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Last night…

Maxen only knocked on Conrad's study once before entering. Unlike a year ago when Maxen was overly cautious around Conrad, he was more relaxed in entering the study room. Conrad had been his mentor and the father figure he looked up to. Therefore, whatever reason Conrad had for calling him to his study, Maxen didn't think of anything negative.

When Maxen entered the study, his eyes caught Conrad standing in front of the window where the stand was at. Conrad was pouring himself a glass of wine and then poured another glass for Maxen.

"You called for me?" asked Maxen, standing in the same spot. "The meeting went well today."

"I heard." Conrad turned on his heel, holding the wine glasses as he sauntered on the set of couches. "Take a seat, Max."

Conrad perched on the single-seater couch, placing the drinks on the center table. Meanwhile, Maxen also sat on the long couch leisurely. Maxen was already at the age of drinking, and he had been drinking a few sips since it was needed to be doing so in meeting high-positioned politicians and even celebrities. People that Maxen never thought he would even meet in this life, let alone talk to.

The deal he had closed today was a huge step for the security agency owned by Conrad as their client was a minister of the country. It was something worthy to celebrate, but Maxen only let his team and staff have fun tonight, as he had to leave early for Cosette.

"Before anything else, congrats on closing the deal. That minister was a tough person to break, but I heard he was very fond of you," remarked Conrad, making Maxen lower his head.

"The minister is simply trustful because of you."

"Maxen, I give credit where credit is due. Thank you is supposed to be your answer," Conrad corrected, breaking Maxen's habit of not accepting any credit for his hard work. "I know you've been working hard on this deal."

Maxen remained silent, watching Conrad lean back comfortably. The latter swirled the wine in his hand, eyes on it.

"How was Cosette?" asked Conrad after a moment, setting his eyes back to Maxen. "Is she alright?"

"She's a bit sensitive, but she'll be fine."

"I see…" A sigh slipped past Conrad, knowing he hadn't had enough time for his daughter. Although he would always free his time to spend with her and Maxen, he knew it wasn't enough. "I feel sorry that I am giving you so much workload."

Maxen's brows rose, blinking almost innocently. Conrad never spoke anything like that before, so it was quite surprising to hear him say that.

"It's for my future," said Maxen.

"I have a conscience."

"I enjoy it." Maxen smiled as his eyes softened, gazing down at the glass on the table. "I won't lie that sometimes the workload is overwhelming. However, whenever I achieve something or close a deal, it feels so rewarding."

"Just a year ago, I was struggling to even pay my rent. I was living in a small place where whenever it rains, it leaks. I would stay all night if it was pouring, so the things I have wouldn't get ruined by it," he continued quietly, recalling his life back then before Cosette came into the picture. "But now, whether I pray or not, I have food on the table prepared by another person."

Maxen slowly raised his eyes. "No matter how strong the wind or the rain, I have a roof to protect me. The opportunities you had given me and the trust you handed to me so easily are something I think I don't deserve. However, I still shamelessly took them."

"Making you proud and giving you a result that surpasses your expectation is the only way I can show my gratitude," he continued, smiling subtly at Conrad. "I meet people I didn't think I would meet in this lifetime, let alone discuss business with them. Back then, I only imagined the food I can eat on a whim now. I live in a house that I never thought I'd be able to enter, and a life that is far different from the life I thought I would have."

"Do not be sorry," added Maxen. "I enjoy the work."

Conrad could only stare at Maxen and couldn't help but ask himself; since when did this young boy turn into a young man? Maxen was only eighteen right now, but in Conrad's eyes, Maxen seemed to have entered his twenties already.

Just a year ago, wariness filled Maxen's eyes, and every time he was around Conrad, he was careful of his words and even his breathing. But now, Maxen was confident without showing fear in his eyes.

"Even if you fail…" Conrad muttered, having his strong urge to remind Maxen about Conrad's intentions. "... I am still proud of you for trying. As long as you do your best, Max. We are not perfect, and we would make mistakes in the future."

"I know." Maxen's smile stretched as peace dominated his face. "But I do not want to fail. At least, not right now."

Conrad rocked his head, reminding Maxen to take things easy for now since the one Maxen closed the deal was their last biggest project this year. Meanwhile, as Conrad was telling Maxen to focus on his study for now and rest, Maxen couldn't help but look at Conrad with appreciation.

Conrad was truly a wonderful person. Because of this man, Maxen could look back and be in awe at how far his life was right now compared to the life he had a year ago. It was amazing every time he thought about it, yet Conrad wasn't pressuring him.

Maxen would always be forever grateful to Conrad and wished him to have a long life. That was all Maxen wanted for Conrad, and maybe an early retirement, so Conrad could just live leisurely with Cosette. After all, Cosette was a daddy's girl. Conrad and Cosette's happiness was something Maxen would always wish for and his priority.

"Anyway, there is another reason I called for you here tonight." Maxen's train of thought halted when Conrad cleared his throat. "It's about your father."