Maxwell Blackwood and his little sister, Abigail climbed down the staircase, his eyes scanning the room in search of his brother. He couldn’t have Simon causing mischief here tonight.
The first familiar faces his eye met were those of his mother, Anna and her own mother. It seemed like Anna was introducing them to each other. Maxwell didn’t want to get involved in that right now, he walked past and up next was Jennifer giggling and pouring champagne with her friends.
Then to the left, Maxwell caught sight of his brother speaking to a lady, although she had her back to him, she looked very familiar. He walked down to them immediately, a frown on his face.
“You know you could have politely taken an excuse before walking out on us like that.” He growled softly, trying to hold back the anger. This was not supposed to be a big deal but for some reasons, it pissed him off.
The lady didn’t flinch or turn around, she remained rooted with her back to him, her long hair rolling against her back. Maxwell also didn’t seem to have much interest in her, he didn’t even look her way.
Simon turned to face him, looking embarrassed. “Sorry about that. I guess I am not used to having big brothers around, they all enjoy running off, so don’t you think I learnt from the best?” He said with sarcasm dripping in his tone.
Maxwell sighed, knowing he shouldn’t have gotten so mad, and his brother did have a point. “Simon…”
“Oh, and yeah, thanks for embarrassing me.” Simon added quickly, hinting at the lady he was talking to, then he walked away, his sister trailing behind him immediately. Maria Forbes had given Abigail the special task of watching Simon tonight.
Just then the lady turned around. “That is no way to treat a full grown man, Max.” she smiled evilly.
Max’s jaws dropped. “Linda?” he muttered, surprise etched on his face.
“Hello Baby,” She shit a charming smile at him but it only seemed to make his tummy grumpy.
“What are you doing here? How are you even here?” Maxwell queried with a frown on his face.
“Oh, I wrote myself a handwritten invitation and forged your signature on it. Your security fell for it.” She chuckled.
“You forged my signatures?” Maxwell asked in awe, he couldn’t believe the level she could stoop to.
“Come on Baby, I worked as your assistant for months, your signature is the least of the things stuck in my mind, the feeling of your touch lives rent free in my head.” She flirted.
“You are disgusting!” Maxwell muttered. “What do you want? Why are you so desperate to ruin my life? you know what? It doesn’t matter, you are leaving right away.” Maxwell groaned as he grabbed her wrist roughly.
“Yes Baby, you know that I love it rough.” She teased.
“Shut up! You need to go now!” he stated as he began to drag her towards the door.
Just then, they ran into Annabel and he froze. Maxwell had to quickly let go of her hand, he couldn’t help but wonder if she had misunderstood the situation. What if she thinks he was going somewhere with her?
“Oh hi birthday girl,” Linda cooed.
Anna crumpled her face and clenched her fist. She couldn’t believe this witch was here on her special day.
“Anna, I don’t know how she got in but I am going to throw her out right now, please Don’t worry about it.” Maxwell pleaded. The last thing he wanted was to create a scene here.
“Oh come on now, Honey. I just arrived, I promise I won't create any scenes, except you try to throw me out of here,” she winked at him. “Also, I like it when you grip me so tight.”
Anna groaned, holding back the rage. “Actually Max, it is a happy day, so why not let the devil stay?” she suddenly smiled.
Maxwell Blackwood furrowed his eyebrows, confusion in his eyes. “Sorry, what? You know that it is a terrible idea, she is going to create mayhem and mess this party up, that is her only reason for coming here.”
“Oh come baby, don’t make me look like the devil, remember when we used to be lovey dovey, you used to think of me as an Angel.”
“Shut up, I don’t want to hear your voice.” Maxwell warned.
“You mean except when I am screaming your name, honey?” she smirked at him.
“Ughh! Fine, if you want her to stay. But I warn you, this is a very bad idea, she would ruin everything. You best keep an eye on her, if she messes things up tonight, I would make sure she pays dearly for it.” Maxwell threatened, not wanting to even look Linda in the eyes.
He knew how manipulative she could be but he wanted to respect Anna’s decision anyway. He grumbled to himself as he walked away, he still needed to fix things with his brother, and who knew what Linda could have said to him?
“Brave girl huh?” Linda taunted as she stepped closer to Anna. “You can see he still wants me, you saw the way he reacted when I reminded him of the memories we created.” She poked.
Annabel smiled and folded her arms. “Yeah, don’t think you scare me, you will have to try harder.” She retorted.
“Ha!” Linda chuckled. “I am sure you received my message, hope we won't have a problem?”
“What message?” Anna asked with a smile. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Don’t act smart with me, I mean every bit of the things I said in that message.” Linda uttered.
“I already told you that I don’t know what message you are speaking about. But why don’t you clarify me? Tell me, what does this message of yours say?” she asked with a little grin.
“Oh I will repeat it even if you didn’t ask. Stay away from Maxwell Blackwood, he is mine. Listen very clearly, you have just four days to leave the city, I don’t care how you are going to do it, but if you don’t… I am going to find you, and I am going to kill you, Annabel Joseph.” She threatened in a deep voice, her tone laced with bitterness and hatred.
“Great… Enjoy your evening.” Anna said with a broad smile and then turned to leave.
“Of course, Hun… It will be a beautiful evening.” Linda muttered to herself as she rolled the bubble gum in her mouth. She had great plans for tonight, it would be glorious!
TBC!!