Chapter 25 : Max acting funny, a rescue mission

"What was that for?" Mr. Levy asked with a smile, leaning casually in his chair.

"Why are you here?" Mr. Warren snapped, glaring at him furiously.

Levy chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension. "Wait, why did you insist on buying her a new dress when I said I would do that?" he asked. "Don't tell me the mighty Mr. Max Warren III is now trying to show some..."

"Tell me why you are here!" Max interrupted, his words sharp with barely contained anger.

"Were you scared I was going to take this one away from you again?" Mr. Levy said, chuckling once more. "You know, I've seen the way you look at her. It's almost... sweet."

"I have no taste for commoners. She is not my type," Max said arrogantly, his jaw tightening, his voice cold and dismissive. "Don't flatter yourself, Levy."

Mr. Levy nodded his head, a smile spreading across his face.

"Hey! What's funny?" Max said, clear frustration in his voice.

"If you want her, you can have her," Max added, flipping his files.

"This conversation is over. Stay out of my business. If you don't have anything better to say, you may leave my office," he added, his tone dripping with disdain.

"It was nice paying you a visit," Mr. Levy said with a chuckle as he walked away.

…..........….

"How did you get yourself soiled up like that? Watch yourself when you're eating," Mr. Moon said as he entered Mara's office.

"I'm sorry," Mara said, slightly bowing her head in embarrassment as she tried to cover up the stain.

"Mr. Warren asked me to bring this to you," Mr. Moon said, handing her a neatly folded outfit.

"Huh, for me?" Mara said, pointing to herself in surprise.

"Yes, yes. You can't go to the meeting looking like that," Mr. Moon replied.

"Oh, right, thank you!" Mara said with a grateful bow before hastily rushing out to change.

Mara entered Max's office, feeling awkward as she stepped inside after knocking.

Max sharply looked up and then brought his head down as Mara approached him.

"Thank you, Sir," Mara said with a smile, as she tried to hide her nervousness.

"You're welcome," he replied curtly, his eyes briefly scanning her new outfit. "Make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Yes, yes, I will, Sir," Mara said loudly, stumbling over her words as she nodded briskly. "I appreciate your help," she added.

Max simply nodded as he returned his focus to the documents on his desk.

With a deep breath, Mara turned to leave, but Max called out.

"Hey you, come back here," he said as he slammed the document on the desk and stood up.

Startled by the loud slam, she turned immediately, her eyes wide open with fear.

"Yes, sir?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

"Are you that clumsy?" he said, his expression stern.

Mara swallowed hard. "I... I am sorry, sir. It was an accident. I didn't mean to be careless," she said, her head lowered in shame.

"And why would you want to take a dress from a stranger? Unbelievable," Max said, chuckling with disbelief. "You always seem to shock me; I can't believe it."

Mara glanced up at him. "I am sorry... sorry," she added, her head still lowered.

"Sorry my foot," Max retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You seem to always use this word without even meaning it. Do you even know who he is? And..."

"Yes, yes, I know him," Mara cut him short. "That was the great, powerful, sexy, and handsome Mr. Nicolas Levy," she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Max's expression shifted to one of jealousy, gulping hard, his brows knitting together as he tried to keep his composure. "And what about me?" he demanded.

"Huh? Excuse me?" Mara responded, leaning her head forward in confusion.

"I mean, what about me?" Max said louder, his annoyance clear.

"Well... well..." Mara stammered, pausing as Max's gaze bore into her, waiting for an answer.

"Yes, yes, continue," he urged, his impatience growing.

"You are just Mr. Max Warren III," Mara finally said.

"How rude," Max muttered, his frustration evident. "Just what do you mean 'just'? Tell me, huh?" he demanded as he walked closer to her.

Mara slowly took a step back, her eyes widening. "I didn't mean it like that, sir... I just..." she said, looking away.

"Then explain yourself," Max interrupted, his eyes narrowing as he waited for an answer.

"You are the hardworking Mr. Max Warren III," Mara said, forcing a smile. "The hard worker," she added softly.

Max scrutinized her, his gaze moving up and down. "Just leave. My blood pressure might rise just from hearing you talk."

"Sure, sure," she said hastily as she turned to leave, her steps quickening until she reached the door. With a slight pause, she turned back to face Max.

"Thank you for the dress, Hardworking Mr. Warren III," Mara said as she slightly giggled, then swiftly exited through the door.

Max turned his head, his brows furrowing in confusion and disbelief. He paced back and forth in his office, his hands running through his hair.

"What just happened?" he muttered to himself as he tried to make sense of Mara's behavior.

"Did I just get roasted by a mere employee?" Max chuckled breathlessly to himself, but his amusement was laced with a hint of disbelief.

"Sexy and handsome, my foot, that ugly thing," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head in mock indignation. "One can't even look at him for three minutes," he continued, scoffing at the idea.

"How could she say that? Doesn't she see how handsome and good-looking I am? I guess she is blind," Max said as he paced around, his mind racing with thoughts as he walked to his office wardrobe.

"Just look how handsome I look even just by frowning," he said as he critically examined himself…

…................

"It seems our little Miss Trouble came prepared today," Kate remarked as she approached Mara in the hallway.

"A new outfit," she said, glancing down at Mara.

"I think she did," Cleo added, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Thanks to you, I met my idol today," Mara said with a smile.

"What nonsense are you blabbering?" Kate replied, clear annoyance in her voice.

"If you'll excuse me, I have a meeting at The Ocean's Hotel," Mara said with a slight bow before walking away confidently.

"Huh, did you hear what she said?" Cleo whispered to Kate, nudging her arm.

"She's taken your place. You're the one who always goes to those meetings. Oh my, oh my, the worst has happened," Cleo added.

Kate's eyes narrowed with fury as she processed Cleo's words.

"Do something, or you'll lose your power in this company. No one will remember your hard work," Cleo urged, shaking Kate's arm slightly.

Kate's expression hardened as she watched Mara disappear down the hallway.

…..........…

Arriving at The Ocean Hotel, she was stunned by its beauty.

"Whoa!" she exclaimed as her eyes darted around, taking in the luxurious surroundings.

"I feel like I've stepped into a fairy tale," she said, smiling brightly.

She gazed at the crystal chandeliers sparkling like stars in the daylight streaming through the large windows.

Her feet clicked on the polished marble floors as she wandered further into the space.

Approaching the reception desk, where a friendly attendant greeted her with a warm smile.

"Welcome to The Ocean Hotel, how may I assist you today?" the attendant asked politely, still smiling.

Mara hesitated for a moment, taking in the luxurious surroundings. "I-I have a meeting here," she said, stammering as she suddenly felt out of place amidst such opulence.

Here's a revised version with corrected grammar and readability:

The attendant nodded. "Of course. May I know your name, please?" she asked.

"Mara... Mara Carter Castillo, representing Delalify Technically Company," Mara replied, her voice a bit uncertain.

The attendant typed something into his computer, then looked back at Mara with a smile.

"Yes, Miss Mara. Your meeting is on the 12th floor, Room 1205. You can take the elevator just around the corner to your left. Enjoy your stay," the attendant said, smiling.

"Thank you," Mara said as she headed towards the elevator.

As the elevator doors parted on the 12th floor, Mara stepped into a hallway adorned with plush carpet and exquisite artwork.

"Are you Miss Mara Carter Castillo?" a voice inquired.

"Yes," Mara replied with a smile.

"The meeting room is this way," the voice directed.

"Sure, thank you," Mara said. Her eyes darted around at the array of dishes and wine presented. As soon as the man left, her restraint vanished. "Feast time!" she exclaimed, her hands diving into the spread with excitement.

She shoveled a mouthful of canapés into her mouth, barely chewing as she continued with reckless abandon.

Grabbing another piece of sushi, she moaned with pleasure. "Mmmmmm," she exclaimed between bites, her voice muffled by the food. "Oh my," she muttered, her eyes widening in delight and disbelief. "This is incredible. One of the best sushi I have ever had in my entire life. The chef needs to drop the recipe ASAP," she said loudly, her eyes sparkling with glee as she reached for a glass of wine, smoothly guzzling it down.

She belched loudly, making a noise as she continued to eat. Each bite exploded on her taste buds. In her haste, a piece of food lodged in her throat, and Mara's eyes bulged as she choked. She hit her chest, her face flushing red.

"I almost passed out," she said with a deep sigh, then kept on eating.

…............

"Come here, come here," Mr. Warren said as he walked in on Mr. Moon holding a meeting.

Mr. Warren paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair in frustration. Mr. Moon rushed out of the meeting room, concern etched on his face.

"Sir, is there a problem?" Mr. Moon said.

Max halted abruptly. "Tell me, Moon... Am I not handsome?" Max asked, leaning closer for an answer.

Mr. Moon blinked briskly in surprise. "Uh... excuse me, Sir?" he said.

"You heard me. Am I not handsome and... you know, sexy?" Max said.

Mr. Moon's eyes widened as he struggled to suppress a grin.

"Well, Sir, you certainly have a... unique look," Mr. Moon said, looking away.

"Unique look? What does that mean?" Max asked.

"It means you stand out, Sir. Very memorable," Mr. Moon said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Memorable? That's not what I asked! Do people find me attractive?" Mr. Warren said.

"Oh, absolutely, Sir! People are always talking about your... confidence," Mr. Moon said with a nod.

"Confidence? What about my looks, Moon?" Max said, raising an eyebrow.

Taking a deep breath, Max paced back and forth before walking closer to him again. "You're not answering my question, Moon," he said.

"To be honest, some might say you're... ruggedly handsome. Like, uh, a tough hero in an action movie," Mr. Moon said, smiling awkwardly.

"Ruggedly handsome? You mean... rough around the edges... How is that when I'm not always at the gym working out?" Max said, confused as he looked at himself in a hallway mirror.

"No, Sir! I mean, you have that... powerful, mysterious aura, like a lion!" Mr. Moon said, stifling laughter.

"A lion? Really?" Max said.

"Yes, Sir! Majestic and commanding. Definitely attractive in your own right," Mr. Moon said.

Mr. Warren stopped pacing as he considered it.

"A lion, huh? Not bad, Moon. Not bad at all," Max said, smiling slightly as he tried to roar.

"Absolutely, Sir. You're the king of the jungle," Mr. Moon said, smiling back.

"Alright, back to work. And, Moon?" Max said.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Good job with the meeting. Keep up the good work," Max said.

"Thank you, Sir," Mr. Moon said with a slight bow.

"Uh-huh, have you sent our representative to represent us for the conference meeting?" Max asked as he turned away.

"Yes, Team C is representing us this year, and Mara was the chosen person," Mr. Moon informed Max.

"What?" Max exclaimed, his eyes widening. "And will Mr. Levy be there?"

"Yes, he's hosting the conference meeting this year," Mr. Moon confirmed.

Max raised his hands in the air, tightening his fists before bringing them down decisively. "Get my car ready. She can't go there looking that pretty."

"Huh? Sir?" Mr. Moon responded, confused.

"I mean, she can't go there all by herself," Max clarified loudly.

"Okay..." Mr. Moon said, still uncertain.

"Get the car ready," Max repeated urgently. "We need to go there and rescue her from that man."