HE WAS THERE BEFORE II

Maximus hesitantly released his hold on her tiny waist as he held open the door. "You'll see when we get there."

"You're being mysterious again? I thought we've gotten past this stage."

"We can never get past surprises, little one. Come on, we don't want to be late."

She gave him a suspicious look before entering the car.

.

Matilda forced a smile as she stood from her seat and straightened out her dress. "Mr. Rowland, what is the meaning of this? Are you seriously planning on kicking us out?"

"This is outrageous! You can't seriously kick us out just because of some ridiculous policy you cooked up overnight." Sasha glared at Wesley with a frown.

The girl beside him was about to say something, but Wesley held out a hand to stop her.

"I understand this situation is frustrating, but rules are rules. As much as I sympathize, I cannot make exceptions. This is not personal; it's procedural."