121. Freak out
Maximilian and Kyron stepped out of President David's villa, the morning sun bright but doing nothing to ease the heaviness in Max's chest. He adjusted his cufflinks, calm on the surface…
Kyron?
He was not calm.
The moment the car doors closed, Kyron finally exploded in the most formal, respectful meltdown in human history.
"S–sir—SIR! With all due respect, what was THAT?!"
His voice cracked, his eyes wide behind his glasses as he turned in his seat to stare at Maximilian like he'd just promised to marry a nuclear bomb.
Max lifted a brow. "Kyron."
But Kyron was already spiraling.
"Sir, President David asked you—YOU—CEO Maximilian Brooks—about marriage, and you said—YOU SAID—'I'll think about it'?! Sir, THINK about what exactly?! You barely think about your own birthday! Let alone—let alone MARRIAGE!"
Max pinched the bridge of his nose.
Kyron kept going, hands flying everywhere, still somehow maintaining his formal tone:
"Sir, you are being haunted by an actual ancient murder-entity. Your mansion is spiritually contaminated. The media is on the verge of discovering the truth. We have ten families under protection. You barely sleep. You bleed stress—and now you are considering a marriage alliance with the President's daughter?!"
Max exhaled slowly. "Kyron—"
"No, sir, respectfully—NO. This is a crisis! A CRISIS, sir!"
"Kyron."
Kyron inhaled sharply and pointed a trembling finger.
"Sir. Are you in love with Miss Circe?"
Max's eyes snapped toward him, sharp and warning.
Kyron swallowed.
"O-okay, that's a no."
He slumped back, exasperated, muttering dramatically under his breath.
"First ghosts, now presidential proposals… I am not paid enough for this. My blood pressure is above legal limits."
Max couldn't help the smallest sigh.
But Kyron wasn't done.
He leaned forward again, whisper-shouting:
"Sir… what if President David expects an answer soon? What if this affects international funding? What if the media finds out? What if word spreads you're considering engagement? What if—"
Max cut him off, voice cold but tired:
"Kyron."
Kyron froze.
Max looked out the window, jaw tight.
"I said I'll think about it. I didn't say yes."
Kyron nodded rapidly.
Max continued, quieter:
"And Circe… doesn't deserve to be dragged into the chaos surrounding us."
For a moment Kyron softened.
Then—
"But sir—THINK about it? REALLY?!"
"Kyron."
"Right, right. I'll be quiet, sir."
Pause.
"…But sir—"
"KYRON."
Kyron immediately sat straight, sealed his lips, and stared at the front windshield like a disciplined soldier.
Inside?
He was internally screaming.
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