CHAPTER 71: POOLSIDE COCKTAIL

Maximus smirked. "You mean the phase when you pretended to be interested in high society parties just for the connections?"

Zack snapped his fingers with a wink. "Bingo."

Maximus shook his head, floating closer to the pool’s edge. "So, how did that lead to Anita Sparks?"

Zack stretched his arms above his head before settling into a more relaxed posture.

"Well, she was at this ridiculously over-the-top charity gala event— one of those events where everyone pretends to care about world hunger while wearing watches worth a down payment on a mansion."

Maximus huffed a quiet laugh. "Sounds about right."

Zack smirked. "Anyway, I saw her across the room. Gorgeous, confident, carrying herself like she owned the place. I’d heard about her before, but seeing her in person? Different energy."

Maximus rested his arms on the pool’s edge, listening with mild amusement.

Zack continued, "We got introduced through a mutual acquaintance. At first, she was polite, but I could tell she was testing me — figuring out if I was worth talking to or just another boring rich guy."

Maximus raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Zack grinned. "And I thought I had her interested. She started flirting, teasing me, making all these playful comments. So I figured, ’Alright, she’s into me.’"

Maximus already knew where this was going. "You took that as a sign to make a move."

Zack groaned, running a hand down his face. "Yeah, and I got brutally rejected."

Maximus smirked. "Ouch."

Zack pointed at him. "No, you don’t understand. It wasn’t just a simple ’no, thanks.’ It was a full-on, ’Oh, you thought this was flirting? That’s adorable’ kind of rejection."

Maximus laughed, shaking his head. "Damn."

Zack sighed dramatically. "It was a learning experience. Apparently, she’s the kind of girl who enjoys the game of flirting, but the second a guy takes it seriously and flirts back with real intent, they lose their chance."

Maximus thought about that for a moment. "So, she likes the chase?"

Zack nodded. "Exactly. She flirts, but the moment someone actually starts pursuing her, she pulls away. It’s like she thrives on the potential of something rather than the reality of it."

Maximus swirled his hand through the water absentmindedly. "Makes sense, I guess. Keeps things interesting for her."

Zack exhaled, leaning forward. "But, hey, rejection aside, we actually got along after that. She respects people who don’t let their ego get bruised too easily. We stayed in touch, and now, here we are — she’s helping us launch Salt Haven Resort."

Maximus smirked. "So, you did win in the end. Just not the way you originally intended."

Zack laughed. "Pretty much."

Maximus gave a slight nod before dunking under the water for a few seconds.

When he resurfaced, Zack was already picking up his phone again.

"Checking Anita’s post again?" Maximus asked, amused.

Zack grinned. "Hey, you never know. It might be at a million likes by now."

Maximus rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at his lips.

Anita arrived later in the afternoon, stepping out of her sleek black car with effortless grace.

The sun was still high, casting a golden hue over the resort’s pristine walkways, and a warm breeze rustled through the nearby palm trees.

She adjusted her sunglasses, taking in the lavish surroundings of Salt Haven Resort with a small smirk.

However, something was missing.

Where were Maximus and Zack?

She had expected them to be waiting outside, ready to greet her with their usual confidence.

Instead, a maid quickly approached, bowing her head slightly in greeting.

"Miss Anita Sparks this way, please."

Anita arched an eyebrow but didn’t question it.

Instead, she followed the maid through the luxurious hallways of the resort, the faint sound of flowing water becoming more audible with each step.

As they arrived at an open-air lounge overlooking the resort’s private pool, Anita’s lips curled into an amused smile.

Maximus was floating lazily on the water, his arms stretched out, eyes closed as if he had no care in the world.

The sunlight glistened off his skin, making him look almost sculpted against the rippling surface.

Zack, on the other hand, was sprawled on one of the plush lounge chairs, his head tilted back, mouth slightly open as soft snores escaped him.

Anita placed a hand on her hip. "Boys."

Her voice carried just enough amusement to stir them.

Zack made a small grunt, shifting slightly before blinking up at her groggily.

"Huh?" He rubbed his face, sitting up, his messy hair sticking in all directions.

Maximus, still floating, cracked one eye open. A slow, knowing smirk spread across his face. "ANITA."

She removed her sunglasses, revealing her sharp eyes. "You two look very busy."

Zack yawned and stretched. "We were working hard this morning."

Maximus lazily flipped onto his stomach, treading water with a smirk.

"And by ’working hard,’ he means arguing over poolside cocktail options."

Anita laughed lightly, walking toward the edge of the pool. "Sounds exhausting."

Maximus tilted his head. "You have no idea."

She crouched down slightly, dipping the tip of her perfectly manicured finger into the water before flicking a few droplets in Maximus’s direction.

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t move.

"Enough lounging," she said. "It’s time for my shoot."

Maximus sighed dramatically, pushing himself toward the pool’s edge.

He rested his forearms on the ledge and glanced up at her. "Already? I was just getting comfortable."

Anita rolled her eyes. "Get out of the pool, Max."

He smirked but complied, lifting himself effortlessly out of the water.

Droplets clung to his skin as he grabbed a towel from the nearby chair, running it over his hair before tossing it onto the chair beside Zack.

Zack, now fully awake, sat forward. "Where do you want to shoot?"

Anita gave the resort a full once-over. "I have a few ideas. The private cabanas, the infinity pool, and maybe the ocean dock if the lighting is good."

Maximus nodded. "Good choices. We also set up a few scenic lounge areas specifically for high-end photography."

She smiled. "Perfect. Then let’s get started."