Chapter 18: Meeting Max

Aron and Rosie stepped out of the car, their eyes meeting the unfamiliar figure of a middle-aged man in a butler's uniform, standing at attention near the grand entrance. His demeanor was welcoming, yet formal, his sharp eyes observing every detail.

"Hello, Young Master. Good to see you," the butler greeted with a smile, his voice carrying a polite warmth.

Aron returned the smile, instantly sizing him up. "Nice to meet you as well. I assume you're my father's new butler?"

The man nodded, his posture slightly stiff with pride. "Yes, young master. My name is Torvis. After Sir Daniel was assigned to your service, Master Max personally selected me."

Aron gave a knowing nod, recognizing the honor in Torvis' words. To be handpicked by Max Hammer was no small feat; it meant trust, loyalty, and the highest standards.

Torvis' gaze shifted briefly to Rosie, standing quietly by Aron's side. "And may I ask, who is this young lady?"

Aron's mischievous grin flashed for a brief second, his playful nature revealing itself, but only Rosie caught it. "She's my nurse. After the accident, I moved her from the hospital to oversee my recovery."

Rosie blushed, her face turning a shade of red as she looked down, quickly regaining her composure. "Nice to meet you, sir," she said softly.

Torvis nodded in return, his formality never wavering. "Master Max is waiting for you, young master. Please, follow me."

As they ascended the grand staircase, Aron noticed the house was more active than usual. Maids were bustling about, something that hadn't been the case a year ago. The mansion, as beautiful as ever, still had its grand decorations and photo frames of Max Hammer lining the walls. Yet the air felt different—heavier.

"What's going on here?" Aron asked, his voice low but curious. "Last time I was here, there was only one maid."

Torvis paused momentarily before responding, his voice tinged with a sadness he tried to suppress. "Young Master, you'll soon know everything."

Aron's eyes narrowed slightly, his instincts telling him something significant was happening, but he stayed silent, following Torvis down the ornate corridor. The mansion, though still breathtaking with its expansive walls and artistic decor, felt more somber, like the grand structure was hiding a deeper story.

Rosie, on the other hand, looked around in awe. The luxury, the elegance—it was far beyond anything she'd ever seen, even more opulent than Aron's mansion. She marveled at every detail, almost forgetting the tension in the air.

Finally, they reached a door at the end of the hallway. Torvis knocked gently and spoke in a clear voice. "Master, I have brought young master."

A mature, deep voice responded from within. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal a large, dimly lit room. Max Hammer, once a towering figure of power and strength, lay on the bed with a newspaper in hand. Surrounding him were three nurses, tending to him with careful attention. Aron's heart sank slightly at the sight—his father, who had always been larger than life, now seemed diminished.

Without a word, Aron approached the bedside and sat down in silence. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, the room filled with an unspoken tension.

Max's voice broke the stillness. "I thought you'd come in here demanding answers. But you didn't." His voice was strong, but there was a hint of surprise. "You've grown more mature."

Aron looked at his father, his voice barely above a whisper. "What happened? When did this start?"

Max sighed, his face softening as he responded. "It's nothing. Just the problems that come with old age."

Aron wasn't convinced. "I know how fit you were, dad. This isn't just age."

Max sighed deeply, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and resignation. "Don't worry about me. I called you here today for a reason. I've heard about your progress from Daniel, and I think it's time you got what you deserve."

Aron's eyes widened slightly, barely believing what he was hearing.

Max continued, his voice steady but filled with pride. "I'll be transferring the company rights to you soon. It's time for you to take over. I trust you'll take it to even greater heights."

A rush of emotions surged through Aron—pride, disbelief.

Aron's suspicion deepened as his father's words confirmed what he had already begun to fear—something serious had happened to Max's health. But he knew better than to press his father further. If Max Hammer didn't want to share something, no amount of questioning would force it out of him. Aron would have to rely on Daniel, his father's most trusted butler, to uncover the truth.

Shifting the conversation, Aron asked, "Father, where are mother and Justin?"

Max's expression darkened, his strong features betraying a moment of vulnerability. "I didn't want your mother and brother to see me like this, so I sent them to stay with her father. They shouldn't have to witness me in this state."

Aron nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him. "If there's anything you need, Father, just tell me. I'll do whatever I can."

Max hesitated, then spoke with a rare softness, "Aron, if you can… I hope you'll look after your younger brother, Justin. I know I haven't been there for you as much as I should've in recent years, but everything I did was for a reason. No matter what, you're still my son. Now, I need you to focus on growing the company."

Hearing those words, Aron fell silent. A single tear slipped down his cheek, a surprising display of emotion from someone whose soul no longer matched the body he inhabited. But in this moment, he couldn't deny the deep, complex feelings that lingered from the original owner of this life. His love for Max was still real.