Chapter 32

Author Electra pulled up to Richardo's grand estate, the soft glow of the evening lights casting an inviting ambiance. She took a deep breath, steadying herself for the meeting ahead, as she parked her car outside the imposing entrance. Stepping out onto the paved driveway, the crunch of gravel beneath her heels echoed through the stillness.

As she shut the car door, the sound seemed to punctuate her resolve. With determined strides, Electra approached the entrance, where a smartly uniformed guard stood watch.

"I'm here—" Electra began.

The guard's knowing smile cut off her introduction. "Welcome, ma'am. Sir Maxwell already informed me of your arrival. Please, go right in."

With a courteous bow, he stepped aside, gesturing toward the open door. Electra's eyes flicked to the guard's name tag – Jenkins – before she nodded her appreciation.

As she entered the mansion, Electra was enveloped by the opulent décor and the soft hum of classical music.

As Electra navigated the familiar hallway, her heels clicked on the polished marble floor. She was headed toward the living room when Knoxville emerged from a adjacent corridor, his PA trailing closely behind. Their paths crossed, and Knoxville halted abruptly.

"Electra," he said, his voice low and cautious.

Electra's smirk was a masterclass in sarcasm. "Hello, Knoxville," she drawled, her tone dripping with disdain.

An awkward silence hung between them, thick with unspoken tension.

"You came," Knoxville stated, his eyes narrowing.

Electra scoffed, her laughter barely above a whisper. "I came to see my boyfriend – your half-brother," she spat, her smile twisted and menacing.

Knoxville's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. The air seemed to vibrate with animosity.

The PA shifted uncomfortably, sensing the hostility. "Sir, shall I—"

Knoxville raised a hand, silencing his aide. "I'll handle this."

Electra's eyes flashed with challenge. "I'm sure you will."

Knoxville's eyes narrowed. "Are you serious about dating Maxwell? I thought you were just trying to make me jealous."

Electra's chuckle was low and husky. "Did you think I was joking? Why would I lie about something so important? You're my ex-husband, and I'm done with you."

Knoxville's face twisted in frustration, but before he could retort, Maxwell appeared, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, babe," Maxwell called, striding toward Electra.

Knoxville's fists clenched, his anger simmering just below the surface. As Maxwell wrapped his arms around Electra, pulling her close, Knoxville's eyes blazed with resentment.

Electra's eyes locked onto Knoxville's, her gaze daring him to react. Maxwell's lips brushed against her cheek, and Knoxville's jaw tightened, his face reddening.

"Maxwell," Knoxville growled, his voice barely contained.

Maxwell's smile widened, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Knoxville. Always a pleasure."

Maxwell's voice was low and intimate. "Babe, let's head to my villa."

He grasped Electra's wrist, his fingers wrapping possessively around her skin. As they strolled away, Knoxville's anger boiled over.

Knoxville's face darkened, his eyes blazing with resentment. "Let's go back to my house," he growled.

Henry, his PA, cleared his throat. "Sir, I thought you wanted to speak with your dad before leaving?"

Knoxville's pace quickened, his long strides devouring the distance to the door. "That can wait. I can't stand here for another minute."

Henry hastened to keep up, his voice measured. "Shall I schedule a meeting for tomorrow, sir?"

Knoxville's response was curt. "I'll handle it."

As they exited, the door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving Maxwell and Electra to their own devices.

The tension between the two departing figures was palpable, Knoxville's fury and frustration echoing through the hallway.

As they arrived at Maxwell's villa, Electra gently extricated her hand from his grasp.

"Sorry for pulling away like that," she apologized, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of embarrassment and unease.

Maxwell's smile was warm and understanding. "No need to apologize, it's okay. I should have let go sooner."

He took the blame, his expression softening.

"Did you know Knoxville was going to be there?" Electra asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Oh, I really didn't know until a few hours ago," Maxwell said, forcing a smile. "I couldn't call you back to tell you not to come"

His expression conveyed regret, but his thoughts betrayed a different motive.

"You must have felt awkward," Maxwell apologized, his voice sincere. "I'm truly sorry."

Electra settled into the plush couch, her expression serene.

"I wasn't angry," she said, her voice calm. "In fact, I'm happy he witnessed this."

Maxwell's eyes locked onto hers, gratitude shining in them.

But beneath his contrite facade, Maxwell's thoughts revealed a calculated maneuver.

"I'm sorry, Electra," he silently admitted. "I knew he'd be here. I invited you to provoke his jealousy, exploiting his lingering feelings for you. You're his weakness, and now, my leverage."

As Electra's gaze met Maxwell's, she remained unaware of the hidden dynamics at play.

"Maxwell, I wish you could forgive me," Electra thought, her expression masked. "I'm not truly interested in dating you; it's all about making Knoxville pay for his betrayal. He cheated on me with my best friend and divorced me without hesitation. Now, he thinks he can waltz back into my life after five years? The nerve!"

Electra's inner turmoil contrasted with her calm exterior.

Maxwell, oblivious to Electra's thoughts, smiled warmly. "What would you like to eat? Are you in the mood for something homemade or shall we order in?"

Electra's gaze drifted, her mind still simmering with resentment toward Knoxville.

"Surprise me," she said finally, her voice even.

Maxwell nodded, his eyes sparkling. "I'll whip up something special."

As Maxwell headed to the kitchen, Electra's thoughts lingered on Knoxville.

"He thinks he can just reappear and expect forgiveness? I'll show him the true meaning of heartache."

"Done!" Maxwell announced, emerging from the kitchen with a warm smile.

He expertly arranged the dishes on the table, the aroma of savory delights wafting through the air.

"Come, let's eat," Maxwell said, beckoning Electra.

She rose, her eyes scanning the beautifully set table.

"Hmm, such a caring man," Electra mused, her smile genuine. "This will be the first time a man has cooked for me in five years and some months."

Maxwell's curiosity was piqued. "Who was the last man to cook for you?" he asked, his voice soft.

The question hung in the air, and Electra's smile faltered.

An uncomfortable silence descended, like a veil of secrecy.

Electra took a deep breath, her eyes darting away.

She swiftly picked up a spoon, focusing on the food.

Maxwell sensed a painful memory lurking beneath her hesitation.

His expression turned empathetic, but he didn't press the issue.

Instead, he gestured to the meal. "Did you like it." He asked, and she nodded pos

itively.

"You're a good cook, you have you way of winning a woman heart, I really commend your skills, who taught you how to make this?"