Max could now recall who Alicia was.
Emily was a fan of art and also a good artist. She tended to get excited when an opportunity to see other's work presents itself.
She would commission some, just to copy it and perfected her skills.
She wasn't really interested in buying anything at the exhibition, then. All she wanted was to have fun.
The excitement in her eyes when she stared at art works was too beautiful for Max to miss out on.
She's just too precious to him. The fact that she was innocent, makes her like the best human to him.
When they got to the venue, Max's sharp sense could feel an intense stare on him. He couldn't make out the face, but while making a side glance, he made out the colour of the lady's outfit.
She was putting on a purple gown, that has its flares kissing the floor and doesn't seem like she was there to purchase anything.
Max didn't have to look too much to detect those things.
All of a sudden, an art design of a fallen mermaid caught Emily's attention. There was a gigantic rock with a smooth oval surface protruding from the middle of the sea, while a mermaid with a pitchfork punctured into her heart laid on top of it.
Dark-red blood stained the rock and the traces of how droplets of blood tap into the water surface could be seen.
It looks sad but was very very mesmerizing. You will find it hard to look away. It piqued one interest and made you wonder about the story behind the drawing.
Max wasn't a fan of art, but also raised his brows at the beauty of it.
Before he knew it, Emily said she wanted it and pointed at it to make Max know the exact one that she was talking about.
Surprisingly, the same figure that has been staring at Max, dashed forward.
Emily has never been so obsessed with something. She let go of Max's hand and rushed towards the painting, but the lady in purple looked like she had claimed it.
Emily looked disappointed. She's not the type to argue or sulk.
Max spoke up and asked if the lady really wanted it, because his sister really liked the art.
Alicia's head snapped towards the duo. She pretended as if she just noticed them.
Max didn't care and also played along.
"Oh, sweety." Alicia gazed softly at Emily and the girl could only gave a tight smile.
She brought out her phone with a determined gaze and was about to take a picture of the art to make a copy for herself when Alicia asked her to have it.
Emily was overjoyed and thanked Alicia repeatedly, before asking Max to make the claim before someone else does.
They can't take it away immediately, anyway.
Alicia stretched her hands towards Max, but the dude refused it, but Emily quickly took the outstretched hand and shook it, giving her an excuse about how Max doesn't like too much body contact.
With a sweet smile, Alicia left the place after she introduced herself and Emily did the same, including her brother's name as well.
Max wasn't an idiot and later found out that Alicia was the artist. She drew the fallen mermaid and acted so perfectly with them.
He hated hypocritical people like her and had gotten her out of his head since then.
....
And here she was, still keeping up with the lies.
Max wouldn't have sounded so rude to the extent of saying the word, 'nonsense' if not for the fact he recalled who she is.
Coupled with how she was related to Olivia.
He was still wondering what the Smith wanted from him. He didn't wish to associate with them personally.
If it's business collaboration, then it's fine.
It seems the smith family could bring out the emotions that he thought was always under control, out of him.
He rarely lost it, but both girls are really good at poking his most irritated spots.
They annoyed him.
Alicia blinked continuously. She opened her mouth and closed it like a fish gulping on water.
"Is that all?" Max broke the silence.
"Well, I thought you will be pleased to see that we both came from the same town. Seems it will take more than that to make Mr Walker wish to know me." Alicia said, calling him with the respect that she was supposed to, since the start.
Max raised his brows at her. "Sorry?" He doesn't seem to get her point.
Being the shameless girl that she was and knowing that getting Max for herself wasn't just about her interest in him, but a mission from her father, she spoke up.
"I want to know you and also wish that you will be curious about me. We're both adults and I'm sure you understand what I mean." Alicia said and Max couldn't help but shut his eyes and let out a sharp breath.
Before he could speak up, Alicia beat him to it. "I've made a reservation for us. Let's talk over lunch."
Without saying anything, Max opened the door to his car and left, leaving her standing still with a look of bewilderment.
He could have said no or anything, but seriously?
He just left?
Alicia couldn't believe it. It felt like an indirect faceslap.
How embarrassing.
....
Max got home after a few minutes of driving.
After parking his car, he saw his boys hanging around under a canopy in the outer part of the villa, near the triangular shape pool in the building.
They were about to stand up, but he raised his hand to make them continue with what they were doing.
Getting inside the main house, Heidi who was deep in thought on how to trick Max, heard footsteps and looked up.
When she saw the expression he had on, she felt elated.
Max looked annoyed, which is a good thing. When he's angry, he finds it hard to tolerate people in front of him, not to mention engaging in a conversation.
Heidi got up and walked towards him.
Max waved for her to go away, but she wouldn't let such an opportunity go.
"Boss, your parents needed my help with something, so I'm thinking of getting your permission before...."
"Do whatever they asked." Max didn't let her finish before cutting her off with his reply and left for his room.
"Yes!" Heidi exclaimed.