Back to their childhood days, Max will always find Athasia crying in the back garden whenever he visits or his father has something to say to the Rymertons. Since he was young and in his right mind as a child, he never paid attention to anyone. Even if his father wanted him to play with some other rich kids.
Max never wanted to play. He often spent a lot of time in their library reading books and honing his mind. Maybe the reason why he became distant and cold in another's perspective.
It was when his father dragged him to come with him to give this invitation to Rymerton. It was his 8th birthday and his old man wanted to invite their daughter. However, when the adults got into some serious conversation about their business, the maids there told him to come with her outside instead.