Chapter 24 Metal
Inside the sophisticated Richard household, under the sparkling light of the chandelier, sat the owner of the pink Lamborghini Eva Edwards, the only daughter of the Edwards military family, long-time allies of the Richards.
She sat beside Mrs. Richard, her posture graceful, her beauty striking. Her blonde hair flowed down her back like spun gold.
“Mother, so happy to see you again… it’s been long,” Eva said warmly.
“I am too. You have grown into a beautiful woman the last time I saw you, you weren’t this tall,” Mrs. Richard replied with a faint smile. “How was your trip, and when did you get back?”
“My trip was fine. I’m done with school. I got back yesterday. I thought to say hi.” Eva handed her a small package. “And I got this for you.”
It was a skincare package from Rhode Beauty.
“You didn’t have to,” Eleanor said, smiling softly. “I’m too old for such things. They’re for youngsters.”
“Mother, you don’t look a day over twenty,” Eva teased lightly.
Eleanor chuckled at that, the compliment softening her expression.
“I heard what happened to Brother Boyle. My condolences, Mother,” Eva said, her voice turning sober.
“…It’s alright,” Mrs. Richard murmured, her expression dimming with grief.
Eva’s gaze shifted around the room, searching for someone. Mrs. Richard noticed and smiled knowingly.
“He’s not home, but he’ll be back soon. He took….”
Before she could finish, Maverick walked in sleek, his frame tall, his eyes cold.
Eva shot to her feet, eyes bright with admiration and affection. “Brother Maverick,” she greeted quickly.
Maverick nodded briefly to his mother, his hands buried in his pockets. His gaze met Eva’s for a moment before he began to walk past.
Eva’s smile faltered. Mrs Richard noticed.
“Maverick,” Mrs. Richard called, stopping him. “Eva just got back. Why don’t you take her to your brother’s altar so she can light candles and pray for him?”
It was a subtle attempt to create some time alone between them.
He looked at his mother, his expression unreadable, but said nothing. Then he turned and walked ahead.
Eva quickly followed, her steps light and eager. She was used to his coldness. She believed she could feel the warmth hidden beneath it.
Inside Boyle’s altar, Maverick lit his own incense and bowed. Eva followed, lighting hers gracefully.
Boyle’s altar room was quiet as they both knelt down. Maverick just stared at his brother’s picture.
Eva peeked her eyes open and stared at his face.
“It feels surreal… Brother Boyle isn’t here anymore. I can still remember his warm smile…” she said softly, trying to create a conversation between them.
Maverick kept mute.
She tried her luck again; everyone knew Maverick hated talking.
“Mother….I mean,Aunt Eleanor said you took over his position and you’re doing quite well.”
“Someone had to take responsibility,” he said flatly, his eyes still fixed on the photograph. “The world doesn’t stop because he’s gone.” His words held deeper meaning.
Eva’s smile faltered a little, but she kept it anyway. At least he had replied.
Maverick stood up and walked toward the double doors. As he opened them, Heaven was already at the entrance. Her steps faltered when her eyes met his cold gaze. She swallowed hard.
Maverick’s jaw tightened,he had clearly told her to stay in her room.
Eva came out after him. “Brother Maverick…” Her head bumped into his back. “Ouch.”
Heaven’s eyes moved to the blonde girl that followed behind him.
Eva lifted her head and smiled. “Hi… you must be Brother Boyle’s wife. My condolences...I’m..”
“I’ll take you home,” Maverick interrupted coldly to Eva.
Eva blinked, surprised by the sudden offer. He had never looked her way like that before. The thought made her chest flutter.
She nodded quickly and followed behind him.
He passed Heaven without a word.
He didn’t need one, she could already feel his anger.
Maverick drove an elated Eva in silence, his jaw clenched. Once again she had chosen a dead man.
He had already ordered a chauffeur to drive Eva’s car back and had taken her on his own.
When they reached the Edward mansion, Eva’s mother was already present. She had been informed that Maverick was bringing Eva home, and the news both surprised and delighted her.
She came out with the butler to welcome them.
The car came to a stop. Maverick’s brows drew together slightly as he noticed the small gathering waiting in front of the house.
“My mother likes to be extra,” Eva said softly, biting her lip.
Maverick stepped out as a sign of respect, Eva beside him.
“Maverick, why don’t you come inside and have some tea for a while, maybe?” Kiara, Eva’s mother, said with enthusiasticly.
“No, I have somewhere to be,” came Maverick’s clipped reply.
“A tea with your superior wouldn’t be bad, would it?” The voice came from behind. It was General Edward.
Maverick straightened immediately and gave him a swift salute.
Moments later, he found himself seated across from the General in his study his back straight, his hands resting neatly on his thighs.
“You seemed quite busy when you came to your father’s office,” the old man said, pouring whiskey into two glasses. “Hope you’ve settled the matter that needed authorization?”
“Still on it, sir,” Maverick replied formally.
“You don’t have to act all formal. We’re family,” the General said with a faint smile.
Maverick picked up the glass that was slid toward him and downed it quickly. He had no interest in staying longer than necessary.
“I beg to take my leave, sir,” he said finally.
The General studied him for a moment, as if searching for something in his expression, before he smiled and gave a slow nod.
Maverick stood, saluted, and turned to leave.
Eva followed until he reached his car, seeing him off. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“See you next time, Brother Maverick,” she said softly.
He gave a curt nod before getting into the car and driving off.
General Edward remained in his office, his fingers rolling two silver balls in one hand while he drank from his glass, until his daughter walked in.
“Daddy,” Eva called softly as she came to sit beside him.
He set down the glass and patted her hair affectionately. “Yes, baby. You seem so happy…” he stated the obvious.
Her mood was bright . Maverick choosing to drop her off himself felt like a huge step to her.
“Daddy,” she began shyly, her cheeks flushing, “I’m ready now… I want to be with Brother Maverick.”
General Edward had always given his daughter anything she wanted. Though they were both bethroted, he had hoped she might change her mind while away. He wouldn’t have forced her but she still stood firm on wanting that cold, distant boy. He couldn’t understand what she saw in him.
“He dropped you off once and you already want to dump your father for him,” he teased lightly.
“Stop it, Daddy…” Eva chuckled, embarrassed, her blush deepening.
A rattling sound broke the moment.
Eva froze slightly, tilting her head. She thought she heard something metal clinging against metal.