Chapter 124

Alexander, nestled in Granduncle Frederick's arms, peeked at Maxwell who had been staring intensely at him.

The little boy blinked in confusion, feeling slightly intimidated by the unfamiliar gaze. He quickly buried his face against Granduncle's shoulder, seeking comfort.

The prolonged attention made Alexander visibly uncomfortable.

"Come here, give your uncle a hug!" Maxwell extended his arms toward the child.

Alexander didn't recognize this man and disliked the strange look in his eyes. He stubbornly kept his face hidden, refusing the invitation.

Frederick chuckled and explained, "Alexander, this is your uncle Maxwell."

"But I've never met him before," the child thought, peeking again at the intimidating man with sharp features.

"He's family, my own son. Don't be scared - if he dares upset you, I'll personally deal with him," Frederick assured before transferring the reluctant boy into Maxwell's arms.

Maxwell held the squirming child securely.

Alexander shot a pleading look toward his father Dominic, desperate for rescue from this uncomfortable situation.

Carrying Alexander, Maxwell approached where Dominic sat with Isabella on his lap. "Perhaps it's time I settled down and started a family too," Maxwell mused aloud.

Alexander studied his so-called uncle's face before asking bluntly, "You're not married?"

Maxwell chuckled. "No, just like your dad here. Seems no one wants us old bachelors." His smile didn't reach his eyes as he carefully examined every feature of the child's face - from the shape of his eyebrows to the curve of his chin.

After completing his inspection, Maxwell glanced meaningfully at Evelyn.

Dominic's gaze darkened as he watched his distant relatives. Casually, he asked, "Which distant cousin is connected to that female paparazzo?"

Still studying Alexander's face, Maxwell answered absently, "She's just the sister of a prison friend who helped me. Tried giving them money after my release, but she refused. Wants to make it big in the paparazzi world instead - aims to be the country's top female paparazzo."

Alexander listened intently, puzzled why this strange uncle kept staring at him even while speaking.

"Since money didn't interest her, she chose fame. Admirable dedication, though not my type," Maxwell continued, pinching Alexander's cheeks. "Then I thought - you've never had any scandals, and your assistant blocks all attempts to photograph your private life."

He gave Alexander's face another squeeze. "This kid's adorable," Maxwell remarked before releasing him and leaning back. "Exposing the mighty T Corporation CEO's private life would skyrocket her career overnight. Guaranteed fame in the industry."

Dominic raised an eyebrow. "If she's not your type, what kind of woman is?"

Earlier, Dominic had received a call from Frederick. The old man wanted to express his sorrow over the difficult years during Maxwell's imprisonment, how it aged him prematurely.

Finally seeing his son free, Frederick only wished for Maxwell to reform and settle down. At over thirty, it was time to abandon reckless ways. Marriage, he believed, would set his son on the right path.

Direct persuasion proved ineffective - too much pressure might drive Maxwell away completely. As a last resort, Frederick enlisted Dominic's help.

Dominic, himself unmarried, felt hypocritical giving marital advice. But when Maxwell broached the subject himself, Dominic considered his uncle's hardships over the past five years.

Maxwell, still studying Alexander's face, seemed to be thinking of a particular woman. He raised an eyebrow at Dominic. "Planning to introduce someone based on my preferences?"

"Care to share them?" Dominic sipped his tea elegantly.

"No specific type. Why don't you suggest someone? Preferably good with children," Maxwell said casually. "I like kids. Heard twins require specific genes - since our family has none, I'd need a woman with that trait."

Alexander perked up, proud that he and Isabella were twins - proof of their mother's excellent genes.

Dominic's fingers traced the teacup rim. His expression remained neutral, but his thoughts drifted to over five years ago.

When he learned Evelyn carried twins, he'd been mid-signature on an important document. The news from Margaret made him abandon the signature halfway.

He knew pregnancy's challenges, especially for an eighteen-year-old first-time mother carrying twins. His interest deepened. Behind the scenes, he fulfilled every spousal duty - though she remained unaware.

He never intended to force her. Yet circumstances dictated their path. Had she not become pregnant by him five years ago, she'd be suffering under another man, bearing his children to pay her father's medical bills.

His actions stemmed from both selfish desire and genuine concern. While providing treatment funds and a liver donor, he satisfied long-buried yearnings.

That Evelyn bore him twins filled him with quiet pride whenever he remembered.

"Forget it. You're clearly distracted," Maxwell noted, correctly guessing Dominic's thoughts had wandered to the twins' mother.

Alexander huffed in relief as the annoying uncle finally left.

Maxwell headed to the garage, entered his Porsche Cayenne, and sped away without explanation.

Frederick immediately called. "What nonsense is this? Everyone came to celebrate your release! How dare you leave?"

"Be back soon," Maxwell replied curtly before hanging up.

Thirty minutes later, he arrived at the mall from the photograph. Parking haphazardly, he approached Evelyn distributing flyers.

"Hello, if you have time, please take a look. Thank you," Evelyn repeated mechanically to passersby. One recipient remained stationary after accepting her flyer.

She looked up in surprise.

"Oh, it's you. If I recall correctly, you're Dominic's... ex-girlfriend?" Maxwell feigned coincidence, offering a charming smile.