Chapter 999: Max’s Last Show of Bravado
Chapter 999: Max’s Last Show of Bravado
As the snacks and drinks were served — platters of elegant finger foods, fresh sushi, premium wine, and colorful cocktails — I leaned back comfortably in my seat, sipping a glass of aged whiskey while casually eating.
The previous arrogant atmosphere created by Max had completely vanished. The table had grown quieter, and the air felt thicker with unspoken tension.
I noticed Priyanka stealing glances at me from across the table. She was stunning — an Indian beauty with smooth golden-brown skin, long silky black hair cascading down her back, full lips, and a curvaceous figure that her fitted red dress struggled to contain. Her deep cleavage and wide hips made her look incredibly sensual.
Through the telepathic bond (which I had quietly extended to observe), her thoughts were crystal clear:
[Why do I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before...? He looks so handsome... that sharp jawline, those confident eyes. And his gentleness is amazing. He looks like some big boss — powerful, rich, and dangerous in the best way. So different from these boys.]
Priyanka then turned her gaze toward Max, her expression turning cold and dismissive:
[Much better than this piece of shit, Max, who only knows how to brag and show off. He’s so pathetic compared to Jack... But Jack is already taken by Haruna. I guess I’ll just die single...]
I kept my expression neutral and took another sip of whiskey before speaking casually, "Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick phone call."
I stood up and walked toward the private washroom area of the upscale lounge. Once inside and locked the door, I pulled out my phone and spoke quietly but firmly:
"SERA, quickly block all the cards Max Reid has on him right now. Freeze every account linked to him and his family. Then create a complete scenario for Lawrence and Company — make them go bankrupt overnight. Plant evidence that their company has been funding terrorist organizations. Leak it to the authorities and media immediately. I want Max to become a rat in the gutter from this moment on."
SERA’s calm, feminine voice replied instantly, "Understood, Master. It will be done within the next fifteen minutes. All cards will be declined. The company’s collapse and the terrorism link will be trending by evening."
I smiled darkly. "Good. Make sure it’s thorough. I want him ruined."
"Consider it finished, Master."
I walked back out of the washroom, adjusted my black suit jacket, and returned to my seat between Haruna and Hannah. The moment I sat down, Max leaned back arrogantly in his chair, flashing a smug grin.
"Don’t worry about the bill, everyone. It’s on me tonight," he declared loudly, waving his hand like a king.
Priyanka frowned immediately. "Max... everyone can pay for their own. There is no need to show off like this."
Ruth, sitting beside Max, shot Priyanka an arrogant look, her voice dripping with superiority. "Priyanka, why are you always against Max? He’s just being kind and generous. Not everyone can afford this place, you know."
Max nodded proudly, puffing out his chest. "Yeah, exactly. Anyway, this amount of money is nothing to me. My family’s business handles millions every week. This is pocket change."
Hannah and Haruna both snorted softly at the same time, exchanging amused glances.
Lucas, sitting on the side, looked more and more like Max’s loyal little henchman, nodding along enthusiastically. Selena sighed deeply and took Priyanka’s hand, trying to calm the situation. "Fine... let him pay if he wants. It’s not worth arguing over."
Priyanka also sighed, clearly irritated, but stayed quiet. Her beautiful golden-brown eyes kept flicking back to me with obvious hidden longing, even as she tried to maintain her composure.
From the seating arrangement, it was clear the girls had naturally split into two loose groups. Selena, Priyanka, Haruna, and Hannah formed one tighter, more playful circle — laughing and whispering together — while Alice and Ruth stuck closer to each other.
They were all friends on the surface, but the underlying rivalry was palpable. Well... that’s just how friendships between girls often work.
After some time, Hannah and Haruna moved around the table, chatting animatedly with Priyanka and Selena while occasionally exchanging polite words with Alice and Ruth. Meanwhile, we boys talked about cars, superbikes, and luxury yachts — the conversation quickly turning into Max showing off again with his usual arrogance.
As the gathering began to wind down, Max stood up dramatically. "Alright, I’ll go handle the bill. As I said, it’s on me tonight."
He walked confidently toward the payment counter. A few moments later, we heard a loud commotion.
Max was yelling at the staff, his voice echoing through the upscale lounge. "How is this possible?! My card is not working! It must be your machine that’s faulty! You’re trying to blame it on me! Where is your manager? Call him here right now!"
He continued arrogantly, "Do you know who I am?! My family owns Lawrence and Company! I will make sure none of you survive in the hotel industry after this!"
Hannah and Haruna both chuckled softly, covering their mouths with their hands to hide their smug smiles. The rest of us walked over to see what was happening.
Priyanka stepped forward, trying to calm things down. "Max, why are you making such a fuss? I’ll pay. Let’s try my card to see if their machine is really at fault."
I casually took out my black card and handed it to Haruna. She understood immediately and walked over to Priyanka with a sweet smile. "Let me do it. Just think of it as a meeting gift since you all met my boyfriend for the first time today."
Priyanka accepted the reason gracefully. "Okay... then thank you, Haruna."
Haruna nodded elegantly, swiped the card, and the machine beeped cheerfully: "Payment successful."
Max’s face turned pale. "No... how is this possible? There can’t be anything wrong with my cards..."
He quickly pulled out his phone and called his father. We all clearly heard the angry yelling voice coming from the speaker:
"Shut up and come back home right now! Don’t spend any more money! We are in big trouble! I’m contacting the bank — our company accounts are all blocked. We can’t withdraw any money!"
Max stood stunned for a few seconds, staring at the hung-up phone in disbelief. When he noticed all of us looking at him, he stammered awkwardly, "I... I... there’s an emergency at home. I need to go back right now..."
He didn’t even glance at his girlfriend, Ruth. Instead, he turned and practically ran out of the lounge like a scared rat.
Ruth stood there, shocked and embarrassed, watching her boyfriend abandon her without a second thought.
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