354 Max returns to work again 1

Monday, January 6

9:57 AM

After more than a month-long absence, Max is back to work.

After Max's and Liz's vacation in Jamaica, the two of them spent a few days in Seattle, and then they went to New York to celebrate New Year.

Usually, Liz would celebrate with Isaac, but this time, Isaac went on a three days long vacation with Foxy. 

Liz and Max did their own thing with friends. Mia, Hunter, Brianna, and Quentin joined Max and Liz and all of them stayed at Liz's apartment. After a fancy dinner, they welcomed New Year on Times Square, watching the ball drop with thousands of other cheerful people after which they returned to Liz's apartment and played pictionary, charades, and cards against humanity, until they all passed out from alcohol and exhaustion at dawn.

At the Alpha group, while Nathan was coming to work as Max's replacement, the company ran smoothly, Irene included. She didn't make any suspicious moves and they concluded that she either does not have any hidden agenda or maybe she is waiting for some condition to be fulfilled in order to act.

They all decided that it's time for Max to return to work, with the hope that this will be enough to push Irene to reveal the purpose behind her joining the Alpha group, or to confirm that she really came here only to work.

Other than that, Max tasked Ian to dig out information related to Irene's past.

In terms of academics and work, everything looks clean. Irene either earned her current position with hard work, or she is so smart in covering up her tracks that even Ian can't find anything.

Irene's personal life is another story.

The report revealed that while Max and Irene dated, Irene dated two other guys for the duration of seven and five months, and there is a number of other relationships that didn't last more than a few days. 

Irene's every relationship had several things in common: men were from good families, good in academics and in their field of choice. It's like she was picking golden-boys with promising futures on purpose, but she never stuck around to reap the benefits of what the future with them might bring.

Irene didn't use money or power of her boyfriends, so the only thing Max could conclude is that she dated them for bragging rights. 

Max remembers reading the report and feeling stupid and relieved.

Stupid, because he didn't notice. At that time, Irene was someone who can't do wrong and he never thought of checking what she is doing when he is not around.

Max was relieved because he was not the only one. Knowing that there were dozens of other guys who fell for the same act, made him feel less stupid (at least a little bit).

Contrary to his own expectations, Max was not angry or bitter. Other than blaming himself for his incompetency to see through Irene's act, there was nothing else.

Max shared the report on Irene with Elizabeth. She read it and didn't say anything. Liz hugged Max for a long time, and that act silently told him that she supports him. 

Back to the present…

Max and Hunter are returning from their meeting and they are on their way to the next one.

Most of the directors know that Max is back, several employees saw him, and the news spread like wildfire.

More than a month ago there was a notification that Max is officially taking over as the CEO, yet other than one brief appearance, he didn't show up to work since then. Rumors started circulating that he reverted to his unpredictable behavior, and some whispered that Nathan rushed and made a mistake with his announcement so Max coming to work without Nathan to ensure Max is working seriously, raised many eyebrows.

"Welcome back, CEO Anderson…", one woman said with a smile while they waited for the elevator.

"It's great to see that you are well…", a man added.

Max responded to their greetings and well wishes.

They all entered the elevator, and the door was closing, when one hand reached in, forcing the door to open.

"CEO Anderson…", Irene greeted when she entered. "It's good to see you."

"Thank you, Director Brooks. It's good to be back."

"Are you back for good, or is this one more flash appearance?", Irene asked what other four employees in the elevator wondered.

"For good. I hope."

Irene was irritated that he is not sparing her a glance. But she will not give up easily. "CEO Anderson, I was wondering if I can have a few minutes of your time."

Max glanced at his phone before responding. "Unless you can finish before this elevator ride is over, you will need to schedule a meeting with my secretary. My schedule for the next few days is full."

"It will be only a few minutes and it's urgent."

"Urgent?" Max paused and observed her expression. "Since it's urgent, you can come to my office at noon. Those are lunch hours, so an appointment will not be necessary. Or after work, my last meeting ends at five. However, I prefer not to stay after hours, so if you can make it at noon, that would be better." Max understood Irene's smile as an agreement. "Hunter, can you make sure Foxy knows about this so that Director Brooks can come in?"

"Sure.", Hunter responded without lifting his gaze from the tablet in his hands.

Irene's confidence swelled. 'Of course, Max will make space for me in his schedule. Why did I ever doubt my capabilities?'

…

11:59 AM

In front of Max's office…

"I'm here to see CEO Anderson", Irene said to Foxy.

Foxy eyed Irene from her top to the purple folder in her hand. "You may go in, CEO is expecting you."

Irene was happy that Foxy didn't give her another 'you need to schedule a meeting' speech or 'you can't just walk into CEO's office' lecture or 'we put a lot of emphasis on protocols and security' reminder or any other nonsense that made Irene feel like a schoolgirl who is being reprimanded.

Whenever Irene got on the top floor of the HQ building, it felt that Foxy is waiting for her to give her a hard time. Other than the CEO, a number of senior directors have offices on this floor, so Irene ends up bumping at least once a day into Foxy and that traumatized her. Irene thought more than once about strangling Foxy, but she is still new and everyone at the Alpha group either respects or fears Foxy, so Irene had to keep her temper in check.

Back to the present…

After two rapid knocks, Irene opened the door and got in.

The appetizing aroma of food made Irene's tummy grumble and she scanned the office while trying to figure out from where the scent is coming, and more importantly, where is Max?

'I hope this is not another trick and I end up meeting Nathan...'

She saw Max at the corner table, arranging plates for a meal for two. Her eyes lit up. He said that she can come during lunch hours, but she didn't expect that they will be having a private lunch! Oh, this is going so much better than what she anticipated.

Irene was giddy on the inside. Why did she ever think that Max is over her? He was only putting a façade in front of others. He is still a love-stricken fool, how she remembers him.

Irene smiled and she straightened her back. That allowed her plump chest to be more noticeable. She cleared her throat with an intention to greet him cheerfully, but Max was faster.

"Director Brooks… I was not sure if you will come at this time." He didn't look at her, but the warmth in his voice was obvious.

Max placed the utensils and walked to his desk while his gaze didn't leave her face.

"Can you start with the issue that brought you here?"

Max's voice was cold and detached and Irene wondered if she imagined the previous warmth or if he was happy looking at the food. She didn't have time to think that through because he was still talking...

"I will appreciate it if you can make it quick because I don't like to talk about work over lunch. I hope you don't mind me rushing you, but lunch is a time to discuss non-work-related topics. We encourage all employees not to shorten their lunch break and to use it to relax and unwind. I personally follow that principle…"

Irene's smile widened. Regardless of his official tone, Max's words confirmed that the lunch is for the two of them and that he wants to talk about personal things over a meal. Maybe to catch up, find out if she is dating someone, and of course, to ask her to resume their relationship…

Irene didn't finish her thoughts when a sound from the side got her attention. The door opened and Irene's world stopped when she saw a person coming out.

"I thought we agreed on no work during lunch breaks.", Liz said while walking toward Max.

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