Chapter 4 Maxwell, the manipulator

"Watch your steps. Have you lost your sight recently?" After Amanda stormed out of Maxwell's office, Martinez screamed at her for unintentionally hitting him.

"Talk about the vicious devil." Amanda angrily hissed and gestured to her duty post before he could respond. "What the devil is wrong with her? Have I upset her in any way?"

Martinez questioned rhetorically. He wondered why she behaved that way. He could tell that something was eating her up. These two were not speaking to each other.

Amanda does not find him fascinating either as a person or as the managing director of Lead way Gold Mine. "Her demeanor really says a lot.

However, I am prepared to go ask Dad about it," Martinez muttered as he entered his father's office. "I expect you to respect my privacy. You can't just enter people's office and do as you please. This is a trustworthy company." He reprimanded Martinez for breaking in. "I did not mean any harm. Amanda and I just got into a heated argument outside of work. Her expression was tense and irate.

You must be aware of the fact that she is being consumed by something."

After sitting down, Martinez proposed. "And how come I would be aware of it? You messed up when you had the chance to ask her. You finally decided to show up, right? What changed?" Maxwell chose to ignore the question, but Martinez was not prepared to change his mind either.

"Come on, Dad, stop avoiding the question. Did you offend her in any way? She is never looked so furious to me. You must have done something to cause that provocation."

Martinez persisted in seeking a response. "All right. I will reveal it right away." Maxwell gave in to coercion and disclosed the stolen check.

"She begged you to drop all charges against her mother, so why was she upset when you refused? You did not cause her mother to steal from us. She should be punished to serve as a warning to other opportunists." Martinez defended his father's behavior. "I plan to dismiss all the accusations made against her mother." Maxwell dropped the bombshell that left his son stunned for some reason. "What might be the cause of that?

Get off it, please. It is not you speaking. When did you start acting so nice? This is a prank that we both know. Her mother cannot avoid prosecution.

A few years in prison would help her refocus." Martinez questioned his father while laughing slyly. One thing about Maxwell is that he's got a heart made of bricks.

No matter who the victim is, he hardly ever forgives. Martinez does not seem to understand his father's words about pardoning a stranger who stole so much money. "Dad, I need an explanation. It is driving me crazy. For what reason would she be pardoned? Are you both having a covert affair?" Martinez speculated. He didn't know what else to believe anymore. "That's enough," Maxwell slammed the desk out of frustration. "Why would you consider such a thing at all? Go on, son.

A relationship with a peasant is too low for me to sink to. For making that unfounded charge, I demand an apology. You ought to know me better than the nonsense you just said," he said angrily. Since losing his wife, Martinez mother, Maxwell has never thought about getting married again, much less having a covert affair with one of his employees. "Sorry, Dad. This seems like there is more to it. I recognize you too well. You simply do not get so kind and generous all at once. Please tell me why you chose to drop all charges." "You just need to know this. Although I know this sounds absurd. Amanda will be your wife for three years.

Subsequently, she is free to file for divorce." Maxwell divulged with ease. "Hold on a minute, wait, wait." Martinez interrupted his father by raising a hand. Maxwell protested, "But I am not done yet." "What more must I hear? As you said, this is ridiculous. Amanda is a godforsaken pauper, and I cannot even marry her." Martinez got to his feet and sparked wildly. He won't stop yelling at his Father as they were pals. "Will you get your act together and quit shouting? I am still your father, and I am not one of the many sex workers you hang out with. I'm worthy of some respect." Maxwell made him sit down and defused the situation. Martinez obeyed reluctantly, giving his father a blustery side-eye. "Lead way Gold Mine might lose a multi-billion dollar deal if you declined to marry Amanda," Maxwell disclosed with a sigh. "So this is the main focus of everything. Are you trying to defraud me of my money? You can be so cruel. You do not even give a damn how I feel. Are you going to ask me what I want at all?" Martinez wailed. He never saw that coming. "I am taking this action for you because I am concerned about your future, Martini.

Remember that you would inherit my legacy someday? I have to give you a stronger base." Maxwell explained. He tried to convince Martinez to accept the offer, but it wasn't working. "What if I say no? You're sure not going to force me against my will, are you?" Martinez put his father to a big test with the provocative question. "Just so you know, this is an order and not a request." Maxwell shattered his heart to shreds. "Failure to adhere, you'll be stripped from my legacy," Maxwell further stated. Martinez was not prepared for this. Had someone warned him that his father would do this, he would have had them arrested for attempting to ruin his future. "So tell me, are you interested? Or you still want to remain obstinate?" Maxwell asked. Deep down, he knew Martinez might not be able to reject the offer. "You talk like I have options. I will do this. Did she accept?" A long silence was followed by Martinez agreement. Moments later, Amanda entered the office with some files in her possession. The moment she spotted Martinez, she wanted to walk away. She can't stand the sight of him for a second. "No, don't leave," Maxwell stopped Amanda and made her stay. "It will not be essential. Since you two will be living together for the next three years, you two need to start getting to know one another," Maxwell added, grinning. "What are you saying? I still have not accepted your proposal," Amanda said in a sour tone. "I have no issue with your acceptance of me. My only worry was my son, but he has already agreed." Maxwell responded.

"This is unbelievable. I thought." A strange caller abruptly rang Amanda's phone, causing her to pause for a moment. She put the phone to her left ear and scowled, "Sorry, I have to take this." "Yes, It is Amanda. Who's speaking? My mother, what happened to her? I will be there right away," She yelled and hung up the phone. "What happened to your mum?" Maxwell asked with the utmost care. "A cop at the station and just called the phone. It has to do with my mom." She quickly responded. "Oh no! Please wait while I drop you off," Maxwell insisted. "I appreciate that, but I'll find my way," Amanda politely rejected Maxwell's request without making him feel bad. The heartbreaking news did not affect Martinez. Like it was no one's business, he stayed solid in his position.