For a second. Ruby just stared at him. Then she laughed. Not because it was funny. But because it was unbelievable… and somehow, exactly what she should have expected from him.
Before she could respond… "Fifty million." The voice cut clean through the room. Low. Calm. Final.
They both turned. Max. He stood at the entrance, still, composed, but there was something in his eyes that made the air feel heavier. Darker.
He didn't look at Alex. Not yet. Instead, he walked straight to Ruby. Like nothing else in the room mattered.
"Sit," he said softly, already helping her back into the chair. His hands were gentle, careful, adjusting her slightly. "I told you not to stand for long."
The contrast was jarring. The same man who could command a room with one word… now speaking to her like she was something fragile and precious. Ruby looked up at him, still trying to process everything.
Max straightened slowly. Then. He turned. Now he looked at Alex.
