2024-10-29 15:30:03Max turned around and saw a striking figure approaching—a woman he instantly recognized as Emily Rose, his college classmate.
Noticing the tension between Max and the security guard, she stepped forward without hesitation, intent on helping him out.
She knew Max often took on odd jobs to make ends meet, and seeing him in such a situation here took her by surprise.
But her kind heart couldn’t bear to watch him be treated unfairly.
Emily was a regular at the venue, a VIP guest well-known to the staff.
As soon as she approached, the security guard immediately recognized her, his expression shifting from tension to a polite respect.
“Ms. Rose! Oh, my apologies! I… I didn’t know you were here,” he stammered, trying to regain composure and plastering a fake smile on his face.
“It’s an honor to see you.”
Emily looked past him, her gaze focused on Max.
“And why, exactly, are you stopping this gentleman from entering?”
The guard hesitated, the confident sneer fading from his face.
“Uh, well… you see, Ms. Rose… this guy here, he looks like some… well, he looks like he doesn’t belong here. I thought he was, you know, just some beggar trying to cause trouble.”
Max clenched his fists, struggling to hold back his frustration, but Emily’s sharp glare at the guard silenced him.
“Some beggar?” she repeated coldly, raising an eyebrow.
“Did you even ask who he was before jumping to conclusions?”
The guard’s face flushed. “I… I mean, look at him, Ms. Rose. I was just doing my job, keeping the place safe for people like you.”
He attempted a weak smile. “Surely you wouldn’t want folks like him—”
Emily cut him off.
“This ‘folks like him’ you’re talking about happens to be my guest today. He is my classmate, and I invited him here. You’re stopping my guest.”
The guard’s eyes widened, and his face turned pale as he stammered, “I… I had no idea! Ms. Rose, please! I didn’t realize he was… your guest!” He quickly dropped to his knees, his earlier arrogance gone in an instant. “Please forgive me, Ms. Rose! It was a mistake, I swear! I shouldn’t have offended your guest.”
Turning to Max, the guard’s expression was desperate.
“Sir, I… I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean any harm. I’ll crawl to you and beg for forgiveness if you’d like! Just… just please don’t have me thrown out.”
Emily crossed her arms, her gaze icy.
“And what about that promise you made? I seem to recall you saying you’d eat a toilet if Max could afford a meal here.”
The guard’s face turned a deep shade of red, and he looked at her, trembling.
“Ms. Rose, please… it was a mistake! I didn’t mean it literally. I… I was blind! I misjudged him! Please, I beg you, have mercy!”
The guard looked mortified, dropping to his knees as he stammered out an apology.
“Ms. Rose, please… I didn’t know he was your guest. It was a misunderstanding. I—I was just doing my job, I swear! Please, don’t hold this against me.”
Emily’s face remained impassive.
“Doing your job by judging people on appearances? I don’t think that’s quite the job description.” She looked down at him, her voice sharp.
“You can beg for forgiveness all you want, but I’m not interested in excuses.”
The guard’s voice shook. “Please, Ms. Rose, I’m sorry!”
With a dismissive wave, Emily turned to Max.
“Let’s go, Max. We have better things to do.”
Ignoring the guard’s continued pleas, she led Max through the entrance as onlookers whispered among themselves.
Max looked over at her, both impressed and curious.
“Hi Emily… that was… amazing. Thank you. I had no idea you carried so much influence here.”
Emily shrugged with a small smile.
“It’s nothing, really. People like him need to be reminded that respect isn’t based on someone’s clothes.”
“Well, I appreciate it,” Max replied, a touch of awe in his voice.
“You didn’t have to go that far.”
She smiles at Max, her eyes sparkling with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"I didn’t expect to see you here, Max," she says, her voice warm yet teasing.
"But since you're already here, why don't we catch up and take a stroll around the mall?"
Max, feeling a sense of relief after the uncomfortable encounter with the guards, can’t help but return her smile.
"I’d like that," he replies, his tone lighter than before.
"Actually, after all that commotion, I think I could use a little distraction. Maybe even pick up a few new clothes."
Emily's eyes brighten at the suggestion.
"New clothes, huh? I’d be glad to help you pick something out," she says enthusiastically.
"I think I know exactly what would suit you."
Max raises an eyebrow, intrigued.
"I’m not exactly the fashion-forward type, so I could use all the help I can get."
"Don’t worry," Emily laughs, gently nudging him. "I promise I won’t let you walk out of here looking like a disaster."
They went into a nearby luxury designer store.
The attendants greeted her with wide smiles, clearly recognizing her.
As they entered, Max couldn’t help but admire the array of high-end suits, jackets, and designer clothes.
It was a world he had never dared to step into before.
Emily wasted no time, browsing through racks of clothing and pulling out various items.
She handed him a smart jacket and a pair of tailored jeans.
“Try these. They’ll bring out your confidence, and I want to see you in something that makes a statement.”
Max took the clothes, looking a bit dazed.
“Now, go try them on.”
A few minutes later, Max emerged from the fitting room, looking transformed in the sharp jacket and well-fitted jeans. Emily smiled approvingly.
“Much better. But we’re not done.”
For the next half hour, Emily helped Max pick out several more outfits—some casual, others more formal, all high-quality and tailored to perfection.
Max felt a surge of gratitude and admiration as he watched Emily in action, her confidence and poise making every interaction effortless.
He glanced at her as they waited at the counter.
“Emily, I don’t even know how to thank you. You’ve done so much for me already.”
Emily waved it off with a smile.
“You don’t need to thank me.” She paused, her gaze softening.
“People shouldn’t have to face what you did out there. Maybe now they’ll think twice before judging you.”
Suddenly, she felt a hard bump from behind, and her shopping bags slipped from her grasp, tumbling to the floor.
She turned around, her expression calm but questioning.
“Oh, look at that! Are you blind or what?” sneered the man who had bumped into her.
His voice dripped with arrogance.
Max’s eyes widened as he recognized the voice.
Johnson. And, standing beside him, glancing at Emily with an equally disdainful expression, was none other than Amanda, his ex-girlfriend.
Emily straightened, unfazed.
“Excuse me? You walked into me.”
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Amanda held up the luxury handbag, twirling it with a radiant smile.“Johnson, isn’t it stunning? This bag would be perfect for me! You wouldn’t want me to leave without it, would you?”Johnson laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.“Amanda, didn’t I… just get you that luxury car last week? Maybe we could take it easy for a bit?”She pouted, her eyes widening in exaggerated disappointment.“Oh, Johnson, it’s just one little handbag. Imagine how perfect it would look with my wardrobe. Plus, everyone would know I’m spoiled by you. Don’t you want that?”Johnson hesitated, glancing at the price tag.This would go over my budget, he thought. If he gave in, he’d risk his dad’s wrath for overspending again.“Well…” He stalled, trying to think of a way out.“I mean, it’s… beautiful, but maybe we could find something similar, but, you know… less?”Amanda’s eyes narrowed slightly.“Less? Johnson, it’s not about the price; it’s about showing that you care. Are you telling me you can’t
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Amanda joined in, rolling her eyes. “It’s probably a piece of plastic from a toy store. Come on, Max. You’re really out here trying to fool people?”The other shoppers had started to take notice, their whispers creating a soft buzz of judgment in the air. Max stood quietly, the black card held loosely between his fingers."Max," Emily whispered urgently beside him, "you don't have to do this. Let me—"Johnson cut her off with an exaggerated gasp. "Emily, dear, don't tell me you actually believe this circus act? Look at him! He probably colored a regular card with a Sharpie!""The craftsmanship is quite poor, if you ask me," Amanda chimed in, examining her reflection in a nearby mirror. "You can practically see the marker strokes."Emily's face flushed as she reached for her purse. "I can handle this," she said quietly to Max. "There's no need to—""To embarrass himself further?" Johnson interjected, slapping his knee. "Oh no, please let him continue! This is better than dinner theater
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The machine beeped loudly, and the dreaded word flashed across the screen in unforgiving red: DECLINED.Max felt the weight of that single word hit him, his confidence momentarily shaken.He frowned, glancing down at his black card, disbelief flickering across his face.From behind him, a loud, exaggerated laugh echoed through the store. Amanda stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with a cruel amusement.“Oh, look at Mr. High Roller. Can’t even afford a little shopping spree? Poor Max!”Johnson chimed in, crossing his arms and smirking.“Guess it’s true what they say, huh? All bark, no bite. Or should I say, all card, no cash?”Bystanders, intrigued by the commotion, paused in their own shopping to watch the scene unfold.Their whispers grew louder, blending with Amanda and Johnson’s taunts.“Isn’t that the guy who’s always bragging about his car?” one bystander murmured.“Yeah, what a fake,” someone else agreed. “Probably rented the suit, too.”Max tried to ignore the whispers and forc
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Max handed over a sleek, metallic card to Mr. Collins, the store manager.The manager's eyes widened slightly as he received the card, and his fingers trembled slightly as he inspected it.The unique design, the modest insignia—they were recognizable. This was no ordinary card.How could he get anything like this?Mr. Collins' eyes flickered up, assessing Max with curiosity and skepticism.Could he truly be important?"Excuse me," Mr. Collins said, his voice hesitant."This is a very rare card. How did you get it?Max grinned calmly. "This is mine. Is there an issue?"Mr. Collins gulped, his attention returning to the card.He'd heard rumors that a strong family's ownership had lately been passed to an unknown heir—a young guy whose name was kept secret.Could it be him?"None at all, sir.I just didn’t expect..." He stopped himself, recognizing how rude his first reply must have been. He straightened his posture and adopted a more professional demeanor."I apologize, Mr. Max. Please l
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The glass doors of the luxury boutique swung shut behind them as Emily and Max stepped onto the bustling sidewalk.The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the designer shopping bags they carried, and a gentle breeze ruffled Emily's perfectly styled hair."I have to say," Emily began, her lips curving into an amused smile, "when I first spotted you in those clothes earlier, I was all set to play fairy godmother. But it seems my charity services aren't needed after all, Mr. College Student."The way she emphasized the last words made Max chuckle. The shopping bags in his hands rustled as he shifted his weight, designer labels catching the sunlight."About that..." Max started, preparing to explain his true identity.The weight of his American Express Black card seemed heavier in his pocket after the day's events."No, really," Emily continued, her eyes twinkling with genuine interest."Most college students I know are surviving on ramen noodles and student loans. But here you ar
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CHAPTER 168
Smoke curled from the ruins of the Vatican bunker, the last remnant of the Council’s stronghold. Fires still burned in the distance, and the world, though free, stood on the precipice of uncertainty.Max Montgomery exhaled slowly, his chest rising and falling with exhaustion. His body ached from the brutal battle, every muscle screaming for relief. Yet, despite the pain, he felt something foreign—peace.Elliot stood beside him, his arms crossed as he surveyed the destruction. His sharp blue eyes flickered to Max. “The world’s looking for a new ruler,” he said, voice edged with both caution and curiosity. “What happens next?”Max let the question hang in the air.He knew the answer.If he wanted, he could take it all. The fractured governments, the collapsed economies, the remnants of the Council’s infrastructure—he could shape the world as he saw fit. No one could stop him now. Not after everything he had done. Not after everything he had lost.But was that ever what he truly wanted?
CHAPTER 167
The cold weight of the gun in Max’s hand felt heavier than ever. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, drowning out everything else. The choice before him was a devil’s bargain—kill Graves and inherit a poisoned throne, or let him live and become a puppet to the same cycle of tyranny.But then, Max saw something else.The core.A towering monolith of tech, embedded into the ancient stone walls of the Vatican’s hidden bunker. Wires pulsed like veins of a mechanical god, feeding into Omega Protocol, the system that had brought the world to its knees.This wasn’t a throne. It was a leash.And Max was done playing their game.He raised his gun—not at Graves, but at the control core.Graves’ smirk wavered. “What do you think you’re doing?”Max’s finger tensed on the trigger. For the first time, Graves looked nervous.“You idiot—if you destroy that, you’ll—”BANG.The bullet tore through the control core, striking dead center. The screen fractured, sparks erupting as the entire system scream
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Graves’ eyes slid over to Max’s father, who stood silent in the shadows. “Don’t all Montgomeries crave power in the end? Isn’t that the legacy, Reginald?”Reginald bristled, stepping forward. “My legacy is none of your concern.”Max’s mind spun with the enormity of Graves’ words. Kill him, and the new world order plunges into irreversible chaos. Spare him, and become the thing he despised.He tightened his grip on his weapon. “I’m not playing your game, Graves.”Graves lifted a brow. “Oh, but you are. The moment you stepped foot in this bunker, you became a participant.”Molly whispered behind Max, “He can’t be serious. Omega Protocol can’t be that absolute.”Graves gave her a pitying smile. “You’d be surprised. It’s older than you think—plans laid down before you were even born.” Emily touched Max’s shoulder again, voice low. “You’re not them. You’re not your father’s betrayal, you’re not the Council’s puppet. Please, remember that.”Max’s thoughts churned with doubt and determinati
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They found Graves sitting in the center of a vast, ancient chamber deep beneath the Vatican—a grand table of carved stone stood before him, illuminated by flickering torchlight. The centuries-old walls bore the weight of history, every inch etched with secrets long hidden.Graves lifted his gaze as Max and his team approached, arms tense and weapons at the ready. The Council’s leader looked remarkably calm, even relaxed, as he poured himself a drink from a crystal decanter. His lips curved into a faint, mocking smile.“You made it,” he said, voice echoing through the cavernous hall. “Before you kill me, let’s talk.”Red Fang snorted, stepping forward with his weapon raised. “I’m done talking.”Graves arched an eyebrow, swirling the liquor in his glass. “Are you? Because if you shoot me now, you’ll never know the final truth of Omega Protocol.”Elliot exhaled slowly, eyes flicking to Max. “We came here to stop you, not to hear more of your speeches.”Max’s heart pounded. He remembered
CHAPTER 164
Suddenly, the lamps buzzed, revealing a lone figure at the far end of the hall. No guards. No backup. Just Graves, standing calmly with his hands clasped behind his back, wearing that same condescending smile.Elliot stopped, raising his weapon. “Don’t trust this.”Graves lifted a brow. “Ah, Elliot Stoke. The reluctant ally turned saboteur. And Max Montgomery—what a family reunion.”Max’s voice was cold. “We’re here to finish what you started.”Graves chuckled, echoing through the vaulted chamber. “I started nothing. I merely inherited the Council’s vision. But you—” He pointed at Max, his eyes gleaming. “You’re the fool who thinks you can destroy an idea.”Red Fang spat on the ground. “Keep talking, old man. We’re not impressed.”Max’s thoughts hammered in his skull: Why is he alone? Where are the guards? The Council’s loyal to him— unless he wants us to think this is easy.Graves took a slow step forward, arms still relaxed at his sides. “You’ve come so far. Sacrificed so much. All
CHAPTER 163
The ancient skyline of Rome lay before them as they descended. Even from the air, Max could see chaos unfolding: streets clogged with protestors, fires flickering in the distance, sirens echoing off centuries-old buildings. The world’s financial collapse had reached Europe, and the city was on the brink.Emily leaned over the seat, peering through the helicopter’s window. “Max, look down there. It’s anarchy. We might not even make it through those streets.”Max tightened his grip on the harness. “We have to. The bunker’s somewhere under the Vatican catacombs.”Elliot snorted. “If Graves wanted to pick the perfect stage for a final showdown, he chose well. The Council’s been burying secrets down there for centuries.”Red Fang checked his gear, a grim smile on his face. “Then let’s rip those secrets out of the ground.”Max’s thoughts whirled as the helicopter touched down on a half-abandoned rooftop. He couldn’t ignore the tension building in his chest. Graves has been planning this lon
CHAPTER 162
Max’s father, who had been quietly observing, let out a troubled sigh. “So, that’s where they started. The seat of influence. The place they built centuries ago to shape politics, faith, and money.”Elliot gave a humorless laugh. “They’ve been hiding under the Pope’s nose this entire time? That’s beyond twisted.”Max’s expression hardened. “Then that’s where we go.”“Are you insane?” Molly looked at him like he’d lost his mind. “The Vatican is one of the most secure places on the planet, and that’s before you factor in Council infiltration.”Red Fang sneered. “Secure for them. We’ll do what we always do—walk in and tear it down.”Elliot crossed his arms. “**We’re not exactly in top shape to storm a bunker in Vatican City. The entire world’s on fire, borders are locked down, airports are chaos—we can’t just hop on a plane.”Emily stepped forward, tone resolute. “We find a way. We always do.”Max nodded. “They want to bury the world in chaos, and they’re using that bunker to orchestrate
CHAPTER 161
The world was imploding in real time, and Max and his team watched in horror as news feeds and security briefings poured in from every corner of the globe. Computer screens flashed with emergency bulletins: banks collapsing, government networks going dark, entire cities teetering on the edge of anarchy as the financial collapse spiraled.“How bad is it?” Max paced the dimly lit war room, his tone urgent and clipped.Molly stared at her laptop, eyes wide. “Worse than anything we’ve seen. Banks are freezing all assets, nuclear submarines lost contact with command, and some countries’ power grids have already failed.”Elliot leaned against the wall, arms folded, voice grim. “So, this is it. The endgame.”Max stopped pacing, fists clenched. “We’re not letting Graves win. We stop Omega Protocol or we die trying.”Emily looked up from a stack of frantic communiqués. “World leaders are panicking. Some are blaming each other, others are calling for a global state of emergency.”Red Fang snort
CHAPTER 160
Max barely felt the pain anymore. His body had been beaten, broken, and pushed to its limits—but none of that mattered. Not now. Not when Emily’s life was on the line.Graves’ voice still echoed in his ears, smooth, confident, filled with amusement.“You’ve fought so hard to uncover the truth, Max. But power? Power was never meant for people like you.”Max had heard those words before. People like you.They had told his father the same thing before they locked him away. Before they stripped him of his name, his empire, his legacy.Max was done listening.His fingers curled around the small, concealed blade hidden in his sleeve. He barely moved, barely breathed, waiting for the moment when Graves leaned just a little too close.Then, with a flick of his wrist, he struck.The blade sliced deep into Graves’ forearm.Graves let out a sharp snarl, stumbling back, blood dripping onto the cold steel floor. His smug demeanor shattered.Max didn’t give him time to recover. He surged forward, d
