Chapter 27

Mr. Richardo's curiosity got the better of him. "How did you two meet?"

Maxwell's eyes never left Electra's. "Dad, this is the girl I was telling you about – the one I plan to marry."

Knoxville's face darkened, his anger palpable. "Did you just say the woman you want to marry?" he spat.

Maxwell's expression remained nonchalant. "Yes, any problem?"

Knoxville's laughter sent a chill through the air. "You're joking, right? That must be a joke." He took a menacing step closer to Maxwell.

Electra sprang to her feet, her voice firm. "What are you doing, Knoxville? Want to attack my boyfriend now? Didn't I tell you I'm not interested in you?"

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Electra.

Mrs. Scofield's eyes widened in shock. "Electra, dear, what's going on?"

Mr. Richardo's face turned stern. "Knoxville, calm down. Let's discuss this civilly."

Maxwell's gaze locked onto Knoxville's, a silent challenge.

Knoxville's fists clenched. "You think you can just swoop in and steal her? She's mine."

Electra's voice rose. "I'm not anyone's property. I make my own choices."

The tension in the room crackled like electricity, foreboding a stormy confrontation.

"Date?" Mrs. Scofield's voice rose in surprise. "Electra, why didn't you tell us you're seeing someone? How could you keep this from us?"

Electra shrugged, nonchalant. "You guys never asked, so I thought you weren't interested."

Mrs. Scofield's expression turned stern. "I am sorry, we have to go now."

With that, Mrs. Scofield swiftly stood up and grasped Electra's arm, ushering her out of the room.

Mr. Scofield followed, his brow furrowed in concern.

The sudden departure left the remaining guests stunned.

Mr. Richardo broke the silence. "What just happened?"

"Dad, I'm the one who should be asking what's going on," Maxwell said, confusion etched on his face.

"Stop pretending you don't know!" Knoxville shouted, his face reddening.

"That's enough, Knoxville!" Maxwell's voice thundered, his patience worn thin.

"I've tolerated your outbursts and accusations for far too long," Maxwell stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "But I won't stand for it today, especially when it has to do with Electra."

Knoxville's eyes flashed defiance, but he took a step back, his voice lowering.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Maxwell," Knoxville growled. "Don't play dumb."

Maxwell's jaw clenched. "I'm not playing dumb. I genuinely don't know what's bothering you."

Knoxville's grip on Maxwell's collar tightened. "I know what you're doing. You're pretending to be innocent, but I'm warning you: don't toy with her. She's someone I care deeply about."

Maxwell jerked his hand free, a smirk spreading across his face. "I'll pretend this didn't happen, but I'm warning you: keep your distance from her."

Knoxville's eyes blazed with anger.

Mr. Richardo stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Can you guys explain what's going on here?"

The tension between Maxwell and Knoxville was palpable.

Maxwell's smirk faded, replaced by a stern expression. "Nothing, just a misunderstanding."

Knoxville's voice dripped with venom. "This isn't over."

Mr. Richardo's eyes narrowed. "I think it's time we cleared the air. What's really going on?"

"Dad, it's about Electra," Maxwell said, his voice firm. "She's my girlfriend, the woman I plan to marry. She's told me about her parents' pressure to marry, but she promised to resist. Now that you know, it's time to back off. Knoxville can never have her."

With that, Maxwell turned and left, leaving the tension hanging.

He entered his room, locked the door behind him, and tried to process Electra's words. She hadn't officially accepted his proposal, so why had she lied to his family?

Confusion swirled in his mind as he pulled out his phone and dialed her number.

The phone rang, and Maxwell's anxiety grew. Why had Electra pretended to be his girlfriend? What did she really want?

As he waited for her to answer, Maxwell's thoughts raced with questions and doubts.

"Hey, Electra," Maxwell said, his tone firm but curious.

"Sorry for not picking up in time," Electra replied swiftly. "I had to slip away from my parents. They're furious."

"Electra, can you explain what happened back there?" Maxwell pressed, his patience wearing thin. "You told everyone I'm your boyfriend, but you haven't even agreed to date me."

The line fell silent.

Electra's pause stretched out, and Maxwell's unease grew.

"Electra?" Maxwell prompted, his voice softer.

"I...I needed to protect myself," Electra said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "My parents were pushing me to marry someone else. I didn't know what else to do."

Maxwell's grip on his phone tightened. "Why involve me? You really have to tell me everything"

"I'm sorry I involved you," Electra said, her voice laced with regret. "I wanted to hurt Knoxville. I was devastated to discover he's your brother."

"Knoxville is the ex-husband who threw you out that night we met, isn't he?" Maxwell's tone was measured, but his mind racing.

"Yes, he's the one," Electra confirmed, bitterness seeping into her voice. "I want him to suffer. Saying you were my boyfriend was the only way to stop him from revealing our past to your family."

"If my parents find out, they'll pressure me to forgive him and take him back," Electra continued, her voice trembling. "I'd rather die than go back to him."

"So, telling them I'm your boyfriend was the best solution you could think of?" Maxwell asked, amusement lacing his tone.

"Yes, I'm deeply sorry if it upset you," Electra apologized.

Maxwell chuckled. "I'm not sure if I'm angry. Actually, I'm kind of excited. The way you stood up for yourself... impressive."

He paused, considering his next words.

"Maybe this is fate's way of telling us something. Maybe we're—"

Electra cut him off.

"Let's meet tomorrow as planned. I'll give you my answer then. Again, I'm sorry for putting you in this situation."

"Okay, tomorrow then," Maxwell agreed, still smiling.

The call ended, leaving Maxwell lost in thought.

"I wish you'd say yes," Maxwell said to himself, a sly smirk spreading across his face. "It'd be the perfect payback. I'll make sure Knoxville feels the heat."

Maxwell's eyes gleamed with amusement, contemplating the potential fallout.

"Electra, you've unleashed a plan I never saw coming. Let's see how Knoxville handles this."

His mind racing with possibilities, Maxwell lea

ned back, eagerly awaiting tomorrow's meeting with Electra.

"The game had just begun Knoxville" He bursted into wicked laughter.