Chapter 108

Alivia’s eyes sparkled with a sudden realization, [How could I not have considered that possibility? It must be the case. Otherwise, why would Max accept a friend request?]

After all, he had turned down his own brother and Andrew. It didn’t make sense for him to accept a request from a stranger.

Alivia’s mood instantly brightened up.

Meanwhile, Kenzo, looking at his rejected message, couldn’t help but chuckle before sending another friend ‘request. This time, it was accepted. His eyebrows shot up in surprise..

Max, seeing his friend list unexpectedly grow, felt an unexplained discomfort. So, when Andrew sent a barrage of messages, he didn’t. reply to any.

He was about to put his phone face down on the table when at message from Brielle caught his eye. It was a voice message, no less, and fifteen seconds long. This was a clear violation of Max’s unspoken.

rules.

Even in meetings, he despised long–winded speeches, let alone in private conversations. Without hesitation, he flipped his phone over, deciding not to listen.

Brielle had just woken up and noticed a message from Kenzo. It was the first time he had initiated a conversation with her. Remembering her offer to treat him to a meal, she sent back a voice message, warmly recommending a few restaurants. But she accidentally sent the message to Max, and it was past the two–minute mark to unsend.

After freshening up, she saw Max had replied: [I never listen to voice. messages over ten/seconds.]

Brielle laughed at the message. It was so Max. [Uncle Max, I just sent it to the wrong person.]

17.16 She forwarded the voice message to Kenzo, then put on a face mask and waited for his reply.

Today was Saturday, her day off. If Kenzo was free, it would be the perfect opportunity to return the favor.

Kenzo sent her an address, and Brielle got ready and headed out.

Three years ago, Kenzo had helped her with research for a paper. Even if it was just a kind gesture, she felt indebted to him.

Back at Premier Palace, after finishing some paperwork, Max inadvertently glanced at his phone.

Sent to the wrong person? Who was it intended for?

He resisted the urge for a long while before finally picking up his phone to listen to the lengthy message. [Hey, I didn’t expect you to reach out first. Remember when I said I’d take you out for a meal? I know a couple of great spots, but I’m not sure about your tastes. If you have any favorites, feel free to suggest them.]

The message was sincere and heartfelt.

Max frowned at the documents in front of him, then turned to his assistant Patrick, “Who do you think this message was meant for?”

Patrick had been secretly listening in from the moment Brielle’s voice played. Upon hearing Max’s question, he felt jittery with anticipation. What surprised him most was Max’s sudden use of WhatsApp.

Previously, Max had never bothered with the app, and if Patrick needed to contact him, it was either through work email or a private number. Beyond those, Max rarely engaged with social media.

Patrick, ever the competent assistant, had collected such basic information as part of his job.

Max looked down, his rational mind telling him not to dwell on such trivial matters. Yet, ten minutes later, he couldn’t help but respond.

17.16 M.

Hmm, who was it for?

Brielle, waiting at a traffic light, sent Kenzo’s name back. She was unaware that Max was new to WhatsApp and thought everyone else chatted with him privately just the same. The ease of their back–

and–forth conversation didn’t strike her as unusual.

Seeing Kenzo’s name, Max’s lips tightened, his fingers releasing the documents he was gripping.

Kenzo and Brielle?

How did these two, who were worlds apart, end up going out for a meal together?

He couldn’t understand his own feelings at the moment, and before he knew it, the message was sent.

[Compile a report on this company for me.]

Brielle, arriving at the restaurant, almost thought Max was teasing her. Did he know she was out to treat someone to a meal?