Realizing Max's spine-chilling voice, I gave him a death stare.

"And who are you to say such things to me?" Ian fought back.

Max however ignored him and faced me. "Your Ladyship, you haven't forgotten about our contract, have you?"

One of the clauses for our contract stated that the employer and employee were not permitted to date another person as long as the contract was in effect. In any case, Max was the one who had broken this condition first. I couldn't believe he would be so bold to accuse me of such a thing. I stood tongue-tied for a moment, then I scoffed, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Max sighed, crumpling his face. "Let's go somewhere private. There is something that needs to be discussed."

He was speaking to me formally as I had asked him to previously. Still, that was no reason to forgive him. "As you can see, I am having an important conversation with an acquaintance," I argued.

Max gritted his teeth in response and glared at Ian. I couldn't help but be afraid of what might happen as his crimson eyes were burning like flames.

"You, get the hell out of here right now!" he yelled.

How could he say that to the workshop owner? He was a customer here! I was about to stop Max when someone interrupted our quarrel.

"Oh, you must be Lady Floyen." It was Max's companion—calling me as if she had been acquainted with me for a long time. I realized Max was absolutely the worst. He had even told his other partner about me. I scowled at him only to realize that he was shooting a resentful gaze at me as well. I couldn't believe it. I was the one he had cheated on—and not only had he gone shopping with another woman, but he was also verbally abusing my colleague as well.

Just then, the woman who had been with Max smiled and praised, "Thank you for the cake before. It was delicious." It almost seemed as if she was determined to irritate me. In any case, her words confirmed that both she and Max thought of me as a pushover. My body trembled with anger after hearing that he had shared the cake I bought for him with another woman.

Nevertheless, I remained calm. If I made a scene here, it would only bring me misery. Hiding my emotions, I replied, "I'm glad to hear that. And I apologize, but have I ever permitted you to address me so informally? I do not believe we have met before."

When I pointed out what she had done, she smiled awkwardly. "Ah, I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Yuri—Lord Max's vassal and relative."

A vassal and relative? I listened in a daze. It would be a stretch to call their relationship a romantic one. Then I realized that she had thanked me for the strawberry cake and recalled the time I had given Max the cake. I had told him to share it with the person he was obliged to. My eyes trembled at the revelation when the woman continued, "I was accompanying my liege as he had asked me to help pick a present for his lover. I didn't know we would meet here like this."

Her words reminded me of what Max had said a few moments ago from afar.

"It's a gift… I want to get something better and more expensive."

I would have never thought he meant those words for me. Feeling hot from the embarrassment, I glanced at Max.

He was still staring in my direction, seeming exasperated.

'Oh, no. I'm in trouble.' I contemplated what to do for a moment then clenched my fists. 'I've caused this mess, so I will fix it.'

I grabbed Max's wrist. Then turning to Ian and Yuri, I called, "Excuse us for a minute. There's something we need to discuss."