Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I never had a change of heart about Claude, despite the few favors he did for me.

I actually found it quite laughable. Claude was always like that, indecisive, wavering between me and Kate, trying to have it all. It was sickening.

"Don't just wander upstairs; the VIP suites are reserved for the elites of Crestview Metropolis. You don't want to bump into someone important." Claude nodded toward the upstairs lounges, emphasizing the high status of the people who spent time there. Even Claude, when he glanced in that direction, seemed to be yearning for something more.

Was he aiming to replace one of those elite families?

Sure, Claude was a top-notch lawyer, but compared to the families ruling Crestview Metropolis, he was barely in the same league.

Though his uncle was Max, that connection was, at best, peripheral.

"Claudy, aiming for a spot among the elite?"

He didn't respond, just offered a faint smile.

I couldn't help but peer at the large windows of the upstairs lounge, where a figure stood that looked remarkably like Max.

Why would Max be here, in such an exclusive area?

Could Max be a part of the Hilton family? Or perhaps he held some nobler title, not just an ordinary doctor.

There was a moment when I wondered if the shirt he always wore bore the initials MH.

Using the pretense of grabbing a champagne, I made my way to the lounge where Max was. I caught him just as he was stepping out. He didn't panic or try to hide anything.

"Need something?" He looked at me, composed as ever, as if he'd expected me to seek him out.

"Dr. Hilton, what brings you here?"

"And you? What's your reason for being here?"

He threw the question back at me.

"Claude, my brother, brought me to pick out my wedding gifts."

He snorted, "Wedding gifts? As your mentor, should I not select one for you?"

It was unlike the reserved Max I knew to say something so playful.

"Well, thanks in advance, then."

He gestured towards his lounge. "Coming in?"

I pretended to lean in closer, accidentally spilling champagne on his suit. But he dodged, and the champagne ended up on the coat Claude had given me.

"Got it wet?"

He casually took off my coat and tossed it aside, draping his own jacket over my shoulders.

"The air conditioning might be too cold. Don't catch a chill."

Instead of thanking him, I found myself fixated on the tail of his shirt, tucked away, out of sight.

"Thank you, Dr. Hilton." I would have to find another chance to see his shirt when we were at the hospital.

"I should get back. My brother is waiting."

He didn't respond, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he was brewing some unknown thought.

As I headed downstairs, I thought I heard Ronald's voice.

"Interesting. Was she really in room 6088?"

I strained my ears, but there was no continuation.

Again, 6088. I wanted to ask Max directly, but what if I was wrong? I'd be mortified.

Biting my lip, I was determined to find out more.

On my way down, I encountered the staff who had just handled Carl and his friends, bowing politely to me.

"Ms. Floyd, the highlight of tonight is worth the wait."

How did they know me? And

coring their previous attitudee

Claude, their

seemed misplaced. Coryelet

Their attitude towards me was different...

"Is MaxContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

belongs

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to get something out

, but they just smiled and

said nothing.

"Ms. Floyd, you jest."

And with that, they headed off to attend to other suites.