Chapter 105

Max finally looked up at her. He’d been sitting there for the better part of the evening, and this was the first time he’d actually made eye contact. That was just Max being Max, so Alivia didn’t think anything of 1. it.

“Personal stuff.”

That was all Max said, two words, before he lowered his head to reply to a message. [I’ll try to get back home early.]

After sending it, he set his phone down and turned back to the documents beside him.

He had pretty much gone through all the files about the new app, and the venture capitalists had shared their insights. In summary, the app, currently valued at a mere billion dollars, was indeed a worthy investment.

Even Alivia thought so, considering the app’s developer was one of the industry’s leading tech gurus, with hundreds of millions of users in the States alone.

Under normal circumstances, such a valuation wouldn’t have demanded Max’s personal attention, but what he was really interested in was the app’s potential impact on international lifestyles. Plus, the developer’s mentor was the same as Alivia’s–a titan of the industry–so naturally, the project was infused with plenty of professional advice.

Max closed the folder and noticed a new message on his phone.

[Added you on WhatsApp. Accept, please.]

Max didn’t even use WhatsApp. He’d registered once, but the flood of contact requests was overwhelming, so he deleted the app. His life revolved around work, with no time for idle chitchat.

He frowned, deliberating for a moment, before finally relenting and redownloading WhatsApp.

Alivia caught this out of the corner of her eye and her expression darkened. Max, chatting with someone?

She bit her lip, pushing her coffee towards him, “Max, my friend wants to meet with you to discuss the investment in detail.”

Her fingers clenched tightly on the table as she pulled out her phone, “So you’re finally getting WhatsApp? My brother and his friends have been complaining for ages. What made you change your mind? Let me add you first. I want to be the first on your friend list.”

“Alivia.” Max logged in, his voice cool and eyes half–closed, “I don’t really use it, so there’s no need to add me.”

His tone was nonchalant, and as soon as he logged in, he saw Brielle’s friend request. At the same time, there was a whole slew of requests–from Andrew, from Kenzo. He ignored them, searching for Brielle’s message and accepted it.

Brielle was surprised by how quickly he accepted, feeling unexpectedly flattered. She wanted to continue the conversation, but glancing at the time, realized it was late and sent a message through WhatsApp instead.

[Goodnight.]

Max didn’t reply, just looked at Brielle’s profile picture. It was a hexagonal snowflake.

Alivia was sneaking glances the whole time, her hand tightening in her lap.

Who was that in the profile picture? She racked her brain, running through nearly every woman in their circle, but couldn’t come up with anything.

Meanwhila May had already flinned bis abono L his wristwatch clinking softly against the surface. That sound softened Alivia’s heart, and she cleared her throat.

“Should we go see my friend now? His app has been valued at a billion dollars by companies after less than six months, and several venture. capitalists are looking to invest.”

“Alivia, I have my own plans.”

Every time he said her name with that crisp, clear voice, Alivia felt like. melting. She was so into Max, had been since they were kids, and no one was going to stop her from marrying him. If any other woman dared to encroach, Alivia would ensure she regretted ever setting foot on this earth.

“Max, if you don’t have other plans tonight, maybe you could tour my research institute? The team has a lot of projects they’re working on.”

“No need. I’m flying back home in two hours.”

Alivia’s expression froze. Wasn’t he supposed to stay for half a month?

Then she thought of the owner of that profile picture–perhaps that had something to do with his change of plans.

Whether it was a man or woman, she was seething with jealousy.