What if Maxwell Williams is deadlier than I remember?

Chapter one hundred and sixty-two

"And what would that be?" Mr Hart questioned.

"We both know that you know what I mean, Mr Hart." Xander's eyes were glued to his.

Mr Hart shook his head in disagreement. "I don't think Max would do something as stupid as that. You are the one everyone knows. You are the CEO of Brookswill and Sons Company. There is no way that he'd think of doing that. You have all the support of everyone. As it stands, I don't see anyone who would dare defy you. I'm sure that he knows that it's a lost battle- a battle not worth fighting." This time, Mr Hart filled his empty glass and poured himself a drink. 

"I can't help but feel this way, Mr Hart. I don't know, I just think that he wants to make me suffer and go through hell. But what if he'd been planning this all along? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he has one or two or more of the shareholders of the company on his side. We both know that Max is quite smart." 

"Listen, Xander, you own more shares in the company. There is no way that they'll be able to win against you. Well, as long as you remain the largest shareholder in the company." Mr Hart spoke to him like he was talking to a friend. He knew that a friend was whom Xander needed right now, and he was willing to be that to him.

Xander heaved a deep breath and toyed with the half-empty glass in his hand, swaying it from side to side. He puckered his lips and bit them, and again he stared into the space.

"Alexander Williams, we both know that Max is not someone to take foolish steps. I'm certain that there is no way he'd do what you're thinking. I know that he hates your guts, and would do just anything to prove that, but not this. He'd be fighting a won battle if he does this."

"If this isn't what he means, then what could he possibly mean? I've tried to think of what he might mean by his goddamn surprise for me, but I just don't seem to get it, no matter how hard I try. So, tell me, Mr Hart, what message was he trying to pass across? We both know Max, that wasn't a bluff. He wouldn't give me a call out of the blue, after so many years, just to play some damn pranks on me." Xander blurted out, already getting worked up with the whole issue. 

"We have to think this through before coming to any conclusion, Alexander Williams. I think we should weigh out our options first. That can't be the only thing Max would be out for. I know that for sure."

"What else could it be? If it's not the company, then what other thing does he think I value so much? I can't see any other-" Xander trailed off as something dawned on him. His throat suddenly felt parched, despite the spirits he'd been gulping down his throat now and then. His eyes which were on his glass slowly found their way to Mr Hart's face and he fixed his dilated eyes on him.

"It couldn't be what I'm thinking, could it?" Xander said, his voice a little above a whisper.

Mr Hart seemed perplexed himself. 

"What are you thinking?" He asked him and Xander shook his head in disbelief. 

"What is it, Xander?" Mr Hart asked again, wondering what he might be thinking about. 

Xander snorted and took even more gulps of drink, pouring them down his throat, as though he was trying to quench his thirst. When he'd had enough, he swallowed hard before speaking again.

"This might sound ridiculous to you, but not to me. I don't know the kind of man Maxwell Williams is anymore. We've been apart for too long. Maybe Maxwell Williams is deadlier than I remember him to be." 

His heart skipped a bit before he continued. It was as though his heart was not prepared for what he was about to say. It was as though he couldn't believe also, that this could happen.

"What if he's not after the company? What if he's coming for my life instead?"