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.

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."

as I watched Max approach the jet. Seeing Max coming, Claude hurried down the stairs, only to be met by Max's

to Max as 'uncle'

Max was indeed Maximilian.

lift Claude and escort him out of sight. I returned my focus tox tallying the medical supplies, pondering if Max had

for a loop. I had my suspicions, but part of me was still disappointed. If he were just my Max, things might

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,

QUMS

by us, Richard and I would have

voice snapped me out of my reverie. I glanced

we'd got everything