The night had already stretched past midnight when Maverick and Claire finally left the auction hall. The crowd was still buzzing behind them, but Maverick had no interest in staying any longer.He walked toward the black sedan parked outside. It was a Mercedes-Maybach S 600, one of the most expensive luxury sedans on the road. Claire stopped beside it, still clearly afraid that Alaric would track them."Nothing will happen...I'm right here " she nodded before getting inside. He walked around the vehicle and slipped behind the steering wheel. The Maybach came alive almost silently. For a moment he stared through the windshield.Ten years ago he couldn’t even imagine sitting inside a car like this. Now he was driving one that belonged to the man who had destroyed Claire’s previous life. The irony almost made him smile.He drove Claire back to the high-end apartment Richard had arranged for her. When they reached the building, Claire turned toward him.“Are you coming inside?”“No.”“

The security guards immediately panicked. “Mr. Whitmore, please—”“Get out.” The manager still looked like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “But I was only—”“I’ve heard enough.”Alexander turned away from him. His attention went toward Maverick’s parents. He walked over and, to their complete shock, lowered his head slightly.“I’m deeply sorry. My employees treated you disrespectfully inside my property. One of them pushed you. That should never have happened. Please forgive me.”Maverick’s father opened his mouth, but no words came out. His mother leaned closer to him and whispered, “Who is this man? Why is he apologizing to us like this?” Maverick’s father only shook his head, still too stunned to answer.Alexander turned toward Maverick. “I apologize for what happened here.”Maverick nodded. “It’s fine. Things got out of hand, but it’s over now.”Alexander smiled faintly. “No. It isn’t something I can simply overlook.” He extended his hand. “Allow me to properly introduce

Alexander stood nearby, watching the exchange with quiet interest. When Maverick’s mother mentioned grandchildren and called Claire her future daughter-in-law, he couldn’t hold back a low chuckle.Maverick glanced at him, slightly embarrassed. “Mr. Whitmore…”Alexander raised a hand, still smiling. “Don’t mind me. Family conversations like this are always the most entertaining. I’ll leave you three to discuss… important matters.”He walked toward the private elevator, then paused and looked back. “The paperwork will be ready by tomorrow morning. Enjoy the penthouse. And Maverick—when you’re ready to discuss Crestline Exploration in more detail, call me.”Maverick nodded. “I will.”The elevator doors closed behind Alexander, leaving the three of them alone in the vast living room of the penthouse.Maverick stared at his mother for several seconds, genuinely unsure whether she was joking.“Mom… please don’t do this.” She smiled calmly. “Why not? I only said I want to meet the girl.”His

Maverick kept his eyes on the road and sighed quietly. He could already see where this afternoon was heading.A few minutes later, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 turned into the familiar neighborhood. Riverside Park was not a poor community, but it was certainly not the kind of place where wealthy people came to display their fortunes. The houses were modest, the streets were busy, and the small restaurants along the main road were usually crowded in the afternoons.At the center of the neighborhood stood The Garden Table. The restaurant had a broad glass frontage, several tables arranged beneath a covered outdoor section, and a narrow sidewalk running between the restaurant and the street. The women from the surrounding community had practically claimed the outdoor area as their afternoon meeting place. Some sat around small round tables drinking tea. Others stood near the entrance, talking with their hands while comparing stories about their children.Maverick slowly pulled the Mayba

Julian looked at her in surprise. Maverick’s mother stepped back beside Claire and held her arm protectively. “She is my daughter-in-law. Keep your hands to yourself.”Julian glanced at Maverick. “You’re serious about that?”Maverick’s expression remained calm. “Very serious.”Several women standing around the outdoor tables began whispering. One of them looked at Julian and said, “Don’t worry. Maverick is probably only driving that car for someone else.”Another woman nodded. “Exactly. Someone like Julian would be a much better match for a girl like her.”Julian heard the comment. His confidence returned. He looked at Claire again. “I can offer you a much better life than whatever he’s giving you.”Claire frowned. “I’ve already said no. Please respect that.”Julian ignored her answer completely. Maverick’s mother stepped forward. “Did you not hear her clearly? She said no.”Julian looked at her. “She hasn’t given me a real chance yet. That’s all.”“She doesn’t need to give you a chan