Rebirth Into My Second Chance

For the entire two hours, Max had been wearing a frown, his expression stone-cold, until he saw the cuffs around my ankles snapped open and me safely sitting back in my spot. Only then did he allow a slight twitch of his lips, presenting me with a relieved smile. I returned his smile, about to say something, when I heard someone outside shouting, "Dr. Hilton, the donations and medical supplies from the Hilton family arrived. Claude personally escorted them."

The mention of Claude immediately brought him to mind! Given that he's a nephew of the Hilton family, it wasn't surprising to find him involved in the delivery.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Judging by Max's expression, he seemed to have anticipated Claude's arrival. He was not shocked but bearing a simmering emotion, ready to burst at any moment.

I feared he'd ask me to wait there, so I immediately stood up, saying, "I want to go, too."

He hummed in response, his gaze briefly scanning the electronic cuffs on the floor before tossing them into the trash bin with his hands. He didn't inquire why Claude acted as he did, nor did I explain.

Just as we went to check the supplies, I spotted Claude descending from the Hilton family's jet. Seeing Max and me together, Claude froze on the aircraft stairs, unable to move for a long while. However, undeterred, Max led me straight toward him.

For some reason, I instinctively moved closer to Max when I thought of Claude's vile actions against Lydia and how she got swept away by the flood due to her inability to defend herself. He intertwined his fingers with mine, reassuring me, "Don't worry. You'll help them tally the medical supplies. You're more familiar with these."

I nodded as I watched Max approach the jet. Seeing Max coming, Claude hurried down the stairs, only to be met by Max's kick, sending him kneeling on one knee. The onlookers couldn't help but gasp at the scene.

"Uncle..." Claude's call to Max as 'uncle' finally eased my anxiety.

Max was indeed Maximilian.

Yet, without a word, Max had two guards lift Claude and escort him out of sight. I returned my focus tox tallying the medical supplies, pondering if Max had summoned Claude here to reprimand hing. A part of me felt a sneaky delight.

Realizing that Max was actually Maximilian threw me for a loop. I had my suspicions, but part of me was still disappointed. If he were just my Max, things might have been simpler.

But he was Maximilian. Not using Maximilian's influence meant Claude would continue to torment me. What would be his next move to kidnap me? And then there were Kate and Tracey, all ticking time bombs.

If Maximilian stood by us, Richard and I would have it easier.

"Dr. Floyd, could you please check these talked supplies?" A nurse's voice snapped me out of my reverie. I glanced at the list of medical

supplies, noting we'd got everything needed.

The gap between the Hilton family and me was vast. Alone, I was easily manipulated, powerless against the flood. But Max could lead a medical team and supplies to aid the flood victims.

"Claire!" I heard Richard calling me from behind. Turning around, I saw him, covered in mud, running toward me.

Yes, life for Richard and me at the bottom was difficult. Since Max had offered himself, I'd better take advantage of the opportunity.

I smiled faintly.