311 Isaacs birthday weekend 9 (1/2)

”Excuse me… can I have your attention?” Max spoke into the microphone while putting his hand around Liz's shoulders.

Liz wondered, what is Max up to? His grip on her shoulder was firm and she knew that he will take care of it because she trusts that even if everyone turns against them, Max will protect her and find a solution.

Once the clamor quieted down, Max spoke: ”I became aware of certain rumors which are being spread about me, Elizabeth and her father, Mr. Isaac Williams and I want to address them. I don't know who started it, but we can confirm that easily by reviewing the security footage.” Max gestured to the two nearest security cameras high on the walls. ”You all came here as guests, aren't you ashamed to slander your host?”

Some of the guests lowered their heads and some looked at the nearby people, but no one dared to say a word. Max reminded them that they all came to Isaac's party, and now they are talking smack about him and his family.

”It's slander only if it's not true!” Patrick said loudly for everyone to hear. ”Your dirty past is exposed, and you have the guts to make people feel bad for talking about it? How shameless can you be?”

Max could not believe how brazen Patrick is. He failed to provoke Max and to win over Elizabeth, and now he is causing a scene by fanning the flames?

But if he thinks that Max can't handle this situation, Patrick will soon find out that he is mistaken.

Max's sight swept over the faces lined up near the stage and he spoke with sincerity: ”I admit that I did some things in my past that I am not proud of. However, can't you use your head and think if what you are spreading is the truth or malicious exaggeration? Personally, I've heard some stories about myself which sound like fiction. I don't want to address the specifics of those rumors because I prefer to focus on facts. Don't we all have some things we wish didn't happen? What we can do is learn from it and make sure it does not happen again. That is how we grow as people.”

Patrick was not willing to let this go. Is Max trying to wiggle out of this by turning his scandal into a motivational speech? ”You said that you will use security cameras. Recording people without their consent and prior notice is a crime.”

Max agreed with Patrick. ”True. That is why I'm using this opportunity to remind everyone that you are on private property and that you are being recorded by security cameras present. If you don't agree with this, you are free to leave. For the ones who are staying, I want to inform you that starting now, if you talk badly about me or the hosts of this party, without evidence, I will sue you for slander and you will hear from my lawyers no later than Monday.”

”You are threatening us!?” Patrick half-screamed.

Patrick wanted to say something, but Ronald tugged his sleeve and warned him to keep quiet. From the moment Max mentioned that everyone is being recorded, Patrick needs to be extra-careful what he will say or do because that counts as prior notice, and them staying at the party can be interpreted as consent to be recorded.

Max looked at Isaac and spoke into the microphone. ”Mr. Williams, I apologize for any inconvenience my presence caused you. If I knew that I would be the cause of rumors which tainted this perfectly planned event, I would not come. I hope that you know, no matter what others might say, I respect your daughter and I can only hope that one day I am good enough for her to rely on me.”

Isaac pressed his lips into a line and responded with a reserved nod.

Max turned to Liz and his expression softened. The moment their eyes connected, everyone faded into the background and it was just the two of them in the world. ”Liz, I know that my past is stained, and I am not worthy of you. No man is worthy of you because you are perfect. But I hope that you know… you made me a better man and I am still growing in my desire to match your greatness. You are not the love of my life; you are the life of my love. Now and forever.”

Liz looked at Max without blinking and she could not believe that he just threw this huge love confession at her in front of everyone. And she would lie if she says that she does not like it. Max took the stage, acknowledged the problem, threatened people that he will sue them, and then apologized… and he said that she is the life of his love. Forever. And during the whole thing, his hold on her was firm and reassuring that everything will be alright. Can he be any sweeter?

”Forever…” Liz repeated dreamily and inched closer toward Max.

He smiled and closed the distance between them, and they kissed like no one is watching. On the stage, in front of everyone.

Several seconds into the kissing, someone started clapping. And then someone joined. And another one, and another… and it didn't take long for everyone to clap. Well, almost everyone. Patrick, Ronald, and Mona didn't clap.

Patrick wanted to go on that stage and punch Max into a pulp. How dares a nobody come here, and take the stage and Elizabeth!? Patrick swore that he will get back at Max for this.

Mona gritted her teeth. She confronted Liz and instead of drawing a wedge between Liz and Max, Mona ended up being verbally slapped, and then Max ignored her, and now Max admitted everything, and it turned out that he is the great man and everyone who talks smack about him is a lesser being. How is she supposed to spread gossip about him and Liz in these conditions? She wished that they stop kissing and that everyone stops clapping.

…

Max and Liz got off the stage and the music resumed.

Liz didn't want to talk to anyone, and it was the same with Max.

”Can we dance?” Liz asked.

”You are reading my mind…”

Max pulled Liz closer to him and they started moving with the beat of the music while gazing into each other's eyes.

From the side, Mona and Helen watched the couple.