Chapter 26: Meeting

Electra strode into the company, her stilettos clicking against the polished marble floor, echoing through the hallway. Her new personal assistant, Joyce, kept pace beside her.

"What's my schedule for today?" Electra asked, her authoritative voice commanding attention.

Joyce consulted her tablet. "After leaving the office, your parents want you to meet them at Mr. Richardo's place. They'll be waiting for you."

Electra's steps halted abruptly, and she turned to face Joyce, her piercing gaze scrutinizing. "Why didn't you inform me earlier? What's the occasion?" Her tone dripped with annoyance, her perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowed.

Joyce's eyes widened slightly, her voice apologetic. "I'm sorry for not informing you earlier, ma'am. It won't happen again."

Electra's expression remained stern. "That's not all that matters now. I'm asking you, why did Mom want me to come there?" Her voice rose, a hint of frustration seeping in.

Joyce's eyes darted nervously around the hallway before focusing on Electra. "The reason wasn't revealed to me, ma'am."

As they stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding shut behind them, Electra's irritation was palpable. Joyce stood rigidly beside her, sensing the storm brewing.

The elevator's soft hum filled the silence, and Electra's gaze lingered on Joyce, expecting answers. But Joyce's expression remained apologetic, her eyes cast downward.

As the elevator stopped on Electra's floor, she exited, her long strides devouring the distance to her office. Joyce followed closely, sensing a tense day ahead.

Electra's heels clicked authoritatively as she strode toward her office, Joyce following closely behind.

"Next time, it's your job to always find out why I'm wanted at any place," Electra reminded her, her voice firm but controlled. "That's the reason why I hired you in the first place."

Joyce head bowed slightly, her eyes cast downward. "I'm sorry, ma."

Electra's expression softened as she settled into her plush office chair. "You don't have to apologize every time. All I want is diligent work."

She leaned forward, her eyes locked onto her assistant's. "All the emails Maxwell supposedly sent – forward them to me immediately. I need to confirm everything."

With a crisp nod, the assistant turned to exit the office, her footsteps quiet on the carpet.

Electra's gaze lingered on the closing door, her mind already focused on unraveling the mystery surrounding Maxwell's emails.

Electra's thoughts shifted to her evening schedule, recalling Joyce's reminder about joining her parents at Mr. Richardo's place tonight. Realizing she wouldn't be able to meet Maxwell, she swiftly picked up her phone and dialed his number.

Maxwell answered on the first ring. "Hey, Maxwell," Electra said, her voice warm.

"Hey, pretty! How are you doing today?" Maxwell's deep voice asked, sending a flutter through Electra's chest.

Electra's cheeks flushed as she blushed, her tone softening. "I'm good, thanks. But I need to cancel our plans tonight."

There was a brief pause before Maxwell spoke. "Everything okay?"

Electra hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Family dinner. Can't reschedule."

Maxwell's understanding tone put her at ease. "No worries. We always reschedule."

"You're such a gentle guy," Electra said, her voice filled with warmth.

"That's why you have to agree to date me," Maxwell replied, his tone playful yet sincere. "I'll be even more gentle and protective of you."

Electra's cheeks flushed. "Don't make me blush."

Maxwell chuckled. "I'm happy I made you blush. This is a symptom I'll ensure persists if you date me. I won't stop until you finally agree."

Electra's laughter echoed through the line. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

Maxwell's voice took on a serious note. "I'm serious about us, Electra. I feel a connection.

"When can I see you again?"

Electra's heart skipped a beat. "Soon," she whispered.

"Soon isn't good enough," Maxwell teased. "I'll pick you up at 7 pm tomorrow."

"You're unbelievable," Electra said, her voice filled with delight. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. I need to review the project info. Thanks for investing; I'm thrilled."

"Everything I'm doing is to win your heart," Maxwell replied, his tone sincere. "And I won't back off."

Electra's lips curled into a smirk. "Bye for now."

As the call ended, Electra's thoughts swirled. "He's such a sweet guy. Should I give him a chance or keep watching him closely?"

She leaned back in her chair, pondering. Maxwell's words echoed in her mind: "Everything I'm doing is to win your heart." The sincerity in his voice was captivating.

Electra's inner debate continued. "Is he genuine or just playing charming? I need to know more."

With a resolve to uncover more, Electra opened her laptop, typing notes about their conversation. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Time will tell," she whispered, a gentle smile still on her lips.

****

Electra and her parents pulled up in front of Mr. Richardo's grand estate, and she took a deep breath, her anxiety spiking.

"You both still haven't given me an answer," Electra pressed, her voice laced with frustration. "Why are we here?"

Her mother, Mrs. Scofield, turned to her with an evasive smile. "I don't know, dear. Mr. Richardo said he wants to see us. Perhaps it's about your date with Knoxville? You didn't tell us how it went."

Electra's eyes narrowed. "Is it because he wants me to marry his son? I already said I'm not interested."

Her parents exchanged a knowing glance, but remained silent. Electra's unease grew.

Without another word, her parents stepped out of the car and walked toward the mansion's entrance. Electra hesitated, feeling trapped.

With a sigh, she followed, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

As they entered the opulent foyer, Mr. Richardo's warm smile greeted them. "Welcome, welcome! I'm glad you could make it."

They settled into the plush living room, and soon Knoxville joined them, his face lighting up at the sight of Electra. However, her frown dashed his enthusiasm.

Mr. Richardo beamed with pride. "My son asked me to invite you here. I suspect it's because he's smitten with your daughter – a good sign, if you ask me."

"Over to you, son," Mr. Richardo said, nodding to Knoxville.

Knoxville took a deep breath. "I've gathered you all here because I have a confession to make."

Electra's eyes sparkled with amusement, her fists clenched in anger. But before Knoxville could continue, the door swung open, and Maxwell walked in.

The room fell silent, shock etched on every face.

"Maxwell!" Electra exclaimed.

"Electra, what are you doing here?" Maxwell asked, his eyes scanning the room.

"Did you know my son?" Mr. Richardo inquired.

"Your son?"

Electra's voice trembled.

Mr. Richardo's smile returned. "Yes, Maxwell is Knoxville's younger brother. I have two sons"