182 The FMC Fundraiser 8 (1/2)

Chairman Lee realized that Max wants him to apologize to Liz. It seems that chivalry is not dead.

Chairman Lee wondered, who is this arrogant young man? Elizabeth introduced him as someone from the Alpha group. Chairman Lee spoke with Nathaniel Anderson so...

In the next instant, chairman Lee was sweating bullets.

Based on the names and appearances, chairman Lee concluded that Max is Nathan's son. Or a nephew maybe. But definitely a relative.

Chairman Lee felt like crying. First, he showed to the CEO Anderson an ugly side when they spoke with Dr. Snow, and now he made a big blunder himself. Chairman Lee wanted to leave. But how can he leave?

Chairman Lee did his best to defuse the situation. ”I hope that you are enjoying the event.”

”I was until recently.”, Max responded icily. ”Since you are here, allow me to ask you: is it possible to ensure that the donation from the Alpha group will go to a specific department in the hospital?”

Chairman Lee cleared his throat. Max is not the first person to ask him such a question and considering that Elizabeth is by his side, he does not need much to know what Max wants to do.

”That is not a usual practice, Mr. Anderson. Most of the donations are for the hospital and as much as you are welcome to specify what motivated you to donate money, in the end, our team of experts will decide the priority of where the money will be spent.” Chairman Lee saw that Max frowned and quickly added: ”We are considering creating separate budgets for different departments.”

Max's frown eased, showing that he is pleased. ”When can I expect that to be in place?”

Chairman Lee's eyes darted nervously while panicking internally. Does he really need to create separate budgets? Didn't Max hear the 'we are considering' part? Chairman Lee used those words to give himself a way out, to emphasize it as something that might NOT happen. But Max is looking at him and expecting an answer... ”Uhm… in a week?”

”My secretary will contact you in one week.”, Max said flatly and sat back on the sofa, indicating that he is not interested in talking further.

Chairman Lee was stupefied. Coming into this event, he was mentally prepared to please the donors and flatter them as needed. He was not expecting that the evening will be speckled with random embarrassments and apologies, and even have this follow-up task to work with the financing department to restructure the placements of donations.

Chairman Lee realized that Max is not paying attention to him, and he saw this as an opportunity to make his exit. He bowed slightly toward Max and gestured to Liz to sit back on the sofa. He moved backward while saying: ”Please, continue your conversation. We just stopped to greet you and now we are going on our way.”

Liz watched chairman Lee walking away in a hurry with his tail between his legs and she was not sure if she should laugh or cry.

Mrs. Nelson and Mr. Sawyer left as well and based on the way they exchanged glances, it was obvious that soon the word will spread how chairman Lee got scolded.

Liz sat next to Max and observed his smug smile. ”You look proud of yourself.”

”No one gets to bully my girlfriend. Not even her boss.”, Max said flatly. ”Don't tell me that you disapprove.”

”After seeing what all my boyfriend is capable of, how can I disapprove? My only option is to thank you.”

Liz has to acknowledge that seeing Max stand up for her like that felt good. Being in a relationship, part of the team, feels good.

”Good that you know. I am capable of many things. For you.”

Liz was not sure how to respond. Max has a gift to turn any situation into a sweet-talking one.

Liz checked the time. ”The event is almost over. Do you mind if we dance?”

Max stood up and extended his hand toward Liz, palm up. ”I apologize for my faux pas of not asking you for a dance earlier. I am at your service, Dr. Williams.”

On the dancefloor…

The event was nearing its end, so the music was slow.

Liz realized her mistake because those few inches between them were a few inches too much, and she really wanted to stick to Max and kiss him senseless.

She did her best to avoid eye contact, because his deep blue eyes can cast a spell on her where the whole world fades and she can't allow that to happen at this event.

Liz glanced around. ”Is everyone looking at us, or am I imagining it?”

Max twirled her once and pulled her back toward him.

”Everyone is looking at you. You are beautiful.”, he murmured close to her ear and she felt that he is pulling her closer.

Liz exhaled in relief when the song ended. It was never so difficult to stay away from Max and she needs a breather to compose herself. ”I'm going to the ladies' room.”

Max went with Liz and in the hallway, he told her: ”If I'm not here when you return, I am there.”

Liz saw that Max pointed towards the men's room.

…

Back in the event hall, Dr. Snow was eagerly waiting for this event to end.

He saw that most of the donors were excited to talk to Elizabeth, everyone saw that.

After the fiasco where CEO Anderson (aka Nathan) revealed the fact that Dr. Snow is the one behind the infamous flower delivery, Dr. Snow did his best to please the donors. He had his pitch ready (a few of them) and few funny stories as well to lighten up the mood. But everyone spoke about Dr. Williams. He does not mind that people are excited about neurosurgery. All the donations will go to the hospital anyway, but the fact that no one was interested in him and his work rubbed him the wrong way.