They moved quickly but cautiously, navigating through overturned furniture and signs of the earlier firefight.Emily scanned the area, her movements fluid and deliberate.Molly trailed behind, her heart pounding as every creak of the floorboards sent a jolt of fear through her.Suddenly, a shadow moved in the corner of Max’s vision.He raised his weapon just as Victor Kane stepped into view, his rifle trained on them.“Well, well,” Victor said, his voice calm and taunting.“Max Montgomery. You always seem to show up where you’re least wanted.”“Victor,” Max replied coldly, not lowering his weapon.“Still playing second fiddle, I see.”Victor smirked.“Second fiddle? No, Max. I’m the conductor now. And this symphony ends with you.”Without warning, Victor fired. Max shoved Emily and Molly into cover before diving behind an overturned table.The gunfire was deafening as the two men exchanged shots, their movements sharp and calculated.While Max kept Victor occupied, Emily grabbed Molly

The tension in the room was suffocating. Gerald’s hand shook slightly as he held the gun to Emily’s temple, but his expression was cold and determined.Emily’s eyes were wide with fear, yet her lips remained pressed in a firm line.“Hand over the documents, Max,” Gerald demanded, his voice steady but edged with bitterness.“Or I’ll put a bullet in her head.”Molly clutched the encrypted tablet tightly, her knuckles white.“Gerald, how can you do this? You’re family!”“Family?” Gerald scoffed, his laugh harsh and hollow.“That’s rich, coming from someone who’s been here for five minutes. You don’t know what this family is like.”Max stepped forward slowly, his hands raised in a gesture of peace.“Gerald, put the gun down. We can talk about this.”“There’s nothing to talk about!” Gerald barked, his voice rising.“You don’t understand, Max. You’ve always had everything handed to you. Power, respect, trust. And what did I get? Cast aside by our grandfather. Years of loyalty, and he gives

Later that evening, Max checked in on Emily, who was resting in one of the estate’s guest rooms. She was propped up on a pile of pillows, a soft blanket draped over her, but the color had returned to her cheeks.“You shouldn’t be walking around,” Max said, leaning against the doorframe.Emily smiled faintly.“And you shouldn’t be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”He stepped inside, taking a seat beside her bed. “You scared me back there.”“I’m fine,” she assured him.“Thanks to you.”Their eyes met, and for a moment, the chaos of the outside world seemed to fade. Emily reached out, her fingers brushing against his.“You’ve been through so much, Max. More than anyone should have to handle. And yet, you keep fighting. I don’t know how you do it.”He looked away, his voice low.“Sometimes, I don’t either.”Emily squeezed his hand. “Just know you don’t have to do it alone.”Her words lingered in his mind long after he left her room.Meanwhile, Molly sat alone in the est

Emily spoke up, her voice steady.“The Rose family has resources we can use—intelligence networks, financial analysts. It’s risky, but if it helps protect your family, it’s worth it.”Max frowned. “Emily, this could put your family in Elliot’s crosshairs. I can’t let that happen.”“You don’t get to make that choice for me,” Emily replied firmly.“My family owes everything to you, Max. Let me do this.”Max hesitated but nodded.“Alright. Coordinate with Jace. We need as much information on Elliot’s operations as possible.”Red Fang stepped forward.“I’ve got my team preparing for a confrontation. If Elliot wants a war, we’ll give him one.”Max turned to Molly, who had been unusually quiet.“Molly? Are you with me?”She looked at him, her expression conflicted.“I’m with you, Max. But you need to be ready for what you might find. Your family’s secrets could destroy everything you’re fighting for.”Max’s gaze softened.“I’ll handle it, Molly. But I can’t do this without you.”She nodded,

The Montgomery estate’s grand ballroom was alive with opulence and energy.Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light over the impeccably dressed crowd, and a string quartet played softly in the background.Guests mingled, champagne flutes in hand, their polite smiles masking the tension that hung heavy in the air.Max stood near the entrance, his eyes scanning the room.His tailored suit and composed demeanor belied the storm brewing inside him.The charity gala was a calculated move—a public display of strength to counter the scandal rocking the Montgomery name.But Max knew it was also a trap. Elliot wouldn’t miss this opportunity.Red Fang approached, his earpiece crackling.“Perimeter’s secure, but if Elliot wants in, he’ll find a way.”Max nodded. “He’s already here. I can feel it.”Molly joined them, her gown understated but elegant.“You sure this is a good idea, Max? We’re painting a target on ourselves.”“It’s not about us,” Max replied.“It’s about sending a message. We’re s