316 Pride vs Saving business 1 (1/2)
Sunday
11:02 AM
Max and Liz reached the Williams family's villa and the staff informed them that Isaac is in the living room with Ronald and Patrick.
Liz hoped that they will leave quickly because Liz and Max will head back to Seattle soon, and this is her precious time with her father which she does not want to share with Ronald and Patrick.
Considering last night's events, Liz guessed that it's not a good idea to get close to Patrick. She does not know how Max would react, but it can't be anything good and she does not want to see Patrick either.
”Why are they here?” Liz grumbled before looking at Max. ”Do you want to go to my room, or walk in the garden? We can also check on the horses, you enjoyed it yesterday morning, and there is a golf course nearby…”
Max knew why Liz is giving all those options. ”Thank you for being considerate. Let's go to the living room. This will be fun.”
Max pulled Liz so close, that he nearly tucked her under his armpit, and she nestled between his body and his arm comfortably, like she belongs there.
”Daddy…” Liz called cheerfully when they entered the living room.
Isaac smiled widely and gestured to Liz and Max to take their seats.
Max noticed that the mood was not good when they entered, and Ronald and Patrick didn't try to conceal their displeasure as Max and Liz showed up.
Liz noticed the same thing as Max and frowned. Why are those two acting like she is the one intruding in her own house? If someone should not be here, those are Sandall father and son.
Liz does not remember that Ronald visited their house previously and she wondered if that is something new.
”I didn't realize that you and Mr. Sandall are so close to visit each other over the weekend.” Liz said to Isaac casually, like Ronald and Patrick are not there.
”We are not. This is the first time.” Isaac confirmed Liz's suspicion.
”Oh…” Liz looked at Ronald. ”So, that means you are here for a reason.”
Ronald frowned, and he wanted to respond, but Isaac interrupted him by offering to Max and Liz: ”What would you like to drink? I've got some of your favorite snacks ready…”
”Thank you, daddy…” Liz smiled and sat next to Max on the sofa while her eyes sparkled at the sight of the variety of homemade snacks. Isaac always knew how to spoil her.
Max and Liz got their drinks and Liz started offering snacks to Max while explaining what they are and why she likes them. ”I had this for the first time in Egypt. The main ingredient is sesame seeds… these are the second-best in the world. We sent our pastry chef to special classes in Milan to learn how to make them crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside… and this is…”
Isaac observed with a small smile on his face the scene of Liz babbling excitedly and Max eating obediently everything she offered.
Patrick stared at the carped and chanted curses internally. Why does he need to watch Max and Liz acting all lovey-dovey? Wasn't last night's humiliation enough? But they need Isaac's help and he needs to control himself because this is important.
”The lunch will be in fifteen minutes…” The butler told Isaac discretely and didn't leave.
Isaac understood that he needs to say how many people will be at the dining table, because it was supposed to be only three.
”Are you two staying for lunch?”
Ronald swallowed his non-existent saliva together with all his grievances before responding with a question: ”Will we be able to talk?”
”Sure. You can talk, but I don't know how I can help you with your problem.” Isaac responded.
”What is the problem?” Max asked.
Isaac looked at Max and then at Ronald. ”Do you mind telling him? Max is a businessman and he might have an idea or two how to tackle the problem.”
Ronald exhaled in frustration and spoke to Isaac: ”We came to you because you are the most influential person I know.”
”And I am telling you to talk to Max because he is the most brilliant businessman I know.”
Max's smile widened. Liz's father just called him the most brilliant businessman! No matter how confident Max is, it always feels good to be praised.
”What seems to be the problem?” Max repeated his question while chewing the butter crisp cookie dipped in chocolate and crushed hazelnuts that Liz fed him.
Ronald nudged Patrick who snorted in response.
Patrick looked at his father in disbelief. Is he supposed to ask Max for help? No way! He was defeated last night, and now he needs to come back crawling?
Max shrugged. ”I was curious about your problem as a courtesy to Isaac, but if you don't want to talk about it, that is fine with me…” Max paused when he saw Liz looking at him dreamily and his lips lifted into a half-smile.
”Can you pass me the water, sugar?”
Liz's eyes widened and her heart rate increased. Did he just call her 'sugar'? Liz subconsciously pressed her legs together when she felt her core tightening at the memory from the previous night. Ah, Max can get her aroused with one word! And it's: sugar.
She reached for the glass and handed it to Max with a shaky hand.
A second later, the glass shattered on the marble floor.
”Are you OK?” Max asked Liz.