13. Aiden
A Voice That Pulled Him Back
"Brother Max!
Maximilian—are you in there?!"
A sudden knock on the door snapped him out of the memories like a whip cracking through fog.
Maximilian stiffened.
The whispers vanished.
The air warmed.
Reality returned.
He inhaled deeply, straightened his suit, and wiped the last trace of emotion from his face—
the trademark CEO mask slipping back into place.
The door creaked open, and a familiar head peeked in.
Aiden.
His younger cousin.
Twenty-four years old.
Messy brown hair.
Eyes too innocent for this world.
Always wearing that clueless, sunshine smile.
"Brother Max? I—I've been calling you for ten minutes," Aiden said breathlessly.
"Did something happen? You look pale."
Maximilian turned to him.
His expression instantly softened—
not much…
but enough to show that this man, feared by nations, still had a human heart for a select few people.
Aiden had that effect on him.
Maximilian replied quietly, "I'm fine."
Aiden's eyebrow shot up.
"Don't lie. Your 'I'm fine' is usually code for
'I'm about to commit murder but don't want you to worry.'"
Maximilian almost smiled.
This kid…
Even on the worst days, Aiden could poke holes in his armor without even trying.
Aiden walked fully inside, worry etched clearly across his face.
"You shouldn't be alone right now," he said softly.
"Dad and Mom were asking about you too. They're in the living room. Chloe's here too."
Maximilian blinked.
Chloe was here?
His little cousin—22, bubbly, dramatic, annoyingly empathetic—
would cry if she saw him like this.
He couldn't let that happen.
As ruthless and sharp as he was with the world,
he held unshakeable gentleness for these two.
To Maximilian,
**Aiden and Chloe were not cousins.
They were his kids.
His responsibility.
The last piece of family he refused to lose.**
He stepped away from the frames, voice calmer now.
"I didn't hear my phone," he said, brushing past Aiden.
"Obviously," Aiden muttered, crossing his arms.
"You were standing in a museum of trauma and childhood chaos."
Maximilian gave him a sharp look.
Aiden immediately raised his hands in surrender.
"Sorry—sorry! Poor choice of words. I'm… processing."
Despite himself, Maximilian huffed a quiet, short laugh.
Aiden stepped closer and suddenly wrapped his arms around Maximilian's shoulders.
A full hug.
Maximilian froze.
He didn't hug often.
He didn't allow people close.
But Aiden…
Aiden squeezed tightly and whispered,
"We're here for you, okay?
Mom. Dad.Chloe. Me.
You don't have to face everything alone."
Maximilian swallowed hard.
The ruthless CEO, the king of his empire,
stood there silently as his younger cousin held him like he was the one protecting himself.
After a moment, Maximilian lifted a hand and placed it gently on Aiden's back—
not pushing, not pulling, just resting it there.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
And he meant it.
Deeply.
Aiden pulled back, smiling with watery eyes.
"There. I knew big scary CEO Max is still in there."
Maximilian rolled his eyes.
"Don't call me that."
"Why? Everyone calls you that."
"Yes, but you're the only one who says it like I'm a Pokémon."
Aiden snorted, choking on his own laugh.
Maximilian shook his head.
The heaviness inside his chest lightened—just a fraction.
But enough.
---
A Shadow in the Frame
As they turned to leave, Maximilian glanced once more at the framed photo of his father.
Something caught his eye.
In the reflection—
just for a split second—
he saw a dark silhouette standing behind him.
Watching.
Waiting.
But when he blinked, it was gone.
Aiden noticed his sudden pause.
"Max? What's wrong?"
Maximilian exhaled… slowly.
"…Nothing," he lied.
Aiden didn't buy it, but didn't push either.
He simply nodded and walked beside him.
And Maximilian, the ruthless king of the business world,
walked out of the room with the two things that still anchored him to humanity—
Family and childhood memories.
---
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