Chapter 479 - The Symposium (5)

Liz was happy that their food arrived, and she hoped that it will provide a temporary distraction.

She knew what Max was doing, and even though she would prefer to avoid conflicts and have lunch in peace, she also knew that Max was right. What was the problem in Dr. Snow acknowledging that he knew how she will be presenting? When someone you know is on the stage, it brings a sense of familiarity and it's not shameful to say that one is supporting friends and coworkers. It would not be a big deal if he didn't try to conceal it clumsily and now it really appeared like he had a hidden agenda for coming here.

Liz frowned a little while contemplating the possibility that Dr. Snow came here only so that he can meet with her. She already made it clear more than once that she was dating Max and if he missed all those verbal communications, the incident from Portland provided a demonstration of how Max and Liz are a couple and that they are solid. Would Dr. Snow openly pursue her despite knowing that he does not have a chance? Or is he having thoughts that he can break her and Max apart?

Liz saw that even though their food arrived, it didn't help much because Max and Dr. Snow were engaged in a silent stare-off like they didn't notice plates in front of them.

She cut a piece of chicken and stuffed it into Max's mouth. "Try this…"

Max didn't refuse. He chewed the meat and his lips lifted into a smile.

He looked at Liz tenderly. "It's delicious. Almost like you."

Liz felt hot like her face caught fire. What on earth did Max say? It seems that Dr. Snow makes Max turn into all kinds of crazy with Liz at the center. Now she regretted allowing Dr. Snow to join them for lunch. Ah, this will be a long lunch!

Dr. Snow's face darkened. Of course, he picked up Max's lecherous comment.

"Liz, I don't know what possessed you to lower yourself to be in the presence of such a man.", Dr. Snow said to Liz while ignoring Max. He saw Liz as a pure and honest person, a total opposite from a guy like Max, and such remarks directed her way were definitely not appropriate. "Why are you allowing him to degrade you like that? Don't tell me that you are fine with this."

Liz exhaled sharply. "Honestly, Chris… it's none of your business. We used to be coworkers and I am happy to be your friend, but only if you don't cross the line."

She saw that Dr. Snow pressed his lips into a line and took that as a sign that he understood her message. Next, she turned to Max. "As for you, please, keep our interaction to a polite one in front of outsiders. I don't want others to know what is going on behind closed doors. Understood?"

Max gave himself a silent thumbs-up. He knew that Liz was scolding him, but she called Dr. Snobby an outsider, and that was worth it.

Max put on his best puppy-eyed look. "I apologize, my love. I don't know what came over me."

Liz was unable to be angry at him. She loves him too much, and she knew that Max feels territorial when Dr. Snow is around. Besides, he didn't do anything outrageous other than calling her delicious. If Dr. Snow was not there, she would giggle at that remark and find him to be playful and cheeky so… if anything needs to change, that is: Dr. Snow needs to go. But she didn't want to chase him away as long as he behaves.

Liz wanted to put an end to their childish behavior. For now, at least. "I will assume that both of you can be grownups and put your differences aside. I came here to deliver a presentation in a little over two hours and I hope that you can support me. Or at least don't distract me. OK?"

Both Dr. Snow and Max nodded in agreement and the rest of the lunch passed in silence.

After lunch, they headed for the main hall where presentations were held.

Max gritted his teeth when he saw Dr. Snow shamelessly sticking to them.

The fact that Max was holding Liz around her waist close to him, didn't bother Dr. Snow at all.

Dr. Snow was determined to show Liz who is a better man between the two and whenever Max would say something Dr. Snow would chant internally to calm down. Just the sound of Max's voice was irritating.

Unfortunately, Liz found herself in the middle of it. She didn't understand why Max is so insecure. They are dating and he knows that her heart belongs to him. On the other hand, Dr. Snow was sending mixed signals right in front of Max, and she wondered why he can't tone it down.

Considering the situation, Liz would probably react somehow, but her mind was on the upcoming presentation and she had no energy left to deal with two man-babies.

Liz decided that if they end up fighting, the security will take care of them and Liz will pretend that she has no idea who Max and Dr. Snow are.

The presentations went one after another, and in Liz's opinion, it was too fast.

Liz was sitting between Max and Dr. Snow, acting as a barrier to prevent them from bickering.

She sent her latest set of slides to the organizers that morning, so for the presentation, she didn't need to bring anything other than herself.

"You've got this…", Max encouraged Liz when she received a text message that it's time for her to go backstage. The presentation before hers was ongoing and if she delayed further it would impact the schedule. "We practiced many times and I know that you are ready."

"You will do great…", Dr. Snow added.

Liz nodded nervously and let out a long exhale. She gave Max a quick kiss and walked away while holding onto the backrests of the chairs in the row in front because her legs were wobbly.

When Liz was out of sight, Max shot Dr. Snow a smug glance.

"What's with that look?", Dr. Snow asked grumpily.

"What look?"

"You are like a fox that stole eggs."

Max shrugged. "At least I have balls, and you have none."

Dr. Snow's eyes nearly bulged out in shock. No one ever insulted him like that. "What are you, a high schooler?"

Max chuckled. "Don't question my age, when you are acting like a toddler who does not accept the rule which says how he can't play with toys that don't belong to him."

"Why are you comparing Liz to toys?"

Max shook his head. "Don't put this on me, man. It's all you."

Dr. Snow didn't get it. "What me?"

"I used a stupid analogy because you can't understand the hints that a normal grownup would get."

"Like what?"

"Like… Liz is with me. Get over it and get lost.", Max said matter-of-factly.

Dr. Snow snorted. "She is with you only because you tricked her."

Max shook his head. "Think what you want. Nothing will change the fact that my Liz does not want to be with you."

"She is a pure and honest woman. You manipulated her to see a perfect guy when only a sinner exists."

"Is that what you think? If you realize that her feelings for me are true, will you back off? How about you go and expose me? Tell her whatever you think of me and see how that will go."

Dr. Snow sneered. "Do you think that I'm stupid? No matter what I say, I will be a jealous third wheel."

"Well, well...", Max said. "At least you know that you are a third wheel. So, what is your strategy, Einstein? You will stick to us? You realize that this conference thing will be done tomorrow and then I will be gone with Liz, away from you."

"I don't need to show her that you are not good for her. I will show her that I am better.", Dr. Snow said smugly.

Max stifled a laugh even though he wanted to punch Dr. Snow. "Fine. I will be watching."

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