"Mr Kant, here are some proposals for the 19 projects we secured this quarter. Please take a look". Edwin presented a file before Maxwell. "Sales performance has been solid and fixed asset turnover has improved"
Maxwell sensed that Edwin was withholding some information and so he glanced at his office door, seeing it was locked he encouraged Edwin to talk. "Since the door's closed there's no need for pleasantries"
"The board's stance was clear in this morning's meeting". Edwin finally said.
"We've had it easy for too long. The moment there's even a hint of risk,they all want answers from me". Maxwell smirked. "The last mile is always the hardest. Drug development is full of uncertainties. Most people collapse just before dawn".
"Mr Kant". Edwin called afraid Maxwell might be sick at heart.
"But my father always said something very true". Maxwell continued like he never heard Edwin's voice. "Life is just a big amusement park. The brave get to enjoy the ride first"
"The drug project is not without hope". Edwin encouraged. Since we got the list of KB's senior technical staff,the recruitment team has already met several of them. We should see new progress soon. Also, regarding your request to track X holdings Chang Ping. I received word that he'll be in the state tonight for a private event".
"What kind of event?"
"The minister of commerce from Country C is visiting the state. Tonight's a private dinner his hosted by him".
Maxwell sat up. "I heard that ugly guy from X holdings is pretty tight with that minister, right?".
Edward nodded. "There are rumors about that. Rumors has it that X holdings sponsored the whole event from venue to security. All is handled by X holdings. They've been very active in the state lately. After they excluded us from the last industry summit,people have been talking. There are rumors that they look down on us and think we lack true research and development capabilities".
"Ridiculous". Maxwell swore under his breath. "Of all the companies they invited,none can match our R and D strength". He was so furious at the bastard from X holdings who looked down on him. "Send me the time and location of the event. There are rumors in the second generation circles that the ugly freak from X holdings has been hiding out here in country P. I'll try my luck".
"The event requires every Alpha to bring an Omega companion. Should I find someone for you? Or invite Mr Brown?". Edwin asked
"Events like this is full of riffraffs. Isn't Peem Ronald enough for you?". Maxwell objected.
Edward immediately bowed. "Apologies sir. How about Miss Abby?".
Maxwell looked down. "Its just a party. Anyone's fine as long as its not Ricky".
*************
At the party Maxwell watched people conversed while Abby stood beside him proudly like she owned him. Maxwell caught sight of Chang Ping talking to some business elites, he immediately walked over to Chang swinging the glass of wine in his hand and smiling mischievously. Abby wary of being left behind scurried after him.
"Long time no see, Secretary Chang"
Chang Ping returned the smile. "Long time no see, Mr Kant. You're surprisingly reachable today". He leaned closer in mockery. "No need to clear the room with your pheromones?"
Maxwell tried not to be offended. He kept the smile glued to his face as he smirked. "You flatter me".
"And this is?". Chang nodded towards Abby.
"Abby". Maxwell said.
"Hello, Secretary Chang. I am Abby". She then smiled shyly holding Maxwell's arm. "I am Mr Kant's girlfriend".
Maxwell looked disapprovingly at Abby's hand clutching his arm but before he could react Chang chipped in.
"Miss Abby is very beautiful. Mr Kant you have a great taste". Chang raised his wine glass cheering to Maxwell.
Chang stared mysterious at the surveillance camera behind him which captured every action and words.
Meanwhile Ricky was home watching everything unfold on his phone. He wasn't at the party but he could tell the kind of dress the waiters put on. He stared angrily at his phone.
Chang Ping made sure to get Maxwell drunk debaring him from carring out his purpose which was a chance to meet up with the said owner of X holdings.
On the way back home Maxwell rested his eyes for he was extremely drunk. Abby who sat beside him saw that as an opportunity to strike. Maxwell kept massaging his temples so she asked stylishly.
"Maxwell, do you have a headache? Let me give you a massage". She leaned closer to touch him while badmouthing Chang Ping. "That Secretary Chang was too much. He kept making you drink and wouldn't even let me help".
When she saw that Maxwell allowed her massage him and was silent with his eyes closed,she aimed for the next move,she hitched closer to give him a peck.
"What are you doing?". Maxwell suddenly opened his eyes staring daggers at her. She was cut unawares and she blinked in embarrassment.
"Maxwell, you're drunk. I don't feel safe letting you go home like this. My place is nearby. Why not stay the night there?. I can take care of you". She offered but Maxwell already closed his eyes ignoring her once more. She tried kissing him again but Maxwell shooed her away with his hand.
"Get off me!". He screamed with his hoarse drunk voice."Stay away". He looked at the passenger seat in front where Edwin was seated with the driver. "Edwin".
"Sir?" Edwin looked back.
"Take Miss Abby home".
"Okay". Edwin turned to Abby. "Miss Abby, please show some respect. Mr Kant already has an Omega he cares about".
Abby sighed disappointed. She sat back but didn't give up. She reached over to caress Maxwell's hand.
"Miss Abby!". Edwin called. "Please sit properly and get your hands off him".
Abby was so mad. She made her hand into a fist and snapped angrily at Edwin.
When they arrived at the parking lot at home, Edwin had to literally support Maxwell all the way into the house. All that while Maxwell was mumbling nonsense nonstop.
"Another wasted night. All that just to meet Chang Ping again. Is that rat from X holdings afraid to show his hideous face? Always hiding in the dark"
Edwin rang the door bell and waited for Ricky to open up while having to listen to Maxwell's nonsense. "He's a monster. He'll get what's coming for him"
Ricky opened the door and saw the drunk Maxwell. "Mr Kant?". He feigned ignorance. "Did he drink too much".
"Yes, he's been going to a lot of dinners lately. Sorry to trouble you with looking after him". Edwin replied. He gave Maxwell to Ricky. Maxwell immediately snuggled into Ricky's arm rubbing his face in Ricky neck catching his scent.
"No trouble at all. I'll take care of him".
Ricky led Maxwell into the bedroom while taking off Maxwell's suit with the tip of his fingers as though they harbored some life threatening infections.