Maxwell's POV
"She's at the beach house you got back for us," Mr. Hopton added. "She went there to have some alone time. To clear her head."
Hope surged through me so powerfully I felt dizzy.
"Thank you," I breathed. "Thank you so much. I promise I won't mess this up. I promise…"
"Listen to me, Maxwell." Mr. Hopton's voice was firm, with an undercurrent of fatherly warning that made me straighten up. "I'm trusting you with my daughter's location. Don't make me regret it."
"I won't…"
"I'm not finished." He leaned forward, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that reminded me he was still a father who would protect his child at any cost. "You hurt her again, you manipulate her, you play any more of your games, and I don't care how much money you have or how powerful your family is. You'll have me to answer to. Understood?"
I nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir. I understand. I won't hurt her. Never again."
