Chapter 19: Game

Knoxville POV

I lounged on the plush couch in my villa, immersed in the latest episode of my favorite show. The soft glow of the TV illuminated the dimly lit room, casting a

cozy ambiance. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Henry walked in, shattering the tranquility.

I pretended not to notice him, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. But Henry was relentless. He cleared his throat, and when I still didn't acknowledge him, he scoffed.

I finally turned to face him, frustration etched on my features. "What again?" I exclaimed, tossing the remote control onto the coffee table. "Today's a weekend, and I told you to go home and rest."

Henry shrugged, his nonchalant demeanor igniting my irritation.

"Well, I don't have a home," he said, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

My growl was low and warning. "You have a house, Henry. This is my home. Go to your house and leave me alone." I spoke in a measured tone, striving to maintain calm.

But Henry wasn't deterred. "I know today was supposed to be a weekend," he announced, his eyes sparkling with an unexpected revelation, "but you suddenly have a schedule."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. What schedule? I hadn't planned anything.

I sat up straight, my interest piqued despite my initial annoyance. "What are you talking about?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Henry's smile hinted at secrets, and I sensed my relaxing weekend was about to take an unexpected turn.

Henry's words dropped like a bombshell. "Your dad wants you to represent him at a business party. Many influential associates will be there."

My eyes widened in incredulity. "Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed, my anger simmering just below the surface. "What did he count me for? What if I have other plans?"

Henry's expression remained serious, his voice measured. "I understand how you feel, but you have to be there. If not, he'll choose Maxwell."

The mention of Maxwell's name made my gut twist. Lately, my father seemed to favor that cold, pitiful boy, and I couldn't fathom why.

Henry's gaze held mine, his eyes urging me to see reason. "You can't let this continue happening," he pressed.

I took a deep breath, reluctantly acknowledging Henry's logic. If I didn't attend, Maxwell would surely seize the opportunity to further ingratiate himself with my father.

"Fine," I relented, my tone resigned. "When is the party, and what's the dress code?"

Henry produced an invitation from his pocket and handed it to me. The elegant cardstock read: "Black-Tie Gala, Tonight, 8 PM, The Grand Ballroom."

I groaned inwardly, calculating the time. Only a few hours to prepare.

"Any specific instructions from my father?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Henry nodded. "He wants you to make a good impression. The Smiths and the Watsons will be there, among others."

My stomach knotted at the thought of navigating the complex web of business alliances and rivalries. But I knew I had to put on a mask of confidence and poise.

"I'll be there," I said, determination etching my voice.

Henry nodded, his expression approving. "I'll help you get ready."

I turned to Henry, my eyes blazing with impatience. "Well, any information about Electra, or nothing yet?" I demanded, my voice firm.

Henry's expression remained neutral. "We haven't gotten any information about her yet, but I have other information about Maxwell."

I waved my hand dismissively, focusing on the TV show. "I don't want to know anything concerning him. I'm not going to waste my time on him." The sitcom's laughter and chatter filled the room, but my mind was elsewhere.

Henry's voice persisted, his tone measured. "I'm sure you will want to know. This might increase his chances in the competition for getting the company and becoming the CEO."

My gaze snapped back to Henry, his words piercing my indifference. The TV's glow faded into the background as I sat up straighter.

"What did you mean by that?" I asked, my voice sharper, curiosity etched on my face. The room's silence amplified my question.

Henry's eyes locked onto mine, his expression grave. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken implications.

I leaned forward, my heart beating slightly faster, anticipating Henry's revelation. The TV's distant laughter and applause faded into irrelevance.

"I found out he had a deal with your father, just as you presumed. He told him he's going to bring a woman and get married soon. And he'll be more serious and available for anything he wants him to do."

Henry's expression turned grave. "He promised he wouldn't be the unserious man he used to know, no more random acts or nonchalance."

I couldn't contain myself. A burst of laughter erupted from my lips, echoing through the room. "I was right!" I exclaimed, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

"I knew he was up to something. He must think I'm not ready to get married and wants to swoop in to gain more favor from Dad." My words spilled out in rapid succession, fueled by indignation.

"We're different people," I shouted, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "Does he really think marrying some woman will magically transform him into the perfect son?"

My laughter subsided, replaced by a simmering anger. I paced across the room, my footsteps echoing off the walls.

"This is ridiculous. Maxwell thinks he can manipulate Dad with a sham marriage?" I spun back to face Henry. "What does he take my father for? A fool?"

Henry's expression remained serious. "It's not just about your father, it's about the company's future. Maxwell will stop at nothing to secure his position."

My eyes narrowed, determination burning within me. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Henry's words cut through the air, a harsh reality check. "I'm sorry, Knoxville, but you need to wake up now. This is a competition, and your suggestions don't matter to your father anymore." His tone was laced with empathy, but the truth stung.

"He doubts you now, after you ran away from home seven years ago." Henry's voice dropped to a gentle murmur. "He might not trust you with the company's future."

My anger erupted, fueled by past resentments. I slammed my fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room. "I know I left home, but I had a reason!" My voice trembled.

"They all thought I left because he wanted me to get married, but I saved him...for a lifetime." My words trailed off, memories flooding my mind like a tidal wave.

I ruffled my hair, trying to calm my frayed nerves. The past rushed back, memories I'd long suppressed:

The arguments, the pressure, the weight of responsibility.

The night I discovered the truth.

The decision to leave, to protect my father from being destroyed.

My eyes closed, and I took a deep breath, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly.

Henry's voice brought me back to the present. "Knoxville, I know it's hard, but you need to play the good boy card. For now, swallow your pride and do what your father asks."

I opened my eyes, a determined glint burning within. "I'll play the game, Henry. But I'll do it my way.".