"Last night’s Charity Dinner created quite the buzz," the anchor announced brightly.
"The highlight of the evening was the unexpected appearance of Axel Knight, the elusive CEO of Knight Corporation, who surprised everyone by attending."
"Even more intriguing was his warm conversation with Evelyn Walters, the daughter of William Walters. The two were seen sharing the sa table throughout the event."
Alexander Knight froze, cup halfway to his lips.
The screen shifted to photos taken during the dinner; Evelyn in her elegant red gown, Axel seated beside her, leaning in as if speaking softly.
They looked comfortable. Far too comfortable.
The anchor continued,
"Speculation is rising that this might be a sign of reconciliation between the Knight and Walters families after decades of silence and rivalry. Could this be the beginning of a powerful new alliance?"
...
Morning sunlight stread through the tall, large windows next to Alexander Knight, shining over the marble floors and antique furniture in the living room.
The peacefulness of the place usually calms Alexander Knight’s mood, but not today.
His calm morning had been ruined the mont the news anchor uttered the na "Evelyn Walters."
He had already watched the footage twice, hoping it was a mistake.
But there it was... clear as day. Axel Knight, his only son, was sitting beside Evelyn Walters, the daughter of his long-ti rival, laughing and whispering like they were old friends.
Alexander’s jaw tightened.
"That boy," he muttered through gritted teeth, "has completely lost his mind. He is insane!!"
He tossed the remote onto the couch, the news still blaring in the background.
The words "possible collaboration between Knight Corporation and the Walters Group" flashed on screen, fueling his irritation.
He snatched his phone from the coffee table. He began scrolling through his contacts, ready to call Axel and demand an explanation.
But before he could hit "call," the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
Monts later, Alfred, his long-serving butler, appeared at the doorway. The man’s calm, unreadable expression never changed, no matter the situation.
"What is it, Alfred?" Alexander snapped.
"Sir," Alfred said with a slight bow, "Young Master Maxi has arrived. His car just passed the gate."
Alexander frowned, montarily distracted. "Max? What’s he doing here this early?"
"I’m not sure, sir. He only asked permission to enter. He said it was urgent."
"Fine. Bring him in."
Alfred nodded, turned his back, and imdiately disappeared down the hall.
A few minutes later, Maxi Knight appeared, looking as relaxed and charming as ever. His confident smile and smooth manners were a stark contrast to his uncle’s simring anger.
"Uncle Alex!" Maxi greeted cheerfully as he approached. "You look... energetic this morning."
Alexander looked at him sharply before motioning for him to sit down.
"Why do you suddenly visit us this early?"
"Uncle, I miss you..."
"Stop with the nonsense, Max! You never co by this early unless you want sothing. Seat!"
Maxi chuckled and sank into the chair opposite his uncle, crossing one leg over the other like he owned the place.
Alfred entered again, quietly setting down a tray of coffee and pastries before leaving them alone.
"Alright, out with it. What’s going on?"
Maxi pretended to sip his coffee, taking his ti. "I just thought I’d drop by since I missed you."
"Maxi," Alexander said in a warning tone.
"Alright, alright." Maxi laughed before he continued, "I ca because of what’s all over the news this morning. It’s quite a headline."
Alexander’s glare hardened. "You’re talking about Axel and that Walters girl?"
"Oh, so you’ve seen it too," Maxi said innocently. "Then I guess I’m not bringing you any surprises."
"Surprises?!" Alexander’s voice rose slightly. "I told him... no, ordered him not to have any dealings with that family. The Walters have been nothing but trouble for decades!"
Maxi grinned, clearly enjoying his uncle’s anger.
"Well, Uncle, it seems my brother Axel doesn’t take orders easily. He always did like breaking the rules."
Alexander’s frown deepened. "What do you an?"
Maxi shrugged, feigning innocence. "I just find it fascinating. You spent years keeping him away from that family, and now..." He set his cup down with a dramatic pause. "He married into it."
Alexander froze, eyes narrowing.
"What did you just say?"
"You heard , Uncle. I know who Axel’s wife is."
The room went silent.
Again.
Even the sound of the ticking clock seed to vanish.
Then,
Alexander’s voice ca out low and cold, "You’d better not be joking, Maxi."
"Would I ever joke about sothing this interesting?" Maxi replied, his tone playful. "You might want to brace yourself for this, Uncle."
"Speak." Alexander’s fingers tightened around the armrest.
"Your beloved son," Maxi said dramatically, "married Evelyn Walters."
Alexander stared at his nephew, utterly stunned.
"What!?" His voice thundered through the room. "Don’t you dare make up such nonsense, Max!"
"It’s true," Maxi said, fighting the urge to laugh at his uncle’s expression. "I got it confird. A reliable source."
"Reliable source?" Alexander repeated, "Who...? One of your gossip-loving friends from the dia?"
Maxi shook his head and laughed.
"No. No. No. But, Uncle... I t them at Grandpa’s house. Axel brings his wife to et them; they’re having a family dinner there."
Alexander’s face turned red with fury. He stood abruptly, pacing the floor.
"Impossible. Your Grandpa will never hide this from . And my son would never marry into that family. Never!"
"Apparently, love conquers all," Maxi said, only to further irk Alexander and increase his frustration.
Alexander stopped and sharply turned toward Maxi.
"Love?!" Alexander coldly said, "Don’t make laugh. That boy doesn’t even believe in that nonsense. If this is true, then it must be due to sothing else. So hidden reason."
Max shrugged again.
"Whatever the reason, the news is out. The city’s buzzing. People are saying this could mark the end of the feud between the Knights and the Walters."
"End of the feud? Over my dead body." Alexander jabbed a finger toward Maxi. "You listen to , Maxi. Not a single word of this leaves this room. Not until I speak to Axel myself."
Maxi smiled, "Of course, Uncle. My lips are sealed."
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