Maximilian Carter had to drive a little farther up the road.

After all, the wife he'd married needed his attention and care.

Elizabeth Cox had deliberately picked a parking spot off the beaten path for Maximilian—a good two to three hundred yards from the dealership.

"Max, maybe I should go pick out the car while you wait here?" she suggested, not wanting to drag him on a long walk.

Maximilian didn't say a word. He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out. Elizabeth hurried to secure her leather handbag, then followed.

"Max, would you mind wearing a scarf?" She pulled a stylish scarf out of her bag.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Maximilian's face, but he took the scarf and put it on.

When he wasn't talking, Elizabeth found him a little intimidating, so she kept a few steps behind as they walked.

Before she met Maximilian, Elizabeth had thought "innate charisma" was an exaggeration. After meeting him, she realized it was an understatement.

Even with a scarf and dressed simply in a shirt and trousers, just walking down the street, he had an unmistakable presence.

The dealership was huge, all gleaming luxury brands. Most people would've expected a man like him to browse the showroom, but Maximilian walked straight to the budget section.

Jane Smith was sitting in a nearby BMW when she spotted the familiar figure. At first, she was taken aback. But when Elizabeth headed into the budget section, Jane's contempt was plain on her face.

If she weren't worried about her wealthy boyfriend mocking her, she would've gone in just to laugh at them.

She'd assumed Elizabeth had landed an impressive man, but apparently he could only afford a budget car.

"I'm interested in the compact EV," Elizabeth told the eager saleswoman.

The saleswoman glanced at tall, handsome Maximilian, then back at Elizabeth. "Only the compact EV?"

"Yes, I'd like to see the options," Elizabeth said, anxious not to test Maximilian's patience. She already felt embarrassed enough dragging him into some small local dealership.

Maximilian scanned the showroom, unimpressed by what was on offer. He walked over to Elizabeth and listened to the sales pitch.

"You like this one?" Maximilian asked, his usual calm slightly puzzled.

"Yes. It's electric—perfect for getting around," Elizabeth replied.

"All right, let's go with this one. Let's test it," Maximilian said.

The saleswoman looked startled by how decisive he was. "Would you like to finance it or pay in full? We offer interest-free options."

"Pay in full." Maximilian gestured for the contract.

The saleswoman considered pitching him something else, but one look at the commanding set of Maximilian's presence and she complied immediately. She led them out to the lot to pick a car.

Elizabeth knew next to nothing about cars, so Maximilian took charge of evaluating it.

From walking into the dealership to choosing a car, buying it, and driving off, everything was wrapped up in fifteen minutes.

Final price: just over twenty-five thousand dollars.

Elizabeth was thrilled with her new compact car.

"I'll cover the cost of the car—" Elizabeth started, but one look from Maximilian made her change course. "I'll find a way to repay you."

"And how do you plan to do that?" Maximilian asked, looking down at her.

Elizabeth was still riding the high of the moment. Facing his striking features and deep gaze, her lashes fluttered up to meet his eyes for a second before she shyly looked away. "I'll figure it out."

"Make sure you think it over," Maximilian said, setting the contract in the passenger seat.

Elizabeth giggled. "Hop in. I'll give you a ride."

"Is it a convertible?" Maximilian asked, his expression skeptical.

"It's not a convertible," Elizabeth clarified.

For a car that cost barely twenty-five thousand dollars, it definitely wasn't.

Maximilian's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Elizabeth's bright face. "Then how am I supposed to fit?"

Elizabeth blinked, sizing up his tall frame. "Well... you might have to walk."

Maximilian: "..."

"Want to give it a try?" Elizabeth bit her lip, tentatively offering.

The CEO had just bought her a car, so asking him to walk seemed out of line. Still, squeezing a man like him into her tiny car felt pretty unlikely.

"No need," Maximilian declined. He wasn't about to cram himself into what he clearly considered a plastic toy on wheels. He headed back toward the lot where his car was parked.

Jane Smith, meanwhile, was sitting with her wealthy boyfriend, ready to snap a photo for her family chat and brag later.

Since it was a brand-new car, Elizabeth drove cautiously, waiting for Maximilian near the corner.

When she saw his opulent, commanding Rolls-Royce pull out, she couldn't help comparing it to her own little car.

No wonder the CEO had declined to ride along. The purchase tax on his car alone could probably buy several of her compact cars.

Maximilian's car pulled out and flashed its headlights, signaling Elizabeth to go ahead.

Elizabeth turned and drove forward.

On the three-lane road, traffic was fairly dense. But the moment the towering Rolls-Royce appeared, every vehicle except Elizabeth's moved over and kept a safe distance.

Elizabeth, completely unaware, assumed the other drivers were just being courteous because of her "new driver" sticker. She sat there, pleased by everyone's kindness.

With Maximilian following behind, she felt like a seasoned driver, full of confidence and a nice, cushy sense of safety.

Meanwhile, the other drivers were all on edge—and for good reason. Having a million-dollar car trailing you was no joke.

For the first time, Maximilian drove his Rolls-Royce like it was just another car. He leaned against the door with one hand out the window, listening to music and watching her little car meander up ahead.

Elizabeth drove slowly, taking about thirty minutes to reach the company's underground garage.

Maximilian parked in his reserved spot, but Elizabeth was nowhere in sight.

He scanned the garage and spotted her beige car moving back and forth, unable to reverse into the space.

Inside, Elizabeth was baffled. Her car was so small—why couldn't it fit?

There were larger SUVs parked on either side. The middle spot was free, but she just couldn't get the car in.

She tried to remember her driving lessons for backing up. No luck.

Seated in the car, she started searching online tutorials for parking.

Just as she was engrossed in one, there was a knock on her window.

Elizabeth looked up to find Maximilian bent over, watching her.

She rolled down the window and asked softly, "What can I do for you?"

"How did you miss the space four times?" Maximilian's gaze was steady. His dark eyes flicked to her phone, and his chiseled features seemed even sharper.

Clearly, he was not impressed.

"I haven't driven since I got my license. I keep thinking I'll hit the cars on either side," Elizabeth admitted, flustered.

"Move to the passenger seat," Maximilian instructed, his expression cool—the kind of demeanor that kept everyone at arm's length.

The pressure was palpable.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Elizabeth hesitated, glancing around.

They were at the office now. Discretion was key.

"Let me step out. Could you back it in for me, Max?" Elizabeth quickly gathered her things and got out, standing off to the side.

Maximilian cast a slightly disdainful glance at the car, bent down, and settled into the driver's seat.

Elizabeth watched as the seemingly spacious little car suddenly felt cramped with him inside. His head nearly touched the roof—a comical sight, like an adult folded into a toy car.

Maximilian wasted no time. He shut the door and maneuvered the car into the space effortlessly.

Elizabeth stood by, amazed.

Maximilian got out and closed the door with precision. His composed demeanor radiated the charm of a mature man.

"Nicely done, Max," Elizabeth couldn't help praising him with a thumbs-up.

Maximilian lowered his gaze and caught Elizabeth's bright, sweet face. Something flickered in his deep eyes—a gleam that made her heart flutter. She quickly looked away, pretending to check her messages, and accidentally opened a text from her mom.

The message asked her to come home for dinner, apologize properly to her stepfather, and avoid making things awkward—or her mom would have a hard time at home.

Elizabeth's smile faded. Her face went somber as she quickly put her phone away. "Max, I'm heading to work now. See you later."

After saying goodbye, she kept her head down and hurried to the elevator, every step careful and cautious.

As she watched the floor numbers descend slowly, she didn't notice the tall figure in a sharp suit approaching from behind.

She stepped into the elevator without pressing a floor button, too preoccupied with hitting the close-door button. Just as the doors started to slide shut, a figure slipped inside with a swift step.

Seeing Maximilian enter the elevator with her, Elizabeth startled. "Max, don't you have your own private elevator?" She quickly released the button and pressed the open-door button again.

Her fingertips turned white from the pressure.

"Am I not allowed in this one?" Maximilian asked, his voice steady.

Compared to Elizabeth's nervousness, his calm confidence was unmatched—a sky to her earth.

"We agreed to keep a low profile, right? Let's avoid appearing together at the office, like before—no interaction," Elizabeth whispered, lowering her voice just as a noise outside caught her attention and made her heart race.

Oh no. Was someone getting on?

“Alright,” Maximilian Carter replied, stepping forward and pressing the button to close the elevator doors. Then he hit the top-floor button. “Which floor?” he asked.

“Twenty-six,” Elizabeth Cox said, worrying her bottom lip. Her teeth had already left a mark, but she couldn't relax. She was wound as tight as a drawn bowstring, completely overwhelmed.

Maximilian pressed twenty-six and stood with his hands in his pockets. His gaze was deep as he looked at Elizabeth. “We're legally married. It's not like we're sneaking around.”

Elizabeth chewed her lip, her lashes fluttering as she fought to steady her breath. “I'm just nervous,” she admitted. “I've never done anything like this before.”

They'd gone from strangers to married in two days flat. Add in the huge gap in their social standing and the whole boss-employee thing, and it all felt way too sensitive.

“Everyone has a first time getting married,” Maximilian said, his dark eyes locked on hers, a teasing curve playing at the corner of his mouth.

Elizabeth: “...”

Right. But her nerves were nowhere near as steady as his.

Before she could get a word out, the elevator hit the first floor, and a handful of coworkers stepped in.

Elizabeth quickly shrank back into the corner.

The second they spotted Maximilian, everyone greeted him politely. “Good morning, Mr. Carter.”

“Hmm,” Maximilian nodded, his manner distant but polished.

With Maximilian in the elevator, everyone kept their distance, wary of crowding their CEO.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, her corner turned into prime real estate, and she got jostled until she nearly lost her balance.

Then, out of nowhere, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Elizabeth froze, turning stiffly to look beside her.

The handsome, composed man had somehow ended up right next to her—and he was holding her.

Usually calm and collected, Elizabeth nearly screamed on the inside.

Why would he hold her in front of everyone?

Elizabeth tried to squirm away without being obvious, but Maximilian didn't so much as blink. His hand stayed right where it was, giving nothing away to anyone else in the elevator.

For all his calm facade, the air around them was tense. Everyone seemed hyperaware of his powerful aura and made a point not to meet his eyes.

Ding. The elevator stopped at a few floors, and most of the coworkers got out.

Elizabeth seized the chance and stomped on Maximilian's polished shoe.

His brows drew together slightly, and in quick retaliation, he pinched her waist.

A jolt of electricity shot through Elizabeth. Thank God she was wearing a mask—it hid her clenched jaw and kept any sound from escaping.

The absolute nerve of this man.

Elizabeth glanced up, her clear, bright eyes shooting Maximilian a look that was half playful, half reproachful, before she turned away and ignored him.

When they reached their floor, Elizabeth practically bolted out of the elevator.

She made it a few steps before leaning against the wall.

Her legs were straight-up shaking.

She couldn't tell if it was the aftermath of last night or just how tightly wound her nerves were right now.

“Elizabeth, you're here! Hangover gone yet?” Kataleya White asked, walking over with a stack of printed documents and reaching out to steady Elizabeth's arm.

Elizabeth said, “It's gone. And I'm never drinking again. It feels awful.”

“Why didn't you take more time off to rest?”

“Too much work to catch up on.”

Kataleya noticed the registration folder in Elizabeth's hand. “Did you buy a car, Elizabeth?”

“Yeah, my scooter died. Since it's been raining so much lately, I figured I might as well get a compact car for my commute,” Elizabeth said, letting out a breath of relief.

It was the first time she'd actually done something for herself, and it made her genuinely happy. Maximilian had helped with the payment, but she planned to pay him back somehow.

“That's great! You're finally treating yourself right.” Kataleya gave her a thumbs-up.

Elizabeth smiled faintly.

For two years, her paycheck had gone straight to student loans and supporting her family. She'd only wanted her mother to have a better life. Little did she know she was bankrolling ingrates.

Kelly Larson, getting up to pour herself a drink, teased Elizabeth. “Feeling better, Elizabeth? I thought maybe your blind date made some progress and you took today off.”

“Kataleya, our Elizabeth is such a dedicated, straight-laced workaholic, she'd never take a day off for a man,” someone chimed in.

“True,” Kelly nodded.

Kataleya changed the subject. “So, how did the date go?”

“A mama's boy. Wants the woman to help renovate and pay the mortgage before marriage—and ideally pop out a son,” Elizabeth said with a faint smile.

“What a joke. He looks all refined, but he's shady as hell!” Kataleya said, disgusted.

“His school photos were outdated. Now he's a greasy, balding guy,” Elizabeth admitted, feeling deflated. Blind dates were like blind boxes—she just hadn't expected this kind of surprise.

“What a piece of trash,” Kataleya said, looking disgusted. Then her face brightened and she winked at Elizabeth. “Sweetie, I'll introduce you to someone soon—the art director at our branch. He's my former classmate.”

“Thanks, Kataleya, but no thanks. I'm all about work,” Elizabeth said, shutting the idea down without hesitation.

“But you're in your twenties. You should be out meeting someone and enjoying life—not wasting that top-tier face and figure,” Kataleya went on playfully.

Elizabeth ignored the conversation, letting it roll right off her.

She washed out a cup, filled it with hot coffee, and dove into work.

As the day wound down, her phone kept buzzing with messages, then eventually calls.

Elizabeth stepped out for a bathroom break and answered.

Her mother's tearful voice came through the line. Elizabeth listened, her expression blank.

“Please come home tonight. I'm worried about you out there, and no matter what, he's your father. If not for yourself, then for me. Can we all just sit down and talk?” her mother pleaded.

As her mother finished, her stepfather Barry Gonzalez's loud voice made Elizabeth's skin crawl. “Look at what she's become—a disgrace! I raised her right, and now she's running off with some scumbag and making a fool of us!”

The call cut off to the sound of something smashing and her mother crying for mercy.

Elizabeth clenched her small fist, fury blazing through her. “Barry Gonzalez, if you lay a hand on her, I'm calling the cops!”

The line went dead.

Without a second thought, Elizabeth went back to her desk, grabbed her car keys, and told Kelly, “Kelly, there's an emergency at home. I have to go. Mark me down for a day off.”

With that, she rushed into the elevator.

She was going to get her mother out of that hellish house once and for all.

When Elizabeth got home and pushed the door open, she found several Gonzalez relatives sitting in the living room, their expressions venomous. Barry Gonzalez and his daughter were glaring at her with pure resentment.

Her mother sat with her eyes downcast, guilt written all over her face.

It was obvious they'd staged something to lure her back.

Elizabeth was quick on the uptake and turned to leave.

But Barry's brother, Ernie Gonzalez, grabbed her and shoved her back with a fierce look. “You're not going anywhere until you pay up, young lady!”