Tim frowned, confused at first why Nesa had even brought up Darno.
But as Max spoke, Tim's face gradually drained of colour.
Max explained everything, from their first hostile encounter outside, when Darno had nearly run him over, to the heated clash at reception, to how the man had mocked him and tried to start a fight.
By the time he was done, Tim's entire body was trembling with outrage.
"I can't believe it," Tim muttered, his voice low, before it rose to a thunderous shout as he slammed his hand down on the desk. "I can't believe those two would do such a thing! Such disgraceful behaviour!"
His beady eyes glared across at Nesa. "If there is anything you want to do with them, Max, I will accept it. Whatever punishment you deem fit."
"You don't have to worry, sir," Nesa said calmly, adjusting her glasses with two fingers. Her tone was sharp and efficient, but there was a glint of steel behind her eyes. "I have already fired Suzie. She knew better and still disrespected a guest.
"But Darno…" She exhaled slowly. "Darno is slightly different. Which is why I wanted to ask what you wish to do with him."
Max leaned back in his chair, resting a hand over his mouth.
In truth, it was to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
"I want to test him," Max said finally. "In fact, I want to test all of the employees here, to see who's fit to stay… and who isn't."
Tim blinked, surprised by the measured tone.
"If Darno really is as skilled as he claims," Max went on, "then there's reason for him to stay. I understand your marketing team has pushed his image hard. And I'm sure many of your older clients are still specifically booking your services because of him."
Nesa nodded faintly. That was true.
"But," Max added casually, "even if he's the best of the best… I'll be clearing him out of his room. Personally, I'd like to stay there."
Tim's eyebrows jumped. "You—? Oh."
"As a representative of the Bloodline Group," Max explained, "and with all the changes taking place, I'll need to permanently stay on-site for a while. It'll make running things smoother.
"I don't imagine that will be a problem… right?"
Tim exchanged a quick glance with Nesa.
Both of them nodded.
"Not at all," Nesa said firmly. "I'll begin the arrangements immediately."
"Good." Max stood, straightening his hoodie.
The meeting concluded soon after, and though Max wouldn't be moving in straight away, he still had valuables and personal items to bring over from Aron's place, he decided to at least check out the room now.
Nesa had assured him Darno hadn't been told yet, but that it wouldn't be an issue.
Which was perfect.
It would annoy Darno… and Max wouldn't deny it, after the man's attitude, that thought brought him a small spark of satisfaction.
As Max and Na stepped out of the elevator, the halls on this level were silent.
The air felt… different here.
Cleaner.
More refined.
It was far from the bustle and clang of the training floors below. This place was lined with polished wooden panels, soft carpet, and golden nameplates on each door.
They stopped outside the suite Nesa had pointed out earlier.
"So," Max said quietly, glancing sideways at Na, "you weren't actually supposed to follow me secretly this whole time, right?"
Na tilted his head slightly.
"I think it's best for both of us," Max added, "if we don't get an earful from Aron about what happened. I'll be staying here for a while, so you just… go.
"Now that they know who I am, there won't be any more problems."
Na gave a brief nod, then simply turned and walked off.
No argument. No lecture. No resistance.
It was strange.
Max stood there for a moment, staring after him, realizing how quiet it felt.
He was used to Aron protesting, nitpicking, trying to talk him out of his plans, forcing Max to spin elaborate excuses just to slip free of him for an hour.
Na, on the other hand, who had been forced into this role… just left when told to.
Max let out a small breath.
'I have to give him credit though,' he thought. 'He really did pull through when he needed to. Someone from the underworld… he's a strong piece to move around the board when the Bloodline Group needs him.'
Max unlocked the suite.
And froze.
"…Woah."
The room was immaculate.
It was massive, two full floors, four separate bedrooms, and a sprawling open-plan living space.
A plush sectional sofa wrapped around a glass table. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the city skyline.
The kitchen gleamed. The air smelled faintly of citrus polish.
Apparently, they had cleaning staff that came through every day.
So this wasn't thanks to Darno's tidiness.
As Max wandered further inside, his eye caught on something curious: a display shelf by the wall.
Rows of small boxes lined it like trophies.
"…Boxes of condoms?" Max muttered, frowning.
Curiosity got the better of him. He picked one up.
It was empty.
"…What?"
He picked up another.
Also empty.
"…Are these… trophies?"
He stared at the whole neat little collection for a few seconds… then slowly set the box down and backed away.
"…Yeah. Not sure I want to get to know this guy any better."
Max shook his head and chuckled under his breath.
Eventually, after inspecting the whole suite, the polished marble bathroom, the walk-in wardrobe, the private balcony, he decided it was perfect.
It was luxurious. Isolated. Secure.
Far better than trying to live under Aron's watchful, suffocating gaze.
This could be his place.
He finally stepped back into the corridor, closing the door behind him… only to halt.
Two figures stood waiting.
Max narrowed his eyes slightly.
'Those two… Johna and Mateo, right?' he thought, recalling the cocky guards from earlier who had mouthed off during training.
They looked just as surprised to see him, and more importantly, surprised to see him alone.
"Oh… Sir Max, I believe it was," Johna said quickly, forcing a polite tone. His grin didn't reach his eyes.
"Yes," Mateo added, smiling thinly. "We were looking for you. Nesa told us that we should… get you something.
"As an apology for our behaviour earlier."
Max tilted his head, expression unreadable.
At that same moment, outside the Fortis compound, Darno was leaning against a lamppost, staring up at the gleaming tower.
He had been waiting. Watching. Waiting for news. And that was when he saw him, Na, striding away alone down the street. Darno's eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses.
"What the…?" he muttered.
"Where's the red-haired kid? Is he still inside?"
He straightened, a faint scowl creeping across his face.
"I thought they told me to separate the two of them… so what's going on?"