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Chapter 49 - Max won't risk exposing his identity

As they made their selections, Max asked the owner, "Do you have any toys to match these outfits?"

The owner showed them a set of quacking yellow duck toys, and Max's face lit up. "These are perfect!"

Julia teased, "You're a natural at this, Max."

Max chuckled, "Just trying to help. Besides, I have a great eye for cute things."

Julia playfully rolled her eyes, "Sure you do, Max."

As Julia chatted with the store owner, Max wandered over to the newborn clothes, his fingers tracing the soft fabric of a pink dress. "This one's adorable," he said, his eyes sparkling with delight.

The owner smiled, "You know, kids don't care about colors these days. Pink is just as great as blue! We have various sizes for this set. Why not grab one? It's pure cotton and won't break the bank."

After making their purchases, they left the store and headed to their car. As Max opened the door, he sensed something off. He scanned their surroundings, his eyes narrowing.

Julia asked from inside the car, "What's wrong?"

Max hesitated, "Nothing, I thought I saw something." But seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he shrugged and got in.

As they drove away, a man emerged from behind a nearby car, camera in hand. He was the private investigator hired by William, tasked with keeping tabs on Julia.

Max glanced in the rearview mirror, but the man was already gone, blending into the crowd. He focused on the road, unaware of the eyes that had been watching them. Julia, too, was oblivious, chatting about their upcoming visit to Mrs. George and her newborn baby boy.

The private investigator sent the photos to William, who scowled as he saw Julia and Max leaving the maternity store. Assuming Julia was pregnant, William's eyes blazed with anger. He clenched his phone, his hatred palpable. He felt his future was being ruined by Julia and Max.

"I'll make their lives miserable," William seethed, his mind racing with revenge.

Sharon, arriving with food, noticed William's dark expression and shuddered. Since the Tyson family's sudden change, William's behavior had become increasingly unsettling. Sharon steeled herself and entered the room.

"Please eat something," she said softly, placing the food beside William.

William's gaze didn't waver from his phone, his eyes still burning with anger. Sharon hesitated, then retreated, sensing the ominous atmosphere. As she left, she wondered what was driving William's animosity towards Julia and Max. Little did she know, William's obsession would only continue to grow.

William pocketed his phone and asked Sharon, "How's my dad doing?"

Sharon hesitated, "I'll try to visit him soon, but for now, I'll focus on finding a way to get him released on bail."

William's eyes narrowed, "I'll make Max go to the station and pick him up himself."

Sharon knew this was a pipe dream, given the severity of Mr. Tyson's crimes and the pressure on the family. But seeing William's determination, she didn't dare refute him.

Meanwhile, Julia and Max arrived at the hospital, but Max stayed in the car, citing a need to take a call. Julia raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue, heading inside to visit Mrs. George and her newborn.

As Julia entered the hospital room, she was greeted by the warm smile of Mrs. George, cradling her baby boy. Julia's heart swelled with joy, but her mind wandered to Max, wondering why he'd chosen to wait in the car. Little did she know, Max's mind was elsewhere, too, still reeling from the earlier encounter at the maternity store.

Wendy, a decade-long veteran of the Darius Group, had worked at both the head office and branch office. Max worried that she might recognize him and expose his secret, potentially jeopardizing his relationship with Julia.

Julia entered the hospital ward, gift in hand, and was greeted by Wendy's warm smile. Wendy's mother-in-law was besotted with the new baby boy and was reluctant to put him down.

Julia knocked lightly on the door, and Wendy turned to her. "Anita, you're here!" she exclaimed, beaming.

Julia walked in, smiling. "I just got off work and thought I'd bring some gifts for the little one. How's the recovery going? Any better?"

Wendy nodded graciously as her husband, Louis, accepted the gift. "It still hurts, and I can't turn over yet," she said with a wince, "but I'm managing."

As Julia approached the bed, she couldn't help but notice Wendy's gaze flicking to Max, who was waiting outside. Julia wondered if Wendy recognized him, but her friend's expression revealed nothing. For now, Max's secret seemed safe.

Wendy, still recovering from childbirth, was anxious about any discomfort. "You'll be fine in a few days," Julia reassured her, gazing lovingly at the baby. But just then, the little one began wailing.

Wendy panicked, "What's wrong with him?"

The elderly Mrs. George, the seasoned mother, calmly explained, "He's probably hungry. You're not producing milk yet, and milk powder isn't enough. Breastfeeding is best for the baby's development."

Wendy frowned, "But we agreed on formula feeding. I need to return to work after maternity leave, and it's more convenient."

The elderly Mrs. George countered, "Why not quit your job? We don't need the money, and it's not worth sacrificing your child's well-being. You can focus on raising your baby."

Julia watched the exchange, intrigued by the differing opinions. She wondered what Max would think if they were in Wendy's shoes. Would they prioritize convenience or their child's needs? The question lingered in her mind as she continued to visit Wendy and her baby.

Wendy's face reddened with anger, "You promised me we'd formula feed! How can you change your mind now?"

Louis intervened, "Wendy, don't get upset, it's not good for your recovery." He winked at his mother, "Mom, why don't you take the baby out for a feed? Wendy's still recovering and can't breastfeed yet."

The elderly Mrs. George huffed but took the baby outside to feed him. Wendy turned her frustration on Louis, "You need to support me on this! I've given birth to a son for your family, and I can't lose my job."

Louis soothed, "I'll talk to Mom, don't worry. She's just concerned about your workload."

Wendy glared, and Louis fell silent. Julia watched the exchange, feeling a bit awkward. She was grateful she didn't have to navigate such complicated family dynamics.

Wendy noticed Julia still standing there and apologized, "Sorry you had to see this. It's just...family stuff."

Julia smiled understandingly, "No need to apologize. I'm just glad I could visit and meet the baby." She tried to lighten the mood, "He's adorable, by the way!"

"It's okay, Wendy, rest well. I'll visit another day," Julia said, sensing the tension and deciding to leave.

Outside, Max was waiting in the parking lot, phone in hand. Julia approached, curious, and overheard him say, "Mom, we'll be back soon..." But didn't his parents pass away? Who was he talking to?

Max quickly noticed Julia and panicked, hoping she hadn't heard. He swiftly changed the conversation, saying, "Aunt Georgina, let's talk later, Julia and I will be right back."

After hanging up, Max asked, "Why did you come out so soon?"

Julia replied, "The mother and baby needed rest, so I didn't want to intrude."

As they drove away, Julia asked, "Was that Georgina on the phone?"

Max hesitated before responding, "Yeah, she was asking when we'd be home for dinner. She cooked something special."

Julia raised an eyebrow, sensing a hint of deception in Max's voice. But she let it slide, focusing on the scenic route to Willow Garden.

Julia wondered, "Could I have misheard?" and asked Max, "You know, Georgina has been incredibly kind to us. Even a biological mother might not be as supportive."

Max smiled, "Aunt Georgina loves being around people. She gets bored at home alone, so she finds ways to stay busy."

Julia's curiosity got the better of her, "Does Georgina only have one son? Why doesn't she live with your cousin? It seems extravagant to own a house next door to us."

Max's expression turned serious, "Georgina's family is comfortable financially. As people age, they fear loneliness. Georgina has taken a liking to you, Julia. It's fate. When we have a child, she can help with childcare."

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