Chapter 56: It’s Time.

Max arrived at his building at 07:48 AM, the bike slowing smoothly as he rolled into the front entrance. He didn’t park it inside the basement this time since he would have to leave again soon for the university. Taking it in and out would just waste time, so he left it near the front for a quick exit later.

He killed the engine, swung his leg off, and took the helmet with him. He had already found out this gifted helmet cost over €2000, so there was no way he was leaving it on the bike unattended. He locked the bike using his skill once again.

Taking the stairs up, Max reached his apartment and pushed the door open. Tiny Chevy was already standing near the entrance with her small school bag stuffed with toys, the straps almost slipping off her shoulders, while Jennifer was kneeling beside her, fixing her clothes and getting ready to take her to kindergarten.

” I will be back after dropping her off, then we can go to the university together ”

” Actually, I’ve got a bike now, so I will take that to the university… you can go with me but I don’t think that will be appropriate as you’re a professor ”

Max smiled when he saw Jennifer standing up. She was wearing a blue dress that moved softly as she walked, simple and light, yet it suited her very well, her hair tied quickly like she had been busy since morning, but she still looked pretty without trying. Last time she had offered him a ride to campus, but things were different now, he finally had his own bike.

He wanted to go alone today. The bike gave him freedom to move however he liked. He could stop by the bank, take a longer route, or even ride toward a nearby city or town to pull more cash using the Palladium card. None of that would be convenient if they went together, so he just kept the smile on his face and chose the road for himself.

” Alright, I’ve eaten my breakfast so I won’t come back to the apartment, I will go directly to the university, Machina will pick her up from the kindergarten ”

Jennifer nodded her head and smiled, stepping a little closer like she wanted to kiss him one last time before leaving, but Chevy was staring at her the whole time, cheeks puffed slightly, clearly wanting to say something first. Both of them paused when they noticed her tiny serious face.

Max saw her fidgeting with the straps of her bag, looking down and then up at him again and again, words stuck in her throat. He widened his eyes playfully and leaned forward a little, curious, then without hesitation he bent down and knelt on both knees in front of her so they were almost at the same height. Even then she barely reached his chest.

” U…Uncle Max, C… Can I watch cocomelon on your laptop? ”

” Cocomelon? What’s cocomelon? ”

” It’s a song ”

Max turned his head toward Jennifer, who covered her mouth and laughed softly, trying to hold it in but failing, her shoulders shaking as the laughter slipped out, then she stepped forward and gently grabbed Chevy’s hand.

” You’re so naughty, you want to watch cartoon songs all day on a computer ”

” Oh? It’s a cartoon? Chevy, you can watch it but only half an hour every day, then I’ll take you for a ride or somewhere else ”

” Okay ”

Chevy nodded her little head quickly, eyes shining like she had just won something big. She was tiny and cute, and ever since she wandered into Max’s room and saw the huge MSI Titan on the bed, bigger than any screen she had at home, she had been thinking about watching her favorite song on it.

” Okay? Well, you’re a very adorable girl ”

Max smiled and patted her head gently, then stood up in one smooth motion, nodding at Jennifer. She nodded back, took Chevy’s hand, and walked toward the elevator while Max turned and entered the apartment.

” You’re back ”

Machina greeted him with a soft smile as soon as he stepped inside, warm air drifting through the apartment, the place filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and butter, the kitchen light still on, the counter neat like always.

She was leaning lightly against the table with her phone in hand, thumb scrolling. Max passed by her with a small smile and tapped her shoulder gently as he walked past, thinking she was checking some recipe or cooking video, but when he glanced at the screen and saw short TikTok reels flashing one after another, he paused for half a second, a little taken aback.

” I… I’ll shower ”

” Okay, I’ll prepare some breakfast ”

Max nodded once and walked straight to the bathroom without saying anything more, water running soon after, steam slowly filling the small space. After the shower, he dried his hair quickly and dressed without wasting time, black high-ankle boots first, laces pulled tight, then blue jeans, a clean white T-shirt, and finally the leather jacket settling over his shoulders.

A light spray of perfume, sleeves adjusted, collar straightened, everything simple and sharp. When he stepped out again, he already looked fresh and put together like he was ready for the day.

” Made bread, bacon, and eggs, with a few waffles, an American special ”

Machina placed the plate down in front of him carefully with both hands like she was presenting something important, steam rising slowly from the food, the smell of butter, toast, and fried bacon filling the whole dining area. The bread looked fresh and golden with a light crisp edge, eggs soft and glossy, waffles stacked neatly on the side with a small cube of butter melting on top.

She lifted her hands and showed him the oven mittens, lightly tapping them together and gesturing toward the kitchen, telling him without words that she baked the bread herself. Max looked at the plate, then at her, and nodded once, a faint proud look crossing his face.

” I’ve also cleaned your helmet, it was all sweaty ”

” Well, thank you very much ”

Max sat down and started eating without wasting time, simple bites, steady pace, finishing everything on the plate while Machina moved around quietly in the kitchen, wiping the counter and arranging things back into place. He nodded again between bites, the small gesture enough to show he noticed her effort. She was turning out to be a very reliable housekeeper, handling everything before he even asked.

” I’ve gotten you and Jenny a laptop, those silver ones, take one, both have same color and specs ”

After finishing breakfast, Max stood up, washed his hands, and walked to his bedroom, picking up the new ash black Mac and sliding it into his bag smoothly, then he came back out carrying the two silver Mac boxes and showed them to Machina, placing them on the table for her and Jennifer like it was the most natural thing in the world.

” I will take my leave then ”

” mm ”

Machina nodded lightly, already pulling one of the silver laptop boxes closer and starting to open it, clearly eager to check it out. Max gave her a small smile, slid the black backpack onto his shoulders, hooked the helmet by its strap in one hand, and gathered his keys in the other, the plain metal ring bare and undecorated, looking oddly empty compared to the rest of his outfit.

He walked to the door, boots tapping softly against the floor, pushed it open, stepped out, and closed it behind him without a sound, heading straight for the elevator.

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