although your daughter has not been banished, I recommend that you send her abroad or to the countryside immediately..."

"What?" “Valeria felt a shock in her heart.

“I don't want to see her at public events or near me or my spouse. She will continue to receive family benefits, but if I try anything else, you will have to face the consequences. Understood? - Máximo stared at him.

- Yes, I understand. Ricardo growled, dragging his daughter towards the exit, while she screamed and moaned.

- Father, no! What are you up to?! How can you accept that?! I did as you told me and begged...! Valeria's voice faded into the distance.

Hector and his children came out behind, leaving Margaret, Isabella, and Aiden in the living room, all visibly distraught, while Maximo looked indifferent.

"Mr. Collins..." Margaret tried to mediate, when Maximus passed her without paying any attention, advancing steadily towards his spouse.

"Isabella, we're leaving."

"What?" Isabella stammered, feeling a start in her chest.

"I'm sorry to have to say goodbye, Mrs. Sinclair, we'll talk about this later..." Maximo turned to Margaret as he took Isabella's hand. "But for now, I have a lot to talk about with my spouse.

They both walked out, Isabella's heart pounding.

 Although she loved Maximo, she had never seen him so relentless before, and with each step towards the exit, her fear grew.