bChapter /b316

    “So, what’s your next move? I already know your n–my brother filled me in.”

    Max had juste from the other side of the estate, and naturally ran into Ethan. He didn’t mind that Ethan had taken it upon himself to tell Alessia everything; sooner orter, she’d have found out.

    The kid wasn’t exactly clueless either. Max suspected that thest time she’d bumped into the three of them at the restaurant, she’d already pieced most of it together.

    “I’m going to acquire Tate Holdings. After that, there’ll be no more Tate Holdings. As for the two of them, I’ll make sure they’re taken care of for the rest of their lives. If they want to travel, or settle down somewhere, that’s up to them.”

    He’d been nning this since the day he left the country. Together with Bhus Linden, he’d started apany. Thanks to a bit of luck and Bhus’s connections, their business had grown rapidly. Just before returning home, they shifted thepany’s focus back to their own country.

    He’d yed his part in Tate Holdings‘ downfall. His n was simple: hollow out thepany from within, then have his own business absorb all of Tate Holdings‘ assets. That way, the real power would finally rest in his hands.

    When the merger wasplete, he’d finally be free of the chains the Tate family had locked around him. Their lives would no longer be manipted like chess pieces, forced into ce with no room for resistance.

    He nced at Alessia. Pity, really. The lucky little fox had managed to break away, leaving them all behind and walking off without a care in the world.

    “What about York?”

    “I’m not leaving!” The second York heard his name, he clung to Alessia’s jacket, eyeing Max warily.

    Max smirked. “The Tate family sure breeds their share of little rebels, don’t they?”

    York didn’t argue. He just pressed himself against Alessia like a cub guarding its food, eyes never leaving Max, as if he’d be whisked away overseas the moment he

    blinked,

    “If you want to stay, then stay.” Max looked at the wall in front of him. From the side, he resembled Yvonne somewhat–not in a feminine way, but with a certain steely determination.

    09:58

    “What?” York looked stunned, as if he’d misheard.

    “Or do you want to leave after all?”

    “No, I’m staying! I’m definitely staying!” In his childish excitement, York let go of Alessia andtched onto Max’s arm, eyes shining as he stared up at him.

    “Are you serious, bro? I can really stay?”

    “Now you remember to call me ‘bro, huh?” Max replied, poker–faced, and flicked York’s forehead.

    York yelped, but since he needed to stay on Max’s good side, he just forced a grin and kept quiet, not daring toin.

    Alessia chuckled at his antics and ruffled his hair.

    “Let’s just keep him around. Might be fun,” she said lightly. Whether Max truly found it amusing, only he would know.

    Everything else went smoothly. Under Xander’s care, Scott gradually recovered. After a month of rest, he and Yvonne left for a peaceful retreat at a countryside estate abroad.

    York stayed behind, though he’d spend holidays at the estate.

    Max sorted out the mess at Tate Holdings, and after all the legal paperwork was done, he and Bhus officially took over thepany’s business.

    Meanwhile, things were going well for the Morton family too. Brendan’spany quickly igained /itraction, and with Liam as the face of the brand, they drew in plenty of curious customers. Their restaurant soon became thetest hotspot, famous for its great food and lively atmosphere.

    The others all worked hard in their own fields. Alessia and Ivan, who had the least to do, were tasked with overseeing the renovations at Morton Manor.

    As for Ileana, she sat huddled in the corner of her cell, hair brittle and face gaunt, eyes as vacant as a broken doll’s.

    b2/2 /b