Vindictive King of Hell

Chapter 2: Blood Is Thicker Than Water

MAX’S eyes narrowed as he heard about his estranged grandfather’s condition. He did not consider him family, especially since the Griffin patriarch knew about his whereabouts–he got adopted by a stranger and went through a hellish life growing up.

“For the record, I am not a Griffin now. I will not go with you.” Max chugged the brandy and heaved a sigh. “Please leave. Don’t add to my problems.”

Oliver nodded. “All right, I’ll leave for now. But I’ll be back.”

Max didn’t say a word. He waited until the black SUV left and continued drinking as he pondered his miserable life. He questioned the heavens why he had to go through these tribulations despite being born with a golden spoon in his mouth.

‘Golden spoon, my foot!’ He gritted his teeth.

He despised the family where he came from. That was why he did not hesitate to carry his adoptive father’s name. He was Max Cussler, not Maximus Griffin.

He leaned back in his rattan chair and gazed at the night sky. Perhaps he’d just continue living in seclusion. He wondered why, even though he had the simplest dream, he couldn’t easily get it.

Not long after, a white sedan came, and he was not surprised to recognize his visitor at this late hour. It was Ava, his mother-in-law, or ex-mother-in-law, rather.

“I know you’d be here. We need to talk.” Ava’s face darkened as she witnessed him drowning himself in alcohol.

“Come in. Please have a seat,” he said politely.

Ava did not bother to sit. She crossed her arms and glared at him. “What did you do to my daughter?”

Max looked up at her. Even though he was tipsy, his mind was still clear. “What do you mean?”

“How can you be so heartless, Max? She called me, and she was in a mess in her apartment, crying over the divorce papers.”

“Your daughter wants a divorce, and I signed it. What’s the problem?”

Ava chuckled. “I know you’re good for nothing, but I let you marry my daughter because she adores you. How dare you break her heart!”

Max stared at her in disbelief. “You came here at this ungodly hour to scold me? I know you love your daughter, and no matter what I say, you would never believe me.”

Ava breathed out. “It’s a good riddance for my daughter, then. Well, I rushed here to tell you that your marital house belongs to my daughter since it was in her name before you two got married.”

“You mean, my house?” Max shook his head because of how absurd it was. “I bought it for her as an engagement gift since she wanted a house.”

“Leave my daughter alone, Max. She deserves to be happy.”

“And I deserve to be miserable, is that it?” he said sarcastically.

“Look, I’m trying to be fair here.” Ava cleared her throat. Looking at her ex-son-in-law, she understood why Max did not deserve her pretty daughter.

“Fair? You don’t know your daughter. But I will not speak ill of her; after all, what we had before the divorce was good.”

“I’m leaving. I hope you cope with your...” She glanced at the bottle of alcohol on his table and continued, “miserable life.”

“Don’t worry about the house. I don’t take back the things I gave out of love. I only wish Georgina happiness.”

Ava remained quiet; she shouldn’t be shaken just because her ex-son-in-law was innately kind. Though kindness could not pay bills, he’d be perfect if only he were rich. Well, maybe because you couldn’t have everything in life. Ava exited the cabin and drove her car away.

Max eased his breathing when he was all alone again. He let himself absorb all the bad things that happened; getting mad at Georgina might lead to another problem if he could not get hold of his emotions.

He poured another shot into his brandy glass and raised it to the moon. “To the peaceful life I dreamed of. Cheers!”

* * * *

THE next morning, Max woke up later than usual. He busied himself with painting; the canvas was all black with red pigment, imitating spattered blood. He forgot the flow of time, and at dusk, Oliver came back again.

“What is it this time?” Max did not conceal his irritation as Oliver barged inside his workstation. He ignored the man and continued brushing the canvas with crimson acrylic paint.

“You need to come with me now, Max.” There was an urgency in Oliver’s voice.

“No,” he answered shortly.

“I won’t be here if this isn’t urgent.” Oliver walked back and forth as if uncomfortable. He even loosened his tie.

“Cut to the chase, old man. Why do they need someone they abandoned for two decades?” He continued painting without looking at the man before him. Max only stopped stroking the paintbrush when he heard Oliver’s answer.

“Your grandfather just passed away,” Oliver said.

There was a complete silence before Max could react.

Max cleared his throat and put his easel down along with his brush. Although he hadn’t talked with his grandfather for a long time, he resented Lucas Griffin for not acknowledging him while he was still alive.

There were a lot of core memories with the old man since he was still a kid–good ones, especially when his parents were still alive.

“Still, I will not go.” He resumed brushing the canvas, even though he was out of focus.

“Max, I know you resent your grandfather. He knows you’ve been through a lot, but believe me, it’s for your own good.”

“For my own good, really?” He chuckled. He gently tossed the easel on the small table beside him and went to the sink to clean his hands.

Oliver strolled near him. “Max, come on.”

“All of you have no idea of the hell I’ve been through,” he said coldly.

“I wish I could talk to you more, but aside from his passing, your grandfather has left a last will, making you the main shareholder of the Griffin Conglomerate.”

Max’s jaw dropped. “Tell me you’re joking, Oliver. I don’t want to meddle in the business affairs of the Griffins.”

Oliver sighed in frustration and pleaded with him again. “Please pay your last respects. He’s your grandfather, after all.”

Max drew out a long exhale. “All right, I will attend the wake.”

Max thought this would probably be the best time to face his long-lost family, who acted as if he did not exist since he was a threat to them.

Oliver was relieved as his face beamed. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Let’s just say it’s payback time!” Max smirked, and he added, “I hope you don’t regret forcing my attendance.”