Chapter 294
Chapter 294
【Noah's Perspective】
I sat beside Grace on the plush sofa in her family's living room, absently flipping through channels on the enormous flat-screen television. Grace reclined comfortably, her swollen belly visible beneath her cashmere sweater as she rested her head against my shoulder.
Our peaceful moment shattered when Lily burst through the door, her face contorted with fury, clutching a stack of papers.
"Grace, I'm absolutely furious!" Lily exclaimed, waving the documents wildly.
Grace shifted uncomfortably, adjusting a decorative pillow behind her back. "What happened?"
"Luna is suing me," Lily announced, thrusting the papers forward.
I took the documents, scanning them with practiced precision. "Actually, Max is suing you. You damaged something of his, and he's demanding one million dollars in compensation?"
"That painting," Lily huffed. "Max would never do this to me on his own. He knows I don't have that kind of money. It must be Luna's idea—she's forcing him to go after me."
Grace's eyes widened in disbelief. "What painting could possibly be worth a million dollars? Just ignore them—it's ridiculous. Have they lost their minds?"
"They don't need the money," I observed coolly, though the mention of Luna's name had stirred something deep within me.
"Then what does Luna want?" Lily demanded.
I tapped the legal documents. "Look carefully at who filed the lawsuit. It's Max, not Luna."
Lily shook her head vehemently. "She's using Max's name to sue me. That's how devious she is."
Grace reached for her friend's hand. "Darling, help my friend. Think of something to resolve this."
"No special resolution needed," I replied, setting the papers aside. "The Blake family doesn't need money, and Morrison Group couldn't care less about it. They simply want to teach you a lesson, to make you take responsibility for your actions. Whatever the judge decides, whatever compensation they determine, that's not the point. They won't actually force you to pay it all—don't worry too much."
Grace frowned, stroking her belly absently. "Luna is being completely unreasonable. The Blake family has endless wealth, yet they're suing someone over a painting. It's heartless."
I studied Lily carefully, an idea forming in my mind. "Lily."
"Yes?"
"Would you like to get back at Luna?" I felt a familiar chill of calculation settle over me.
Lily's expression hardened. "Of course I would."
"I'll help you," I promised, my tone deliberately light while my mind raced with possibilities.
---
【Max's Perspective】
President Robert Sterling and I toweled off after our match. Service staff hovered discreetly in the background, ready to attend to our needs.
"I'm certainly not as young as I used to be," Sterling admitted, wiping perspiration from his brow. "My stamina isn't what it once was."
I reached for my water bottle, deciding to approach the subject directly. "Your relationship with Grace seems strained lately. May I ask why?"
Sterling's friendly demeanor cooled slightly. "Since when are you interested in my family matters? That's not like you."
"I'm not concerned about you and your daughter specifically," I clarified. "My interest is in her husband, Noah Walker."
"What about my son-in-law?"
"I have doubts about his true identity. I was hoping you might help me obtain a DNA sample."
The President's eyes narrowed. "Is he a wanted criminal?"
"I don't have conclusive evidence yet, so I can't make accusations."
"Such a minor issue—do you really need my personal involvement? Can't you just bring him in for testing yourself?"
"He's extremely cautious, and I can't risk alerting him," I explained, watching Sterling's face carefully.
His posture stiffened. "I thoroughly investigated him when my daughter married him. His background is clean, no criminal record. Don't cause trouble for my son-in-law without reason."
After a moment's hesitation, he continued, his voice lower. "Mr. Morrison, you and I are different. The American presidency has term limits, while you can lead Morrison Group for life. On paper, my position outranks yours, but in reality, I must follow procedures with numerous constraints on my power. Unlike you, who controls America's largest defense contractor with countless Pentagon contracts. I have three months left in office—don't create problems for me. Let me complete my term smoothly. Investigate him after the new president takes office."
I studied the older man carefully, noting the resignation in his eyes. "Your conflict with your daughter—it's because of him, isn't it?"
The President remained silent, checking his watch pointedly.
"Another match?" I offered, changing the subject.
"No, I think I'm done for today. My old bones are aching."
"In that case, I'll take my leave," I replied, gathering my belongings.
---
Night had fallen by the time my car approached the Blake mansion. Kevin's voice came through the intercom as we slowed near the gate.
"Sir, Lily Carter is waiting for you."
My jaw tightened as I spotted her figure by the entrance. I instructed the driver to stop, rolling down my window as Lily approached.
"Max, what is this about?" she demanded, brandishing legal documents. "Demanding one million dollars in compensation? Has your wife gone mad with greed?"
"Luna wanted to let it go for Nathan's sake," I replied coldly. "I'm the one suing you."
"Why?"
"No particular reason. Adults should take responsibility for their actions."
"It was an accident," Lily protested.
"My home has security cameras everywhere."
Lily's expression shifted from defiance to hurt. "You never would have treated me this way before."
I felt my patience wearing thin. "I also didn't understand your true attitude before. Besides, Nathan asked me to look after you—without your brother, you'd be nothing to me. I wouldn't even waste time glancing your way."
"Go prepare your defense," I continued, wanting to end this conversation. "The judge will consider your financial situation when determining the compensation amount, but you will pay."
"Are you that desperate for money?" Lily challenged.
"I don't need money, but you lack manners and discipline. This is what you deserve."
"Max, I know—"
"Stay away from me."
"What if I apologize to you and Luna?" Lily pleaded, her voice taking on a desperate edge. "I acted impulsively and truly regret it now. My income is modest, I have few savings, and my brother isn't particularly wealthy either. You're making things difficult for him."
"Don't use your brother to manipulate me," I warned. "You're an adult—take responsibility for your own mistakes."
"What do I need to do for you to drop this?" she asked, finally showing a hint of genuine concern.
I saw my opportunity. "Leave the Project Azure logistics department and return to your original diplomatic position at the State Department."
To my surprise, Lily's eyes flashed with fierce determination. "I will never leave Project Azure. It's my only opportunity to work with you, my only way to see you regularly. I won't leave under any circumstances. I'll face the lawsuit—the money I owe you, I can't repay in this lifetime, so I'll continue in the next. Either way, you won't get rid of me."
Her intensity sent a chill through me. I signaled the driver to continue, leaving Lily standing in the driveway as we pulled away. Her obsession was becoming dangerous, and I would need to find another way to keep her away from Luna and our work.