Chapter 390

Miranda's eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of Maxwell.

"Aunt Lorraine, why hasn't Cousin Maxwell come home yet?" Miranda asked, her voice laced with impatience.

Lorraine let out an exaggerated sigh. "Lockwood Enterprises is drowning in debt. Your cousin leaves at dawn and returns at midnight just to keep the company afloat. There's no other choice..."

"Don't worry, Aunt Lorraine. When I go home, I'll convince my father and brother to provide financial support. That should solve Lockwood's problems." Miranda said, eager to win her favor.

Though Miranda had majored in business administration, her degree had been bought with her family's money. She knew nothing of corporate deception or ruthless negotiations.

Her father and brother had spoiled her rotten, making her believe a simple request would be enough to secure millions for Lockwood.

"What a sweet girl. Any man would be lucky to marry you."

As they spoke, Maxwell stormed in, reeking of alcohol and radiating hostility.

His sculpted frame and sharp features looked even more striking under the chandelier's glow.

"You're back!" Miranda sprang up the moment she heard the door, rushing to greet him.

Maxwell's face darkened at the sight of her. "Why is she here, Mother?"

He despised his vain, shallow cousin. His dislike had only grown after the incident at Blue Honors, where she'd humiliated him in front of Evelyn.

Ignoring Miranda's adoring gaze, he grabbed a glass from the table and gulped down water.

"Is that any way to speak to your cousin? She came all this way to visit, and this is how you treat her?"

Lorraine scowled at her son's indifference. "Drinking again? How many times must I tell you to spend time with Miranda? She just returned from abroad! Are you trying to upset me?"

Her nagging ignited Maxwell's temper. In a rage, he kicked the coffee table.

The teapot shattered on the floor, scattering shards across the room.

Lorraine's brows furrowed. "Have you lost your mind? Do you even care about your mother?"

"All I want is peace! Stop suffocating me!" Maxwell gripped his hair, collapsing onto the sofa in despair.

His voice carried a dangerous edge of suppressed fury.

Though divorced from Evelyn, her ghost haunted him relentlessly. Work and alcohol brought no relief—only a gnawing, hopeless craving.

The more unattainable she became, the more he wanted her.

Lorraine sighed as the maid cleaned the mess. "You've always been this way—throwing tantrums like a child. If your father were here, you'd be at each other's throats again... Talk to me, or confide in Miranda. She's your age—"

Miranda knelt before him. "Maxwell, is it work? Your mother mentioned Lockwood's financial troubles, but I can—"

"Enough."

Maxwell stood abruptly, shrugging his coat back on. His voice was rough with exhaustion. "I'm going out. Don't wait up."

"Where? You just got home! Are you meeting those useless friends again?" Lorraine shouted.

Miranda blocked his path. "You're staying! I'm sleeping here tonight, and you're keeping me company!"

Maxwell shoved her aside with a look of disgust.

She landed on the plush couch, unharmed but dizzy from the force.

Before she could react, the front door slammed. Tires screeched outside.

Miranda scrambled up, only to see taillights vanishing down the driveway. She burst into tears in Lorraine's arms.

The next morning, Evelyn noted Abigail's improved complexion with relief.

But the project loomed over her like a storm cloud.

Not only was it high-pressure, but also technically demanding. She doubted Abigail could handle it while pregnant.

If word got out about the pregnancy during her promotion review, the backlash would be brutal.

Abigail sensed her concern. "I'm keeping the baby, so I'll let fate decide. Evelyn, I've requested a transfer due to my condition. Another colleague will take my place. Make sure the team excels—don't let Vivi Group look down on us."

"I won't let you down." Evelyn nodded.

Abigail handed her a gray flash drive. "This contains everything—construction engineering, surveying, modern renovation case studies. It's all here."

Evelyn accepted it gratefully. "Thank you. I don't know how to repay you."

Office politics bred cutthroat competition. Colleagues rarely shared resources so selflessly.

Abigail's generosity overwhelmed her.

"You're the best colleague I've ever had." Abigail smiled. "The drive is password-protected. I'll text it to you later."