Chapter 29

Knoxville POV

I paced around my room, my mind racing with unsettling thoughts. My suspicions had been aroused since Henry revealed Maxwell's investment in Electra's company. But the notion that they might be romantically involved? Unthinkable. How did they even cross paths?

The possibility still lingered, refusing to dissipate. My patience was wearing thin, and the mere thought of Electra with my half-brother, my arch-nemesis, ignited a fire within me.

Determined to uncover the truth, I had tasked Henry with digging deeper. But the silence since then had been deafening.

Just as I was lost in thought, Henry burst into my room, his expression a mix of urgency and revelation.

"Did you find anything?" I asked, my voice laced with anticipation.

Henry nodded, taking a seat in the chair facing me. "They've known each other for five years now," he revealed, his words dropping like a bombshell.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Five years? How could this have gone undetected?

"What else did you discover?" I pressed, my curiosity now bordering on desperation.

"Five years ago, Electra was walking alone on a dark street when Maxwell accidentally struck her with his car," Henry announced, his voice low and serious. "He rushed her to the hospital, ensured she received treatment, and then vanished without a word. He paused and continue.

"Thy recently meet at a mall"

Knoxville's eyes widened in shock. "Which mall did they meet at again?"

Henry's gaze met Knoxville's. "Your family's mall. You remember that day your dad forbade you from visiting the mall and sent Maxwell instead?"

Knoxville nodded, memories flooding back.

"It was that same day," Henry continued. "Electra was shopping with a little girl. Maxwell's presence must have stirred something in her, especially since she recognized him from that fateful night five years ago."

Knoxville's brow furrowed. "A little girl? Who is she?"

"With the investigation so far, the little girl is Electra's cousin," Henry announced, handing over the comprehensive report. "When Electra's mother's younger sister passed away in an accident, Electra took on the responsibility of caring for the child."

I scanned the documents, my eyes scanning the pages with growing unease.

"So, how frequently did Electra meet with Maxwell?" I asked, my voice controlled.

Henry hesitated before responding, "They meet more often than expected. Considering their history, it's likely they're romantically involved. Maxwell must have won her heart five years ago."

My anger boiled over, and I slammed my fist on the table. "Do you think that's amusing?" I thundered, struggling to contain my emotions.

Henry recoiled, taken aback by my outburst.

"You don't understand," I seethed. "That's the same day I divorced her and send her packing."

Henry's expression turned somber. "I apologize, Knoxville. I didn't realize..."

I raised a hand, silencing him. "Just tell me one thing: What's Maxwell's ultimate goal?"

Henry's voice was measured. "I'm still investigating, but it seems Maxwell's interests align with Electra's business ventures. Their relationship might be more strategic than romantic."

My mind racing with implications, I ordered, "Dig deeper. Uncover everything. I don't trust Maxwell" I let out.

"Please, can I ask you one thing?" Henry ventured, his voice cautious.

I turned to him, my eyes narrowing. "What is it?" I demanded, my tone sharp.

Henry hesitated before speaking. "Did you really want Electra back, or are you just jealous she's now with Maxwell?"

My face twisted in indignation. "Do you think I was joking about this?" I snapped, my fist clenched. "I already told you why I did what I did five years ago. I truly love Electra, if that's what you want to hear."

The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion.

Henry's expression softened. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to judge you." He stood up, his eyes locked on mine. "You should have told her the truth instead of lying. See where it's gotten you."

I felt a pang of regret, my shoulders sagging under the weight of past mistakes.

"I know I messed up," I admitted, determination etching my face. "But I'll make it right. I'll fix this."

Henry nodded, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "I'll help you, Knoxville. But you need to confront your past and face Electra with the truth."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. "I will."

The resolve in my voice was palpable, a promise to myself and to Electra that I would uncover the truth and reclaim what was lost.

"What's the schedule tonight?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Henry hesitated, taking a deep breath before responding. "There's no schedule tonight, unless you have something planned, Sir."

I flashed a mischievous grin. "Let's go out and have some bottles of drinks."

Henry's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you crazy?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with concern.

I shot him a piercing glare, my eyes narrowing. "What's wrong with going out?" I challenged, my tone dripping with defiance.

"Forgive me for using that word," Henry said, his tone softening. "Don't see me as your PA right now, but as your friend. Did you forget your aversion to alcohol?"

I chuckled, clarifying, "I never said we should go have alcohol. There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks we can enjoy."

Henry's expression changed from concern to understanding, and he nodded. "Sorry, I misunderstood."

I waved my hand dismissively. "No need to apologize. I know you're looking out for me."

Henry smiled, relieved. "That's what friends are for."

"I should head back and continue with my work," Henry said, rising from his seat.

I nodded in agreement. "Alright."

As Henry turned to leave, I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me. The conversation had cleared the air and refocused my priorities.

"Thanks, Henry," I called out.

Henry paused at the door, turning back. "For what, Sir?"

"For being a friend," I replied, a hint of appreciation in my voice.

Henry smiled. "A

nytime, Knoxville. We'll get through this together."

With that, he exited, leaving me to gather my thought.