Chapter 11%
A person’s appearance can be deceptive, clouding the judgment of others. There was no doubt–Max had been blessed with an undeniably striking facade.
Handsome, effortlessly charming, with a smile that could make it seem like spring had arrived early. It gave people the illusion of warmth, of kindness.
In reality, the Lagunas blood ran deep with unyielding ambition. Ruthlessness was woven into their very nature. Max had never been one to show mercy to those who crossed him.
A man who had built an empire of this scale–how could he have done so without an iron grip? He hadn’t even used half the methods at his disposal before Liliana broke.
Wracked with pain, Liliana’s face was ghostly pale, sweat–drenched hair clinging to her skin as she gasped out a confession.
“It was Alta Tech…. she choked out, trembling. “They put me up to it. They wanted access to your company’s core technology. so they came up with this plan.”
As she spilled the details, Max pieced the puzzle together. He let out a sharp, mirthless laugh.Z
“Pathetic. So that was their plan–either I cave, trading my technology for their silence, or they release the video on the day of the product launch.” His lips curled, eyes darkening.”
“Idiots.”
“Once the company’s reputation is in shambles, the stock will tank and the industry will have a new leader!”
Max nudged the tip of his shoe against Liliana’s chin, forcing her to look up at him. Her face was young, delicate–some might even call it beautiful. But to him, she was nothing.&
Tsk. Too bad they miscalculated.” His voice was laced with quiet contempt. “I never loved you. You never had any hold over me.“%
“To me, you don’t matter much.”%
Liliana had endured the kicks, the blows, without breaking. But hearing that–hearing him say it–felt like a noose tightening around her throat.
It took her a moment to even process it. “No… No, that’s impossible! You do love me!“}
Her voice cracked, raw with desperation. “Maxie, you’re just angry, right? I know I messed up–I know I did.“}
“But I was manipulated! I was scared! You never even touched me, Max. You’re so incredible, so out of reach… Every day, I was terrified you’d leave me.“8
“That’s why I believed them. They told me that if the video leaked, people would see me as a victim. That public pressure would force you to stay with me.“8
Tears streamed down Liliana’s face as she clung to his leg, voice shaking. “I was wrong, Maxie. But I love you–I really do. Please don’t leave me.“2
Liliana’s voice was raw with desperation. She didn’t know where she found the strength, but she clung to Max’s leg with everything she had, pleading for his forgiveness.
Max, however, showed no mercy. With a sharp kick, he sent her sprawling. “You really are a pathetic fool. Did you actually think you were worthy of my love?“%
Liliana’s tearful pleas did nothing but disgust him.”
“If it’s not me, then who?” Liliana’s voice cracked, hysteria creeping in. “Ashley? That woman–you’re still not tired of screwing her?“%
The words had barely left her lips when a hand clamped around her throat.”
Max’s grip was merciless, his gaze glacial as he tightened his hold.
Panic set in instantly. Liliana clawed at his wrist, but his strength was unyielding. The air in her lungs thinned, her vision blurred and pure, primal terror took over as her body convulsed in a desperate fight for survival.
Just as she teetered on the edge of unconsciousness, Max finally released her. She collapsed, gasping, greedily sucking in air. Her body trembled, drenched in cold sweat. The feeling of near death clung to her like a shadow.”
This man… He was a monster. A sick, twisted monster.
“Watch your mouth.” His voice was cold, dangerously quiet. “Do you understand?“}
His grip loosened and Liliana frantically nodded, coughing and choking as she tried to steady herself.
Max straightened, regarding her with nothing but contempt.”
*You were never anything but a shield for Ash.” His words cut like a blade. “The only reason I kept you around was because you served a purpose. If you hadn’t…” He let out a cold chuckle. “The moment you tried flirting with me, my guards
whentis Love Changed He Finally Repeated it
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12:02 AM 004.
would’ve tossed you aside like garbage.”
“You don’t actually think that car accident was just a coincidence, do you? That you got off with just a few scrapes because of pure luck?“%
Max’s tone was cold, almost amused, as he looked down at Liliana.
“Let me make one thing clear–any woman my father disapproves of either ends up dead or seriously injured. That’s just the reality of being with me.”
“Did you really think I ever wanted you?” He let out a short, mocking laugh, but the sound only set Liliana off.
Her body went rigid before she snapped, voice sharp with anger.”
“So what if you love Ashley?” she sneered. “She’s gone, Max. She’s in Puerto Vendaval now.” Then her voice turned cutting, laced with venom.
Is this what love looks like to you? Leaving her behind? Parading around with another woman? Treating her like she never existed? You’re the real fool here, Max. You’re pathetic.“%
For a split second, Max’s body tensed. Then, just as quickly, he forced himself back into icy composure. He didn’t dignify her words with a response. Instead, he turned to his guards, his voice calm and detached.”
“Keep an eye on her. She’s still useful. Until the product launch, she stays here.”
As he walked away, however, the slight hesitation in his steps betrayed the turmoil he refused to acknowledge.
