Maxwell's POV
I strode into Lucas's office, my fists clenched and my jaw set. The secretary tried to stop me at the door, but I brushed past her like she wasn't even there. Lucas Clarke was sitting behind his oversized mahogany desk, reclining in his leather chair with that smug grin plastered on his face.
"Well, well, Maxwell Hart," Lucas drawled, lacing his fingers together. "To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"
I didn't waste any time. "Lucas, cut the games," I snapped. "You know why I'm here. What you've done to Ava. taking her company, her father's legacy you've crossed the line."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "Crossed the line? Oh, Maxwell. Lines are so subjective, don't you think?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "I didn't take anything. Ava simply trusted the wrong people. It's not my fault she's naïve."
I took a deep breath, willing myself not to punch him. "You manipulated her, Lucas. And you had Derek forge documents to keep the company under your name. You've built your entire career on lies."
He chuckled, leaning back again. "Ah, Maxwell. Always so righteous. It's adorable, really. But let's face it you're here playing the white knight for Ava, and we both know why."
I froze for a second, narrowing my eyes. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
Lucas smirked, a spark of malice in his gaze. "Come on, Hart. We both know you're in love with her. But newsflash this isn't some fairy tale where the hero saves the damsel in distress. Ava doesn't need saving. She needs to learn her place."
"That's enough!" I barked, slamming my hands on his desk. "You don't get to talk about her like that. Ava is ten times the person you'll ever be, and you know it."
Lucas didn't flinch. If anything, his smirk widened. "Relax, Maxwell. I'll make you a deal," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I'll give Ava back half of the company's ownership. All she has to do is agree to marry me again."
For a moment, I couldn't breathe. The audacity of this man it was staggering. "You're out of your mind," I said, my voice low and dangerous.
Lucas shrugged nonchalantly. "Am I? Let's be honest she was a better wife than she was a CEO. I think she belongs by my side, not trying to play in a man's world."
I couldn't take it anymore. "You're pathetic, Lucas," I spat, my voice seething with anger. "You're not a man. You're a coward who hides behind lies and manipulation. And if you think Ava would ever stoop low enough to marry you again, you're even more delusional than I thought."
Lucas's expression didn't change, but I could see a flicker of irritation in his eyes. "Careful, Maxwell. You don't want to make an enemy of me."
I straightened up, forcing myself to stay calm. "Oh, trust me, Lucas, you've been my enemy from the moment you hurt Ava. But don't worry. You won't win this time."
I turned on my heel and stormed out of his office, slamming the door behind me. My blood was boiling, my mind racing with everything Lucas had said.
After the heated confrontation with Lucas, I wasted no time calling my lawyer, Jonathan Greene. He was a no-nonsense type, always cautious, always calculated a stark contrast to the storm of emotions I was riding on. We met in my office later that evening.
Jonathan walked in, his suit as sharp as ever, carrying a leather briefcase. He didn't waste time with pleasantries. "Alright, Maxwell, what's this about?"
I leaned forward, my elbows on my desk. "I need your help with Ava's case. Lucas manipulated her, forged documents, and stole her company. I want to find a way to undo it all."
Jonathan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Maxwell, I'm going to be honest with you. This sounds messy. If what you're saying is true, then yes, Lucas broke the law. But this isn't just about legal issues. Cases like this? They're personal. Emotional. And people like Lucas thrive in that chaos."
I clenched my fists. "I don't care how messy it is. Ava doesn't deserve this. That company was her father's legacy, and Lucas had no right to take it from her."
Jonathan held up a hand. "I understand that. But you need to think about the consequences here. If you get involved, Lucas will come after you too. He'll dig up dirt, fabricate lies, and drag your name through the mud. Are you ready for that?"
"I don't care about my reputation," I snapped, standing up. "This isn't about me. It's about Ava. I won't stand by and let Lucas win."
Jonathan leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. "Maxwell, I know you mean well, but emotions like this can cloud your judgment. You're walking into a battlefield unarmed. And if you lose, the fallout could be catastrophic not just for Ava, but for you too."
I shook my head, pacing the room. "You don't get it, Jonathan. Lucas doesn't play fair. The only way to beat him is to be just as relentless."
Jonathan's voice turned stern. "And that's exactly why I'm advising you to proceed cautiously. Take a step back. Let the legal system do its job. Don't let Lucas bait you into making a mistake."
But I wasn't hearing any of it. My mind was made up. "Thanks for the warning," I said curtly, grabbing my coat. "But I've already made my decision."
"Maxwell, wait!" Jonathan called after me, but I was already at the door.
I turned to face him one last time. "I appreciate your concern, Jonathan. But Ava trusted me to help her, and I'm not going to let her down. I'll handle the consequences later."
Without another word, I walked out, leaving Jonathan shaking his head behind me.