Chapter 0636
“Uncle,” Alden interjected, “I’m heading home now. I’ll be back in a week. It’ll take time to finalize the deal with the investors.”
“I know how those trips go. Enjoy yourself, Alden,” Maximus said, smirking.
“What does that mean?” Serenity asked, her brows furrowed in suspicion.
“Just that the Emiratis are great hosts, and their meetings are… interesting.”
“Oh, really? And it takes you a whole week to close a deal?” Serenity folded her arms, her tone challenging
Maximus and Alden exchanged a look of mild alarm. They were free men, but they couldn’t deny that a week was at long time for business. They remained silent, unsure how to respond.
“Well? Why are you two just staring at me?” Serenity pressed.
“Serenity,” Alden finally said, “it doesn’t take a whole week. My father has a refinery there, so I handle multiple matters whenever I’m in the country. Want to come with me next time and see what we do?”
Maximus’s eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion. “I think we should save that idea for another trip,” he said quickly. “She’s just starting to learn about the company. She can’t miss work right now.”
“Maximus!” Serenity protested.
“Am I lying, Serenity?” Maximus asked, his tone serious as he fixed her with a firm gaze.
“No… but…”
“No buts, young lady. You’re coming with me to the office tomorrow. Don’t forget it.”
“Fine… You’re right…” Serenity replied, her shoulders slumping slightly in reluctant agreement.
“I’m sorry, Alden, but it looks like you’ll be heading off alone to ‘close your deal,‘” she added with a sarcastic edge before turning on her heel and heading toward her room.
Maximus shook his head and glanced at Alden. “Sorry about my daughter. She has quite the temper.”
13
“I can tell,” Alden replied with a small laugh. “I saw it, and I lived it. She has your exact stare, by the way.”
“That’s a good thing. She’s a girl with a strong character,” Maximus said before pausing to look at Alden seriously. “Alden, what are you planning with my daughter”
“What?” Alden stopped, his confusion evident.
“Don’t play coy with me. I’m not blind. I’ve seen how you’ve acted around her today–and before. There’s something different about Serenity, too, something I can’t quite explain. She’s my daughter, and you’re my nephew. I don’t think it would be wise for you two to… explore anything
“Maximus, you don’t need to worry,” Alden assured him, is tone calm and respectful. “I’m a gentleman, and yes, Serenity is a wonderful person–I enjoy her company. But I see her as family, like a cousin, even though we’re not related by blood.”
“That’s good to hear,” Maximus said, nodding slowly. “From my perspective, it’s strange, but I wouldn’t necessarily have an issue with it. However, I don’t think her parents–Marcus and Mary–would feel the same way.”
“Sentimental matters, you mean?” Alden asked, raising an eyebrow.
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