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 andsafely sitting back in my spot. Only then did he allow a slight twitch of his lips,
presentingwith a relieved smile. | returned his smile, about to say something, when | 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.
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.
| feared he'd askto wait there, so | immediately stood up, saying, "I want to go, too."
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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 | explain.
Just as we went to check the supplies, | spotted Claude descending from the Hilton family's jet. Seeing Max and
For sreason, | instinctively moved closer to Max when | 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."
| nodded as | 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. | returned my focus tox tallying
the medical supplies, pondering if Max had summoned Claude here to reprimand hing. A part offelt a sneaky
delight.
Realizing that Max was actually Maximilian threwfor a loop. | had my suspicions, but part ofwas 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 tbombs.
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If Maximilian stood by us, Richard and | would have it easier.
"Dr. Floyd, could you please check these talked supplies?" A nurse's voice snappedout of my reverie. |
glanced at the list of medical
supplies, noting we'd got everything needed.
The gap between the Hilton family andwas vast. Alone, | was easily manipulated, powerless against the
flood. But Max could lead a medical team and supplies to aid the flood victims.
"Claire!" | heard Richard callingfrom behind. Turning around, | saw him, covered in mud, running toward me.
Yes, life for Richard andat the bottom was difficult. Since Max had offered himself, I'd better take advantage
of the opportunity.
| smiled faintly.