Chapter 3: A Mother's Plea
The golden sunlight filtered through the enormous windows of Maxwell Enterprise, bathing the sleek office in a warm glow. Nathan Maxwell, the newly crowned CEO, leaned back in his leather chair with a sigh, his tailored navy suit hugging his frame as though it was sewn onto his skin. His sharp jawline flexed as he flipped through a file, barely acknowledging Kristy Bennett who had just walked in, her heels clicking audibly against the marble floor.
"Nathan, your ten o'clock meeting has been moved to eleven. Oh, and... you look very handsome today," she added with a flirtatious smirk, her eyes shamelessly trailing his figure.
Nathan didn't even glance up. "Kristy, you're paid to manage my calendar, not to compliment me. Please stick to your job."
The words landed like a slap, and Kristy's smile faltered. Still, she maintained her poise and nodded stiffly. "Of course, sir."
Before the awkward silence could deepen, Nathan's intercom buzzed.
"Sir, your mother and sister are here to see you," his secretary from the reception desk announced.
Nathan's eyes widened briefly in surprise before he quickly composed himself. "Send them in."
The glass door swung open to reveal a regal woman in her late fifties—Regina Maxwell. Tall, elegant, and commanding, she walked in with grace, dressed in a pearl-white gown that screamed wealth and sophistication. Beside her was a young woman in her early twenties, Nathan's younger sister, Natalie. She was vibrant, energetic, and had the same sharp eyes as Nathan.
"Mother. Natalie," Nathan stood and kissed them both on the cheek.
Regina's eyes scanned her son with pride and subtle concern. "You look good, Nathan. You're already carrying the Maxwell name well."
Natalie beamed. "Big bro, the office is amazing! You've made it your own already."
As they settled into the lounge area of the office, Regina didn't waste time.
"Nathan, now that you're the CEO, it's time you started behaving like one in all aspects. The tabloids are watching, and if your Playboy lifestyle continues, they'll devour you. It's high time you found a respectable woman and considered marriage."
Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Mother, not this again."
"Yes, again," she said firmly. "You're no longer just my son; you're the face of the Maxwell legacy. You need stability—not just for yourself but for this company."
Natalie chuckled. "Mom's right. You're too handsome to be single and scandalous."
Nathan gave a dry laugh. "Thanks, but I have a company to build. Relationships are not my priority."
Kristy, who had been eavesdropping from her desk, puffed up with hope until Nathan's next words crushed her illusions.
"And Kristy—" he turned, his voice steely—"you're here to work. The flirting stops. If I see another unprofessional behavior, you'll be replaced."
She is so beautiful and sexy though. Nathan's thought.
Kristy flushed crimson and nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr. Maxwell."
An hour later, Regina and Natalie left Maxwell Enterprise, chauffeured back to Nathan's newly inherited mansion.
Meanwhile, at the mansion, Emily was already at work. She hummed softly as she dusted the grand hallway and arranged the flower vases. The silence of the luxurious home comforted her. It had been her new place of work since Nathan's father passed—Regina herself had trusted her with this responsibility.
Emily had been the family's maid since she was eighteen, loyal and dependable. She had served the Maxwells with unwavering dedication, and when Nathan inherited the mansion, Regina decided that Emily would be the perfect person to care for him. There was no one she trusted more.
When Regina and Natalie arrived, Emily greeted them at the door with a warm smile.
"Ma'am, Miss Natalie. Welcome."
Regina gave her a fond nod. "Emily, dear, it's good to see you. This place looks spotless. Thank you."
"Thank you, ma'am. I try my best."
Later, after the visit, Emily quietly cleaned up the tea cups and snacks Regina and Natalie had left behind in the living room. The rich scent of lavender polish mixed with the aroma of coffee lingered in the air. She worked methodically, glancing occasionally at the large family portrait above the fireplace.
As she collected the tray, Regina stepped back into the living room, purse in hand.
"Emily," she said softly.
Emily straightened. "Yes, ma'am?"
Regina's eyes softened. "Please take care of Nathan. Make sure he eats. He can be so stubborn when he's stressed. You're the only one I trust to look after him."
Emily's chest warmed. "I will, ma'am. You have nothing to worry about."
Regina smiled and touched Emily's shoulder briefly. "Thank you, child."
After they left, Emily walked to the kitchen and began preparing Nathan's dinner—simple, yet hearty: grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. She placed it gently on the dining table and left a note on the side.
Please eat when you get home.
Back in the office, Nathan rubbed his temples as the day dragged on. His mother's words echoed in his mind, and so did the memory of Emily's gentle eyes. There was a comfort about her—silent, subtle, and grounding.
He shook his head and glanced at the photo frame on his desk. It was his father's picture, smiling in his signature grey suit.
"I hope I'm making you proud, old man," Nathan muttered.
That night, when Nathan returned home, he found the house spotless and a warm dinner waiting. A note in delicate handwriting sat beside the plate.
He stared at it for a moment before picking up the fork.
It tasted like home.
And for the first time in a while, Nathan Maxwell, billionaire CEO, smiled a genuine smile.