303 Isaac's birthday weekend 1

Friday

1:03 PM

Max and Liz are in the back of the cab, driving down the long driveway that has meticulously maintained landscape on each side. They are coming to visit Liz's home, and they plan to stay until Sunday evening. The occasion is: Isaac's birthday.

Liz wanted to show Max 'her New York' (how she called it) for a long time, and this is the perfect opportunity. For Friday afternoon, they will visit Isaac at work, and tomorrow evening there will be a party. Isaac usually does not have birthday parties, but because Liz is coming with Max, Isaac decided to show off. Well, not really show off, but it will be an elegant birthday party and Isaac will introduce Max to a number of his friends and partners.

Other than visiting Williams Medical Corp. and the birthday party, Liz does not have anything else decided. She has a list of destinations and based on their mood, they will pick something.

Max made a face when a magnificent building got into their sight. With the perfect landscape surrounding it, and a massive fountain in the middle of the driveway, it looked like he got transported to the 16th century Europe, and that he is visiting the royal family.

The staff was lined up at the main entrance and welcomed them in unison.

Liz smiled until her cheeks hurt and held Max's hand in hers. "Everyone, this is Maximilian Anderson. My boyfriend."

"Yes, Miss Williams!" The staff responded in unison.

Liz gave Max a short tour of the common rooms on the lower level, and then she took him into her room.

Max observed the massive bedroom and confirmed that it matches the rest of the castle-looking-mansion.

Liz noticed that Max is standing in the middle and she was not sure if he is comfortable here or not.

"I have an apartment downtown. We will go there later. Isaac insisted that we stay here for the weekend with an explanation that he is missing me." Liz explained and quickly added: "And you. No one will disturb us here, but if you want us to have complete privacy, we can go to my place anytime."

Max smiled dotingly. "Whatever you decide is fine with me. Everything is new, so I will leave it up to you."

Max is determined to behave. Their lives as a couple are in Seattle, revolving around his family, friends, work, and everything else in the world of Andersons and this is the first time for Max to step into the world of Elizabeth Williams, the woman who she was before they met. He will be obedient and not make it difficult for Liz.

Liz smiled and tugged him toward the bathroom. "Let's freshen up and have lunch. After that, we can go and visit my dad…"

~ New York, Williams Medical Pavilions ~

3:16 PM

Max and Liz parked the car and Liz took the long way toward the main building so that she can show Max the hospital.

Max can hear from Liz's tone that she is proud of her father. Well, this is impressive. And Isaac built it from the ground up. Max observed that even though they are in the city, it is very quiet. Buildings are surrounded by tall trees and parks and it looks more like some resort than a hospital. "Where are his original partners now?"

"One retired. Two are still practicing medicine. One works here and has a spot on the board as a director of Internal Medicine." Liz gestured to the left. "Let's go to the cafeteria first. They have the best ice-cream."

Max's eyebrow twitched. "Best ice-cream, in the hospital?"

Liz bobbed her head. "OK. Maybe not the best one. But it's something I ate frequently, so it's a flavor I'm used to. Do you want to try?"

Max smiled at her sudden insecurity. She is adorable. "Of course…"

…

In Isaac's office…

Isaac checked the time and wondered where Liz is. The butler called him from the home when Liz and Max departed and unless they are stuck in traffic, they should be here at any moment.

"This is the third time you are checking your wristwatch…" Ronald Sandall voiced his observation.

Isaac gave him a side-glance and smiled. "My baby will be here soon."

Ronald and Isaac are friends from medical school. Ronald is one of the four people who founded the medical institution currently known as Williams Medical corp.

At that time, Ronald was not sure if their independent venture will be successful. There were several bigger hospitals they competed against, and their future was uncertain. When the other two partners mentioned that they will be backing away, Ronald decided to join them. He assumed that this is where the four of them will cut their losses and each proceed independently, but then he realized that Isaac is confident. Ronald decided to sell his share to Isaac with a condition to stay and work here; he didn't have anywhere else to go anyway.

Over time, Ronald saw that Isaac rebranded their business as Williams Medical corp., Isaac attracted several investors and made a number of smart moves and… Ronald regretted selling his share of the company. If he didn't chicken out then, his bank accounts would be full for him and his next three generations, no matter how much they spend. Yet, now he is reduced to a doctor who practices Internal Medicine. Because Isaac and he go back a long time, Isaac gave him the position of the director of Internal Medicine.

Ronald is happy that Isaac managed to lift this medical institution to this level, but he is often cursing himself for bailing out. Of course, more than once, he suggested to Isaac to share his burden and to buy a portion of Williams Medical Corp. to which Isaac always refused with a sly smile which irritates Ronald to the point of his insides churning. And now, Ronald can't afford to buy big enough portion of the Williams Medical Corp. to make a difference but Ronald didn't give up. He will never give up because every day he looks at Isaac and he sees how that could be him. Ronald has more than one plan of how he can get his hands on the Williams Medical Corp., and one of those plans includes Liz.

"Liz is coming today?" Ronald feigned ignorance. He knows that Liz is coming because Isaac can't stop talking about it.

"Yes." Isaac beamed. "She is coming with her boyfriend."

Ronald's expression froze. "Boyfriend?"

Isaac looked at Ronald suspiciously. What's with that exaggerated reaction? "Yes. A boyfriend. They met in Seattle. I didn't realize that you are concerned about her romantic status."

Ronald cleared his throat awkwardly. "No, no… I was just surprised. Liz was always focused on her career and you are a doting father. How come you approve of her dating some random boy? Aren't you concerned that he is with her for benefits?"

Isaac ignored the part about benefits. Even if Max is not from a rich family and a future CEO of the Alpha group, as long as Max loves Liz, Isaac would not object to their relationship. After all, not many can match Liz financially or in status, and if that is a prerequisite for Liz to find a boyfriend, her choices would be extremely limited.

Isaac lifted his chin smugly. "I am a doting father, and that is why I am happy for my Liz. She was always focused on her career and I worried that she would forget to enjoy life. She is old enough for dating, and that boy is something. He has a solid background and a good head on his shoulders, and he treats my Liz like a princess that she is."

"I see…" Ronald felt panic swelling inside him. He stood up abruptly. "I just remembered that I have some unfinished business. I will see you later…"

"Tomorrow, at my birthday party! Bring Patrick along!" Isaac said excitedly.

"Yes, yes…" Ronald mumbled and walked out.

Ronald didn't pause his steps until he reached his office and closed the door behind him. He balled his hands into fists and cursed. "Damnit!"

Ronald didn't like the idea of Liz having a boyfriend. One of his plans to get his hands on the Williams Medical Corp. includes his son Patrick seducing Elizabeth! Isaac said more than once how he will leave everything to his only daughter, Elizabeth Williams. However, Ronald's son, Patrick made his move on Liz on several occasions and she never reciprocated. Isaac comforted Ronald by saying that she was always focused on her studies and career and not on romance… and now what?

Ronald told himself to calm down. Liz met this boyfriend in Seattle, so they can't be dating more than a few months which means that their relationship is still new and fragile. He will call Patrick and tell him to step up his game because this is not only about seducing Elizabeth, this is about eliminating a boyfriend as well! And tomorrow's party is the perfect occasion for Patrick to impress Elizabeth.

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