Chapter 29: Weak Demands

Abigail’s POV

Max’s question lingered in the air, his voice tight and unconvincing. “So, how did you end up having dinner with Charles?” His eyes held a familiar look—suspicious but masked with a thin veneer of casualness.

I took a deep breath, determined not to let his probing get under my skin. “Charles is a partner in our company, Max. He helped me resolve a rather complicated situation, so I offered to take him to dinner. That’s all.” I kept my voice calm and steady.

Max nodded, offering a stiff smile. “Sure. Of course.” His response sounded hollow, more of an automatic reply than anything genuine.

He didn’t believe me—that much was clear. But whether he did or didn’t was his problem, not mine.

Blake, leaning against the table nearby, couldn’t resist chiming in. His tone was sharp, laced with the kind of sarcasm he used whenever he felt left out or unsettled.