Saving the Villain

"Do you think he will come?" Cosette leaned closer to Maxen, pulling his arm slightly.

Maxen cast her a knowing look and shrugged. "Who knows?"

This was the first time the two of them attended the Quinn Holding\'s much-publicized annual gathering. At least, in this lifetime, this was the first time Cosette did.

"I thought you wouldn\'t like to come today." Her brows rose while Maxen smirked, observing the vibrance in her sparkling eyes that mirrored the chandeliers. "But it seemed you were rather excited."

"It\'s been a while since we went to a… fancy place." Cosette rolled her eyes, grinning. "And you know what\'s best? It\'s free."

Maxen broke out in laughter while shaking his head. How silly, he thought. He had worked hard to at least give the comfort Cosette grew up in. Yet, this woman would still go crazy for discounts and freebies. People would be surprised at her personality if they found out.

"You\'re right." He rocked his head. "Anything that is free is good."

"Mister Cloven!" A man\'s voice snagged Cosette and Maxen\'s attention. When they turned their heads to the source of the voice, both of them flashed a middle-aged man a smile.

Since stepping foot in the venue, many had approached Maxen. No one could blame all these people. Maxen had built his reputation and his business continuously and rapidly grew in a short span of time. Those who had made business with him adored and admired him, while those who hadn\'t were curious about this young man.

Therefore, Cosette and Maxen would have to engage with these refutable individuals. They knew this would happen before coming here, so they were aware of what they had signed up for.

It wasn\'t just Maxen, but Cosette as well.

Even though Cosette had been elusive from the social scene, her name was something one wouldn\'t forget in the upper echelon. She was the only daughter of Conrad Blac and everyone in the business industry knew about Maxen and Cosette\'s marriage.

Who wouldn\'t?

Maxen and Cosette got engaged at a very young age. Back then, many people assumed Maxen was an opportunist who manipulated a little girl. But after years of hard work, that rumor died, never heard again because Maxen had proved them wrong by establishing himself as an excellent businessman.

As Maxen and Cosette engaged with the middle-aged man they knew so well, more and more people flocked around them. Some of them were acquaintances with Maxen, while others were lucky enough to join the group. Of course, the host for tonight\'s event showed up after a few minutes.

"Ahh! There you all are!" Maynard clapped to get a certain group\'s attention. He grinned when they turned their heads, marching in their direction with open arms. "I was wondering where are all my people. Now, I understand the reason I can\'t find you."

Maynard\'s gaze fell on Maxen and then on Cosette. "How time flies. I guess I\'m not as popular as I used to be."

"Uncle." Cosette chuckled, releasing Maxen\'s arm to give Maynard a quick hug. "It\'s been a while."

"Aww." Maynard\'s lips stretched from ear to ear, holding her shoulders as he studied Cosette\'s stunning beauty. "I\'m almost crying, since you rarely accept my invitations."

"I\'m sorry, Uncle. I was just a little busy, but I might see you more often."

"I doubt." Maynard narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "How was the school?"

Cosette smiled. "It was good."

"It seemed you were happy, and that put my heart at ease." Maynard released her shoulders, shoving his hand inside his pocket. "Where\'s Conrad?"

"He said he will come." Maynard shifted his attention to Maxen when the latter answered. "Thank you for inviting us, Mister Quinn."

"Maxen Cloven. I\'m glad you came." Unlike his warm treatment toward Cosette, there was an inexplicable atmosphere between them.

Cosette\'s brows rose as she darted her eyes between the two. However, she didn\'t dwell on it as the group who were surrounding them earlier greeted Maynard with respect.

\'Did I read it wrong?\' she wondered, casting Maxen a look. Seeing that Maxen was smiling whilst engaging in a conversation with everyone, including Maynard, she threw it at the back of her head.

"Chairman Quinn, I don\'t see your son around." One man among the group pointed out after sharing a good laugh. "Won\'t they attend tonight\'s event?"

"Are you asking because you are concerned that my relationships with my sons are bad?" Maynard remarked interrogatively. "Or are you asking because you want to curry favor with them?"

"Haha! Chairman, I\'m just concerned." The man laughed nervously, observing Maynard\'s reaction. He could only sigh in relief when Maynard broke out in laughter.

"I\'m kidding! Even if you want to curry favor with them, there\'s no problem! After all, my sons were all successful and happy — just the way I want them to be! I wouldn\'t blame them if they have people wanting to get on their good sides!" Maynard\'s laughter echoed but didn\'t overwhelm the background music and chattering.

Cosette chuckled along with those old folks who had been in the industry for decades. However, she noticed how Maynard cast Maxen a quick look. She then, once again, cast Maxen a look. Maxen maintained his smile. So then again, she told herself she was noticing all the unnecessary details she shouldn\'t.

"Speaking of!" Maynard\'s clap stole Cosette\'s attention again. \'There they are! Boys!"

Maynard raised his hand, making everyone, including Cosette and Maxen, follow the direction Maynard was waving. As soon as they did, they saw two dashing men entering the venue together.

\'So, they\'re fine... just as Asher\'s said.\' Cosette mentally heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing Luke and Asher together. Her eyes softened as the two marched in their direction, sensing the warm atmosphere between the Quinn brothers.

\'It was so different back then,\' she thought, recalling the tension between Asher and Luke in their previous life. That tension was gone now. \'There\'s only one person now, then maybe I can call it mission complete.\'