Chapter 86: Spend The Money!
It had been a while since Max had seen his new family members, and the last time they met, he hadn’t exactly walked away with a good impression of any of them. But the one who stood out the most, without a doubt, was Chad Stern. And that was before Max knew Chad had been the one to sic the entire school on him.
Now, they were going to meet again, at an event hosted by the family of his ex-fiancée. Last time, Max had barely managed to keep it together. And now that he knew the truth... he worried it might end in a complete massacre.
At that moment, Max’s hand hovered over the only suit hanging in his closet. He paused, staring at it in silence.
I don’t really want to wear this, Max thought. The last time I wore this was at his funeral... and it’s all I have left to remind me. It’d just tarnish the memory.
"We can get a new one," Aron said gently, having waited silently in Max’s room the entire time. "The event is in the evening, so we still have some time to shop. And remember, I’ll be by your side."
Aron was dependable, to say the least. But in many ways, he was also a weakness. Someone Max didn’t want to see get hurt.
"I guess it’s jogging bottoms and a hoodie for now," Max muttered as he started to get changed.
"I do want to warn you," Aron began, adjusting his cuffs, "this is a fundraising event, and because of that, there will be high-profile guests in attendance, not just members of the Stern family."
"Paparazzi, too?" Max asked as he pulled on his loosely fitted trousers. "So even more reason not to cause a scene, is that what you’re saying?"
In the middle of it all, Aron was quietly shaking his head. Max looked extremely casual. Not that it would matter in the normal world, but in the world he was about to step into, it absolutely would.
"It’ll be a double-edged sword for them," Aron said. "The presence of the press means your family members won’t be able to pull anything, at least not like last time. Which is why I’m warning you, Max. They could try to provoke you. If you slip up and cause a bad scene, it’ll reflect poorly on the Stern family. And that... will lead your grandfather to be greatly disappointed in you."
Finally, Max was ready to leave. As much as he wished he could walk into the charity event dressed like this, he knew it wasn’t an option. Even in the underworld, people had enough sense to respect someone who made the effort to appear presentable.
"Why are they even holding this charity event in the first place?" Max asked. "Didn’t you tell me the Curts family was barely hanging on by a thread?"
"That’s precisely the reason why," Aron explained. "These charity events usually include items up for auction. The wealthy overbid on base-priced items donated by sponsors, and the excess money is used to fundraise for a charity."
He folded his hands behind his back.
"It’s a good way for the rich to present themselves as doing some goodwill, get positive press, good public reports..."
"And dodge some taxes?" Max interrupted.
Aron cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Yes... there is an element of that, of course. But for the Curts family, this is also a rare opportunity. They get to present themselves in front of many wealthy individuals, people who might just be their way out of the situation they’re in. A small gesture for some can be a lifeline for others. Even you understand that."
Some memories surfaced in Max’s mind. The last time he saw Sheri, she had been trying to suck up to Chad, hoping to strengthen business ties between the families. But Max also remembered that it was because of her that he had uncovered one of the biggest holes in his memories. It was hard to say she was a bad person.
With both of them ready, they exited the apartment and headed down toward the front of the street.
"Oh, and I do have one suggestion," Aron added as they walked. "While you’re shopping for a suit... I think it would be wise for you to present a gift. It’s customary, and quite respectful, to give something to the host at these kinds of events."
"A gift... I guess she does deserve one for helping me," Max mumbled to himself. "That’s a good idea. Besides, I need to test it out anyway, see if I can actually use this money, and whether it draws any attention or not. Finally, I can put this money to good use. Who knows... maybe I’ll even pick up something nice for myself at the auction."
As Max stepped out onto the street, his hands dropped to his sides as he stared straight ahead.
"What is that ?" Max asked, blinking.
"I told you already, we’re going to a fundraising event. A member of the Stern family can’t be seen arriving in something ordinary, " Aron said as he casually stepped forward and opened the door to the car parked in front of them, a sleek, red Berrari supercar.
Max didn’t say much. He simply walked over and climbed into the passenger seat, where he caught sight of Aron putting on a pair of sunglasses, clearly pleased.
"You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?" Max muttered.
"It’s very rare I get to drive something like this," Aron replied. "Most of the cars we use are built for comfort. But you know... if you do start using that money of yours, I wouldn’t mind a gift or two like this myself."
Aron pressed down on the pedal, the engine roaring to life as the car revved, then launched forward down the street.
I hope no one sees me in this, Max thought. It’ll blow my cover. But... I guess I should enjoy the money a little.
****
The fundraising event was set at a grand manor tucked deep in the countryside. The Curts family had rented the estate for the day. A professional team was already hard at work organizing the decorations and arranging the items that would be displayed throughout the massive main ballroom.
Meanwhile, Sheri was getting her makeup done by a team of professionals, her mother standing nearby, watching her every move.
"This is it. This is it. You have to look spectacular today!" her mother, Sanna, urged. She was dressed in a deep purple gown, her body practically shimmering from head to toe in jewelry. Pearls hung around her neck, draped elegantly alongside a glowing gemstone, while heavy bracelets lined her arms, weighing them down.
Sanna was someone who cared more about image than anything else, and she made sure her daughter followed that same standard.
"Remember what I told you. You need to keep sticking close to Chad Stern, no matter what," Sanna pressed. "You’ve been doing well the last few times, winning him over, but this time, you need to make him fall head over heels for you."
"But Mom... isn’t Max going to be there, too?" Sheri asked, her voice low. "If I do that... won’t it leave a bad impression on me? People know Max and I were supposed to get married."
"Do you think that matters?" Sanna scoffed. "You need to forget about Max. Forget you were even with him. With your looks, you should be able to get anyone to do whatever you want. You’re my daughter, so I know you can do it."
She leaned in closer.
"Win Chad’s heart. You have to. It might be the only way to save our family."