142 Isaac and Max in the garden

It didn't take long for Isaac to go through everything work-related he had (because he was working in the plane on his way to Seattle), and he found himself staring intently at the nearby rose bud which was about to bloom.

That bud reminded him of Elizabeth: beautiful, innocent, yet to bloom and show its beauty to the world… helpless and depending on the mercy of a gardener who can snip it away at any time… just how Elizabeth is at the mercy of that cunning man (the one who is so close that their backs are almost touching).

Isaac clearly remembers Chris' words which are still echoing in his head: "The man is a brute. Violent. I personally saw him settle minor grudge with a fist fight… I don't know what he used on Elizabeth to make her fall into his trap, but I suspect that he might be threatening her in some way… Elizabeth didn't come to work this week, and yesterday I realized that it's because of him. I hoped that she will come today, but she didn't. I am concerned for her career and her safety…"

Isaac imagined a despicable man, like a wolf, with his claws out and sharp teeth, towering above Elizabeth who is curled up and shivering in the corner helplessly… the scoundrel leaned lower and inhaled deeply her scent while his drool dripped on her fragile body…

With every passing second, the image in his mind was getting more and more gruesome, and Isaac banged on the table in front of him angrily, startling Max.

Max turned slightly toward Isaac to have him in his peripheral view. "It seems that you have something on your mind."

Isaac sighed and pinched the roof of his nose. "I'm sorry. I am not a violent man, it's just… The most important woman in my life is in danger and I can't control myself."

Max nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling."

Isaac turned toward Max and looked at him expectantly. "You do?"

Max turned toward Isaac and offered a comforting expression. "I am not a violent man either. But when I saw the most amazing woman who captured my heart being harassed by a despicable man, I ended up punching him. I surprised myself."

Isaac nodded in agreement. This sudden burst of violence surprised him as well. Somehow, this youngster's words spoke to him and made him calm down partially. In truth, as much as Isaac is influential and surrounded with people, he does not have anyone with whom he can talk about Elizabeth.

He glanced at Max's laptop. "I apologize. I interrupted your work."

"Don't worry about it. It's my day off, I'm just doing some research."

It was a quick glance, but Isaac noticed that Max is comparing stock values of several companies over the period of five years. "Finances?"

Max confirmed. "Among other things. I'm helping my father decide on our next strategic partner."

Isaac was obviously impressed. "Helping your father? I had a dream that my daughter will work by my side and help me out, but she decided to spread her wings and leave her own mark on the mankind."

"Are you doubting her capabilities?", Max asked when he noticed that something is troubling Isaac.

Isaac denied it confidently. "No, not at all. She is young and looks naïve, but she is extremely intelligent. If there is anyone who can find a solution to a seemingly unsolvable problem, that is her. Whoever underestimates her is making a big mistake. I just hoped that she will stay by my side… for selfish reasons."

"You are not selfish if you allowed her to follow the path of her choosing.", Max voiced his observation.

"I did allow her and now… it seems that she got herself into some trouble."

Max guessed that the daughter which Isaac praised is the same one who is in trouble. He was not sure if he is overstepping but he had to ask: "What kind of trouble? Did she mess up at work?"

"No, nothing like that. It's personal. I heard that she got involved with a wrong company."

"You heard?", Max noticed Isaac's choice of words.

Isaac confirmed. "Yes. One of her friends called me. He works with her."

"That does not sound like her friend."

Isaac paused before asking: "Your meaning?"

"People don't do things without an agenda. And you said that it is a man? If he is her friend, why did he call you instead of helping her himself?"

Isaac had to agree that something is off with this situation. If Chris wants to help Liz, why did he call Isaac and tattled on her instead of doing something himself? Isn't he a grown man? "You think that he has an agenda?"

Max shrugged indicating that he is not sure. "I am just guessing. You told me that she is intelligent, not to be underestimated and a minute later you said that she is in the wrong company. Those are contradictory statements. If I am you, I would question the source of that information before I question the person I hold in such a high regard."

Isaac thought about Max's words and he has to admit that Max is right. Why did he immediately jump into conclusions that Liz is in trouble and trusted Christian without questioning Christian's agenda?

Isaac smiled. He likes this youngster. When Isaac talks to people, he finds that they are indulging him, telling him what he wants to hear out of fear not to upset him. But this young man (aka Max) does not know who he is, so he is speaking his mind and ended up giving him a great advice. If Isaac knew that talking with a stranger can be this fulfilling, he would go into parks and strike conversations with random people more often.

Isaac wants to show his appreciation to this stranger (aka Max): "What you said makes sense. I see that you are a respectable young man who uses his head wisely."

Max was not sure how to respond to this sudden praise. It's been a long time since anyone called him a 'respectable young man'. "Thank you."

Isaac saw that Max is uncomfortable and added assurance: "I am speaking the truth. If my princess would have someone like you to take care of her, I would sleep peacefully."

Max chuckled at the thought that a man wants to give him his daughter for safekeeping. Eh, if this is before he met Liz, he would ask for woman's photo and her phone number. Based on Isaac's age, Max concluded that his daughter is about his age, so… perfect. But that was before Elizabeth. Now is different. "I apologize, but I am taken. There is only one woman I will take care of and if she sees me near another one, she might get the wrong idea."

"You are proving my point." Isaac patted Max's shoulder, making Max wince in pain. "Are you alright?"

Max waved his hand, indicating that it's not a big deal. "I injured my back. That is why I am not going to work."

"Oh, I am sorry. I didn't know."

"Don't worry about it."

"My daughter is a doctor. She can check your injuries.", Isaac said with a sly smile.

Max laughed. He can't believe that the man brought up his daughter again. Shameless. "No matter what you say, you will not trick me into meeting her. I told you that I am taken."

Isaac laughed. "Well, you can't blame me for trying… Do you mind telling me about the stocks you are looking at? It will help pass the time…"

"Sure, no problem. Do you follow the stock market?"

Isaac nodded in confirmation and clarified: "My scope is narrow to health related companies."

"That is perfect." Max nudged his laptop for Isaac to see better while explaining: "These are producing medical equipment…"

…

11:56 AM

Elizabeth reached the Continental Views building.

Because Rina was driving, she dropped Liz at the front entrance before leaving with Mia.

Liz walked into the lobby and reached to get her phone with an intention to call Max and verify where he is. He told her that he will work in the garden, but knowing him, maybe he went back to the apartment. And if he did, she wants to know if he is in his apartment or hers.

While passing by, she glanced toward the reception: "Hi, Joshua…"

"Hi…", Joshua remembered her father and scrambled what to do. While Isaac was in front of him, Joshua agreed, but now that his icy-black gaze is not directed at him, Joshua does not think that it is such a good idea to allow him just to pop at Liz's doorstep unannounced.

"Miss Williams…", Joshua called.

Liz paused her steps. "Yes?"

"You have a visitor… in the garden." Joshua thought how this is perfect: Isaac gets to surprise her, and Joshua didn't let him go up unannounced.

"Garden?", Liz was confused. "Who is it?"

"He said that you will be happy to see him.", Joshua said with a smirk.

Liz narrowed her eyes at Joshua while wondering, what visitor? In the garden? Who would visit her? Brianna? No… she is in New York, and why would she wait without calling her or Mia. Who else could visit her? Mia and Rina just drove off… Hunter is at work and even if it's him (without Mia for some reason), he would join Max and not wait for her. Liz's only conclusion is that it's Max. He probably arranged some lunch thing in the garden, and he is colluding with Joshua to make it as a surprise.

Liz smiled. "OK. I will go to the garden. Thanks!"

…

Liz stepped into the garden while checking message from Mia who texted Liz with a question if they want to meet for dinner. Liz decided to talk to Max about this before responding.

She kept her phone in her purse and lifted her gaze toward the circular seating, right in front of her. Max IS there. But Liz does not see any lunch. What could be the surprise?

Her steps slowed down at the sight of a man who is talking to Max. Why does that man look like her father from the back? She is probably imagining. Her dad is in New York. With meetings and complicated surgeries and…

Max saw Liz approaching and smiled at her. This made Isaac turn toward Liz whose steps halted when their eyes met.

"Liz!", both Max and Isaac called in unison.

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