Chapter 1256: Ginnie better be ready for what’s coming

Meanwhile...

The sound of shoes skidding across the shiny court floor cut through the air, accompanied by the rhythmic bounce of a basketball. Balls were scattered around as Max attempted another shot—only to miss.

Each time he failed, he grabbed another ball from the large basket and tried again. And again. And again. He had lost count of how many times he had done this, but by now, sweat had completely soaked his white shirt and dampened his hair.

"Shit!" he cursed loudly after missing yet another three-point shot. Frustrated, he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

"Someone’s in a terrible mood." A familiar female voice broke through the silence of the empty court.

Max turned his head toward the sound and huffed. "What did I ever do to you for you to keep tracking me down—even here?" he grumbled. "Lily, tell me, do you have a crush on me?"

"Oh, wow!" Lily clapped dramatically and let out a laugh. "Well, if that thought makes you happy, go ahead and entertain it. Just know you’re not the only one who thinks I like them. I allow people to think that, though."

"Tch." Annoyed, Max shook his head and tried to ignore her. He walked over to the bench, grabbing a small towel to wipe his face and neck. After sitting down, he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.

Lily tilted her head, watching him. With a smirk, she sauntered over and took a seat—just out of arm’s reach.

"Leave me alone, woman," he grumbled, still catching his breath. "As you can see, I’m not in the mood to deal with your nonsense today. Also—"

He paused and shot her a suspicious look. "Are you stalking me? How did you even know I was here?"

"Your dad told me."

"What?"

"For your information, your dad is one of the guys who thinks I like them."

"Shut up."

"Hehe, kidding." Lily chuckled and shrugged. "I knew you’d be here because Ginnie called me. And knowing you, you might’ve been drowning in vinegar."

Max’s irritation momentarily faded. He arched a brow, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "She called you? Why?"

"She always calls me. If she doesn’t, I will." She blinked and smiled innocently. "She also mentioned you were at the practice game earlier. And that you were acting... strange."

"Hah! Strange? Me? I’m not the one acting strange—she is!" He clicked his tongue, recalling the day’s events. The more he thought about how Ginnie had admired Hugo, despite the man’s foul mouth, the more it infuriated him.

Compared to him, Hugo was... terrible. The guy had awful financial habits, leaving him broke all the time. He was also a blockhead—using his brain energy only when on duty. And, because of his career, there was always a chance he wouldn’t live long.

Not that Max wished death upon Hugo, of course—he was just stating facts!

Hugo also had an embarrassingly low EQ. And yet, Ginnie had been in love with him for years? Was she a masochist?

Lily pursed her lips, suppressing a giggle. When she composed herself, she cleared her throat and focused back on him.

"Hey, Max, I’m here because I want to help, okay?" she said.

Max scowled in dismay. "Why would I need your help? Just scram."

"Are you sure you don’t need my help?" Lily tilted her head, folding her arms across her chest.

"Scram!"

"Well, what a waste of time coming here," she intoned, standing up. "Just when I thought I could pull Ginnie out of a cruel, unrequited love. But I guess I was overthinking things—or maybe you just haven’t grown the balls to pursue the woman you like."

Max’s eye twitched, his ego stung by her loud remark. Watching her retreating figure, he hissed through gritted teeth.

By now, he should have been used to Lily’s antics. However, something in what she said had struck a nerve.

"I don’t like her, okay?!" he suddenly exclaimed, watching Lily stop in her tracks. "She can like whoever the hell she wants, and I won’t care."

Lily glanced back and nodded. "Uh-huh. Whatever makes you happy, Max." She waved dismissively and walked away. "If you change your mind, call me. We can save Ginnie from this crazy love trap she’s been stuck in for years."

"Tss." He clicked his tongue again and shook his head. "Such a ridiculous woman. I pity her parents for having such a silly daughter."

And yet, he couldn’t really mean that. He had heard about Lily’s success in the business world. She might not have made waves as massive as Penny—who had shaken the industry when Prime Group solidified its presence in Anteca—but Lily’s name popped up occasionally in business discussions.

Even Max’s father had taken an interest in her, suggesting that Max get acquainted with her since he was at a "marriageable age."

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath, pushing himself up and tossing the towel aside. He jogged back onto the court, grabbed a ball, and resumed shooting.

For what felt like hours, Max exhausted himself, hoping basketball would clear his mind. But tonight, it wasn’t working. No matter how many shots he took, his thoughts remained jumbled.

Eventually, he collapsed onto the center of the court, arms and legs spread wide. His chest rose and fell heavily as he caught his breath. When he finally reopened his eyes, he exhaled deeply.

"You’re still there, aren’t you?" he spoke aloud, turning his head to find Lily still seated in the audience chairs. She smiled at him and waved.

"Say..." He trailed off, inhaling deeply. "Do you think I stand a chance against Hugo?"

Because, even if Hugo had a laundry list of flaws, his good qualities were undeniably golden.

Lily grinned, mentally squealing in excitement. Ginnie’s springtime was finally coming—and all thanks to her!

"Of course!" Lily hopped to her feet, beaming. She made her way down the steps and onto the court, arms crossed. "But first, you need to do something."

"Huh?"

"You need to stand up for yourself—against your father," she said. "Otherwise, I’m not helping you put Ginnie in a tough situation with your family. I don’t think they’d approve of her, just because of her background. Even without knowing her. Promise me she won’t have to go through hell, and I’ll help you."

Her lips stretched into a smirk. "Deal?"

"..." Max was silent for a moment, averting his eyes. "My father’s control over me is long gone. If it weren’t, I would’ve been forced to pursue you instead... or Penny, just because you two caught his interest. Why would I even own a team—he wouldn’t have even let me near a basketball—if he still controlled me?"

"Then, great!" Lily clapped her hands excitedly. "It’s settled! Mission: Pursue Ginnie and steal her heart commences tonight!"

"Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight!" Lily giggled, beaming. "Ginnie better be ready for what’s coming."

"..." Max studied her, scrunching his nose. ’For some reason, I feel like I’m going to regret asking this crazy woman for help.’