CHAPTER FIFTY THREE - WORDS UNSPOKEN

"I'm a very busy man these days," he said stiffly. "Surely you didn't just drop by unannounced to reminisce." Sophia's smile remained but her eyes glinted with somethingCalculating. "You're right, I didn't. The truth is, Max, I heard some...troubling rumors about familial unrest here at the company. I had to see it for myself." Of course, she would know about Jonathan's sudden reappearance. Sophia always did have a way of inserting herself into other people's affairs. "I can assure you, it's just a small hiccup," Max said coolly. "A minor dispute being resolved through proper channels. Nothing to be concerned about." Sophia tsked softly. "Always trying to play the unflappable businessman." She trailed a finger down the lapel of his suit jacket. "But we both know how dysfunctional your family can be." Max recoiled slightly from her touch, his jaw clenched. "That's none of your concern anymore, Sophia. I think you should leave." For a brief moment, Sophia's perfectly sculpted mask