"Doctor Max! Please take a seat," Damia said with a courteous smile.

"And you are?" he asked.

"Hello, I'm Damia, Miss Natalia's personal secretary."

"Oh, nice to meet you," Doctor Max replied, glancing at the four men who were watching him intently. He paused, then muttered, "You came with" looking at me.

"They are the board of directors of our company," Damia explained.

The men shook hands with Max one by one.

"Please, sit with us," someone said, pulling out a chair next to me. Max sat down, apologizing, "I'm sorry to interrupt."

"Not at all, Doctor Max. It's our good fortune to meet you. It's my birthday, by the way," Mr. Hendrix said, adding, "I'm getting married soon."

"Happy birthday," several people said.

"Thank you so much," Mr. Hendrix replied.

"I don't have a gift with me," Max said.

"That doesn't matter. Your presence is the best gift," Mr. Hendrix responded.

Max chuckled and nodded. "But I'll make it up to you. If you ever need me, I'll be there. Consider that my present."

Mr. Hendrix's eyes widened. He grinned broadly. "The best birthday present ever! If I ever get sick, I'll be fine knowing Doctor Max will treat me!"

Everyone laughed at his statement.

Max turned to me. "So, how's the investigation going?" he asked.

The others turned, murmuring questions.

"Investigation?" someone said.

To change the subject, I cleared my throat. Max picked up on my cue and redirected the conversation. "There was something about business, you know."

They then discussed their families' health concerns with Max, who explained he was a healer.

After they finished their drinks, they stood, bowing to me. "Miss Natalia, we must leave."

As I was about to stand, Damia said, "Boss, I think Doctor Max wanted to talk to you about the investigation. We can talk, and then I'll leave too."

I looked at Max, who was sitting comfortably beside me. I was eager to speak with him.

"Okay," I said, granting Damia permission to leave. I then turned to Max Harrison.

"As you know, I'm CEO of our pack company, so I had to stop my medical investigations."

Max was surprised. "But you were such an intelligent student. Why abandon your dreams?"

"Max," I said, correcting him. He had said, "You can call me Max." I was surprised; there were rules in the royal family about using first names.

"When I saw you earlier, I thought I was meeting Natalia, but" he trailed off.

"My parents wanted it that way," I explained. "Our pack is large, and my brother needs help."

"I see," Max said, ordering a drink. "Would you like one?"

"Sure."

A waiter brought our drinks. Despite feeling lightheaded, I continued to sip mine.

"I want to go home," I mumbled, standing.

"I'll take you," he offered, putting his arm around me.

"No, my driver's waiting," I said, shaking my head.

"Let me at least help you to your car."

I nodded. He helped me outside, into my car, and instructed the driver to take me home safely.

"Why are you here?" I asked, leaning out the window.

He leaned down. "Our alliance is over," he said.

"But why so soon? I thought it would last years."

He chuckled. "It's business. You can't be in business with another pack forever. It leads to war."

I frowned angrily, remembering my brother's discussions about war. "Why is everyone talking about war? I hate it!"

"Natalia, don't worry. You can use my cure anytime."

I started to speak, but the driver started the car.

"I'm leaving your pack tomorrow after seeing your brother," Max said, maintaining his composure.

I waved, my vision blurry. The car started moving. I closed my eyes, feeling drunk.

Upon arriving home, I stumbled out of the car, assisted by guards. They mind-linked Jason, who rushed over.

"You're drunk!" he exclaimed, seeing my condition.

I smiled sheepishly. "I met Max, and we had a few drinks."

"Max? Who's Max?"

"Doctor Max Harrison?" Eric interrupted, appearing from the pack house.

"Hmm," I nodded.

"Eric, help her inside. I'll call Doctor Max," Jason said.

"No, don't scold him! He's a gentleman," I insisted.

Eric carried me to my room. I was exhausted. As he put me to bed, he complained, "You never drink with me."

I laughed. "He's my mentor. It was a one-time thing."

Eric shook his head and sighed. I was drifting off when I heard Eric's voice, "Adrian's coming tomorrow to discuss the alliance."

(The "DIG SALE" bonus is nonsensical and has been removed.)