The grand hall of the Montgomery estate was in disarray.The death of Reginald had left a vacuum, and the elders were divided. Heated debates erupted as alliances crumbled and loyalties shifted.“This family is falling apart!” one elder bellowed, slamming a fist on the table.“We need stability now more than ever!”“Stability?” another elder shot back. “Backing Max is a gamble! Elliot controls Reginald’s network—he’s too powerful to fight!”Max stood at the head of the table, his expression a mask of calm despite the chaos.“If you think siding with Elliot will save this family, you’re deluding yourselves,” he said firmly.“He doesn’t care about the Montgomery legacy. He’ll burn it to the ground to prove a point.”An older woman, her voice laced with uncertainty, countered, “And what makes you any different, Max? You’ve brought war to our doorstep.”Max’s fists tightened, but Emily stepped in, her voice steady.“Max didn’t bring war. Reginald did when he betrayed this family. Elliot’s