Chapter 41: 41. A must-keep
Maxwell got out of bed after Lois' call and freshened up. It was getting boring and boring when the routine each day was just eating, sleeping, and just a few moments of work on his laptop. He didn't plan to stay away for this long before meeting his parents. And now he had been avoiding their calls just so they won't know that he was back in South city.
Speaking of the devil, his phone started ringing and it was his dad calling. He sighed, contemplating whether to answer or not. He hesitantly answered, knowing since it was his dad, he would be easier to handle. It would have been hard if it were to be his mom.
"Hello, dad."
"Max?"
"Yes, dad. Good morning. I'm sorry I've not been in touch. Been a little too busy nowadays."
Lies.
"Is it that difficult?" Robert asked with humour. He knew his son was smart.
"Well, what can I say? Just got a lot on my plate and you know I don't like waiting for things to get easier before I work. It might never be."
"I'm glad you're fine. We were worried. Your mom is worried about you."
"I know, I'm sorry." Max apologized. "So how's everyone and everything back there?"
"I lot of things are going on. The current one being the opening of the new branch. This week. And I hope you know that is going to be your branch?"
"I'm aware of that, dad. But I thought you would wait till I am done here."
"Oh yeah, that was the initial plan. But I changed my mind. I want to get it ready by the time you are back. I want to start recruiting for some workers and set up all the necessary departments and committees to make it easier for you once you get back. But until then, I'll be handling things with my secretary. I just wish you were here though. So when will you be done completely?"
"I've got some few months left, it could be more or less depending on the progress."
"Right. Just finish up soon and come home." A brief pause followed. "There's something you need to know, Max."
Maxwell frowned. If this was his mother, he would have known where this was going, but his dad?
"What is it, dad?"
"You mom will be talking to you about it later, I just want to give you a heads up." Robert continued and the frown on Maxwell's frown deepened. What was all this about?
Robert sighed heavily before he continued, like he was finding it difficult to say whatever he wanted to say.
"Your mom spoke with Mr. Hamilton, the Chairman of the Hamilton's Conglomerates." He paused for any response from Max, but there was none, so he continued. "I don't know what they talked about but they later agreed to marry off their only daughter to you in exchange for some contract."
Oh, right. Maxwell snickered inwardly. He guessed right with where this was going. This woman just wouldn't stop pestering him with that issue. He was getting annoyed, but he knew his father had less say in this matter. His mother had some questions to answer then.
Robert was waiting for Maxwell's response. He was slowly growing anxious with his silence. Or, wait, was he thinking he had a hand in this?
"Max, believe me, I have nothing to do with this decision." He quickly said. "Your mom made it look like I was involved, but I was only informed. My opinion was not needed. I have no idea what contract they're talking about and..."
"I know, dad. Don't worry. I'll just wait for her call." Maxwell replied curtly.
"Don't be mad at me, Son. You know I..."
"Dad..." Maxwell drawled, interjecting Robert. "I understand. You were just giving me a heads up. I get it. I'm not mad." At you, he wanted to add. Whatever reason his mom had was still going to make him angry, that he was very certain.
"Thanks, son. But just know that I will support whatever decision you make. I know you don't need to hear this, but my hands are tied and there's little I can do when it comes to making decisions, even for myself. But I will be free. Sooner or later. And you will know how much I love you and your sister."
Robert said in an almost dejected tone. All of these sounded like a parable to Maxwell, but he could sense the sadness that came with it.
And, his hands were tied? Can't make decisions? What did that mean? He knew his mom was bossy, but did she boss their dad around like she did with him and Lois? He hoped not. But if that was the case, then he would have to do something about it. He didn't know what exactly, but he felt like it shouldn't be that way.
The call ended after a few words from Robert. Maxwell went to the parlour and turned on the TV. He was done with dealing with his business matters and now felt bored. Oliver had been super busy lately and barely had time, even for himself. He would leave very early and come home late. Even this very morning he had told Maxwell he wouldn't able to come home and mentioned that he had a deadline to meet. He chuckled when he remembered his face while saying that. That was so Oliver! Always on the run at the last minute. But Maxwell knew Oliver. He would get through it. He had become used to working under pressure, like he always said.
He picked his phone out of boredom to check on other matters that may need his attention. Well, he had other businesses which his parents had no idea of. It was Lois' idea that he built a name for himself and not live off of their parents wealth. Lois was supposed to work in a sister company of one of her parents numerous companies, but she had insisted that she wanted to do something she liked. Well, her mother didn't care, so it was a bit easier convincing her dad. But for Maxwell, Edith didn't want to hear of it. Maxwell was the heir, she had told him, and there was no way he would allow him to venture into anything different apart from taking over the various companies, starting with the biggest of it all, which was the construction company. But Lois was still hellbent on Maxwell doing other things aside all that.
Thus, after Maxwell helped his sister build up her fashion design career, he started looking for ways to broaden his horizon. He was very good at music and instruments. So he started off by opening a music academy to train people in vocals and many other instruments. He also had a travel agency, a night club and some boutiques, all these under the brand name 'Max'.
It was tough, having to keep lying and giving excuses as to why he was not done with school yet. But he made sure to sweettalk his mom and try something else on his dad.
He remembered one funny moment when his dad decided to find out from the school authorities why his son's four-year university course was taking almost six years. Maxwell had to tell a half lie, that one of the professors opened a travel agency and needed his help in stabilizing some few important issues. He had to let his dad talk to the branch manager of the Max Travel Agency before he was satisfied. But not after warning him to get it over with as fast as possible and get back home. He was not used to lying, but Lois had insisted they keep it a secret for some time, until she felt the time was right. But Maxwell never knew when Lois would feel the time was actually right.
Shaking his head with all these thoughts, he kept scrolling through his phone to pass the time.
----
Lordy was busily sketching something in his sketch pad when his phone chimed beside him, indicating the notification of a message. Because he now had a big deal at hand, he quickly dropped his pencil and checked the message.
'Get ready with the last set of designs I asked for, by midday, tomorrow. We'll schedule a day to meet the boss after that. Good luck.' - Sir Bradford.
After reading the message Lordy quickly typed his reply.
'I have it all ready now, sir. We can meet up or I can just send them over to your mail right away.' - Lordy.
He had been working diligently, day and night, to come up with so many designs. He had even surpassed the required number that was asked for, but he didn't mind. As he said, he was going all out on this deal, so he was doing his very best.
Bradford's lips curved into a knowing smile as he nodded satisfactorily.
This boy was really a keeper.
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