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
"Is that... Max?" Amanda whispered to Johnson, her perfectly manicured nails digging into his arm as they watched Max being escorted into the private shopping room. "Why would they even let him in there?"The boutique's crystal chandeliers cast elegant shadows across the marble floor as Max disappeared behind the mahogany doors with the store manager hovering attentively beside him."Probably just window shopping," Johnson scoffed, adjusting his designer watch. "You know how these stores let anyone in these days."The manager quickly escorted Max to the VIP lounge, his hand hovering nervously behind Max's back. The exclusive space was a stark contrast to the chaotic scene outside – all leather chairs, dim lighting, and soft jazz playing in the background."Please, Mr. Max, make yourself comfortable. I'll handle your withdrawal personally," the manager said, gesturing to a plush armchair. "Can I get you anything? Perhaps our finest scotch?"Max settled into the chair with a slight smir
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
Max sat down in the soft chair.The yellow light from the restaurant's general lighting lit up his table. He looked down at his plate and was amazed by the wonderful smell of his carefully prepared food.It was the most expensive thing he had ever eaten, and each bite made him dream of the kind of wealth he had dreamt once, which has become now into reality.But his pleasure was cut short by a sudden commotion nearby.The voices grew louder and more angry, sharp, and mean.Max turned his head and saw a young man standing over a girl who looked about twenty years old.Her uniform was simple, her hands trembling as she tried to keep her head down, tears already glistening in her eyes."You stupid girl!" The man barked, and his voice was filled with disdain."Do you even know how much these shoes cost?"The girl said, "Sir, I'm so sorry." I meant not to—"He cut her off with a sneer and asked, "Didn't mean to? You poor little beggar didn’t mean to, of course. But you never know where you
"let go of my hand right now, you worthless piece of trash, or you'll regret ever stepping foot in this restaurant." The man hissed, his face twisted with fury.His efforts to escape Max's hold just made him seem more pitiful.Max's face remained still, his grasp solid. "Not happening unless you guarantee to leave the waitress alone. I will not tolerate your horrible actions."The man's lips curved into an unpleasant grimace."You worthless nobody; you have no clue what you are getting engaged with. These shoes?" he snarled, and continue,"Maurice Laurent personally made these; they are not some cheap department shop trash. There only are three pairings in the whole earth!"His voice soared dramatically so that every customer may hear his declaration."Every pair is worth more than what this inept waitress would earn in a decade of miserable living!"Whispers and gasps floated about the eatery. Many customers got out their phones to quickly capture what was happening right before the
“How dare you insult my shoes!”The man sneered and looked at Max's shoes with a look of pure disgust on his face. "What are those on your feet? Did you get them for a low price?"Max looked down at his worn-out shoes. They weren't brand new, but they had served him well for years. He turned around and looked back at the man. "They are fine.""'Just fine,'" the man said again, his face twisting into a grin. "Maybe to someone like you. But real men—real men with money—don't wear rags.” He put out his leg and showed off his shoes, which sparkled in the diner lights because they were shiny. "These? Ten million dollars is how much they're worth.”A lot of people gasped, and whispers went around the room. Everyone looked at Max, whose quiet appearance stood out against the man's flashy clothes. Some people leaned in close and asked, "Is he really that poor?Perhaps he's just trying to get the waitress's attention."As the conversation went on, the waitress hovered nearby and watched wit
Before Max could finish his meal, a shadow walked across the table. He looked up and saw that it was the same waiter he had saved hours before. She was beautiful and tall, and even in her simple outfit, she stuck out."Excuse me, sir," she said, her voice a little shaking. "Just... Again, I want to thank you for what you did earlier.”Max put down his fork and looked at her. "Don't thank me.Anyone would have done the same thing.”Even though she was worried, her lips were pressed together in a thin line, showing how grateful she was. She replied, "No, not just anyone.You did step in even though you didn't have to.I have no idea how I'll ever repay you."Max smiled in a small, comfortable way. "You don't have to pay me back. Are you okay now?"She gave an uncertain nod, and her fingers moved around on the hem of her apron. "Thank you, I am. Just so you know, my name is Molly.”Max put out his hand. "Max."The move made her eyes widen a little, but she took his hand in hers anyway, and a
Max was in the big study of the Montgomery estate.Richard looked at him with a loving but calculating look as he sat in a soft leather chair."You need to go to the dinner this Saturday," Richard told her in a strong, authoritative voice."It’s not just a dinner; it’s an event that will shape your role as the family’s heir."Max leaned against a shiny wood desk with his arms crossed."Dinner?" What's the reason?"Richard gave a smile and tapped the desk."We are announcing the next big business deals for the Montgomery family."It's also a chance to meet important people in our network, like CEOs, government leaders, and, of course, other powerful families. Now is the time for you to shine."Max made a face. He didn't feel completely at ease with the thought."Grandfather, I'm still getting used to everything. There's a chance I'm not ready to meet such important people.Richard laughed, and the sound was warm and firm."Max, you live on as the Montgomery heir. Being ready is a must.
Kurt’s face turned red as he clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his composure."What are you doing here, Max?" Kurt snapped, unable to hide his disdain."Did they run out of animals for the zoo, so they invited a stray dog like you?"Max chuckled, not bothered by the insult in the slightest."I don’t know, Kurt. Maybe I’m the one who’s been invited to this fancy banquet, while you’re still licking your wounds from our last ‘meal’ together. How’s that going, by the way?"At that moment, Emily, who had been standing nearby with some of the other guests, noticed the tension between the two men.Her gaze shifted between Max and Kurt, her brow furrowing in confusion."Are you both invited here?" Emily asked, walking over to stand beside Max, clearly curious. She didn't expected that Max would be here.Max turned to her with a playful glint in his eye."Oh, nothing. Just a little walk down memory lane with our dear friend Kurt here." He turned back to Kurt, his voice louder this time."Yo
Kurt nodded, trying to absorb what Johnson was saying."I understand. Loyalty and discretion. I can handle that, no problem." He gave a confident smile, hoping it didn’t sound too rehearsed."Good," Johnson said, his tone approving."Just remember, it’s not about who you know—it’s about how you handle yourself. If you want to work with them, you have to show that you’re trustworthy. One wrong move, and it’s over.""I get it, Mr. Kingsley," Kurt said quickly, his voice steady."I’ve learned that the hard way in business before. I won’t make the same mistakes."Johnson patted him on the back."I’m sure you won’t. You’ve got the right attitude. Now, let’s see what happens.""Thank you again, Mr. Kingsley. I really can’t express how much I appreciate this," Kurt said, standing taller, feeling a rush of excitement. He knew this was his big chance.Amanda, now looking a bit more interested, spoke again."By the way, there’s something else you should know. The Montgomerys are making a big an
The grand hall of the Montgomery estate was alive with chatter and laughter as people mingled in groups.The afternoon sun streamed through the large windows, lighting up the golden decorations that sparkled around the room.Kurt adjusted his tie nervously.He had been looking for Johnson Kingsley and his girlfriend, Amanda, all afternoon.Finally, he spotted them standing near a group of influential guests."Ah, there he is," Kurt muttered to himself as he began making his way over to them.As Kurt approached, Johnson noticed him first. He smiled broadly and waved."Kurt! I was wondering when you'd show up," he said, extending his hand.Kurt shook his hand with enthusiasm, a bright smile on his face."Mr. Kingsley, it’s such an honor to see you. Always a pleasure," he said, the words flowing easily.Amanda, standing beside Johnson, gave Kurt a polite smile but didn’t say much.She was used to these types of interactions and didn’t seem particularly impressed.Kurt kept his focus on J
Red Fang, still trembling from the earlier ordeal, bowed so low his nose nearly scraped the ground.His voice was shaky but laced with desperate gratitude."Young master, thank you for your mercy! I swear I’ll release the girl immediately, and I’ll make sure the one who dared to kidnap her learns his lesson. He’ll regret the day he was born!"Max leaned back against a nearby wall, arms crossed, his expression one of amused indifference."You should regret your choices too, Fang. But I suppose there’s hope for you yet. Show me that you can follow through, and maybe, just maybe, I won’t remember tonight as the day I should’ve crushed you like the bug you are.""Of course, young master! I’ll handle it personally!" Red Fang snapped his fingers, gesturing frantically to his men."Bring the girl here! And get that idiot who took her—tie him up and drag him out!"The thugs scrambled to obey, their earlier bravado replaced by sheer terror.Two of them disappeared into a side room, and moments
Winston's expression darkened as he adjusted his pristine white gloves, his voice cutting through the warehouse air like a steel blade."Since you seem woefully ignorant of whose time you're wasting, allow me to educate you. I am Winston, chief butler of the Montgomery family."The Red Fang, who had been sneering just moments before, froze mid-gesture. His face twitched as the implications sank in."The Montgomery family," Winston continued, each word dripping with calculated disdain."Isn't some neighborhood social club you can extort for pocket change. We're the kind of family that makes people like you disappear with a phone call. And yet here you are, manhandling the young master like some common thug. Tell me, did your mother drop you on your head, or are you simply eager to test if your life insurance is up to date?"Red Fang's tough facade cracked like cheap porcelain."W-wait just a minute! This has to be some kind of mistake!""Mistake?" Winston's eyebrow arched dangerously.
Red Fang gritted his teeth as he watched Max and Winston stand before him.His eyes burned with fury at the sheer audacity they displayed.“You dare insult me in my territory?” Red Fang growled, his voice echoing through the warehouse.“Do you know who I am? People tremble when they hear my name!”Max dusted off his shirt, looking unimpressed. “Oh, we’ve heard your name,” he said nonchalantly.“It’s just that we don’t care. You’re a small-time loser who took my money and now thinks he can take my life too.”The gang members stirred uneasily, looking to their leader for a reaction.Red Fang’s face turned crimson with rage.“You little punk!” he bellowed.“I’ve ruled this area for years! No one disrespects me and walks out alive!”Winston stepped forward, his demeanor calm yet menacing.His piercing gaze landed squarely on Red Fang, and the air in the warehouse seemed to drop several degrees.“Let me make one thing clear,” Winston said coldly.“You’ve already crossed a line by taking m
Lisa’s sobs grew louder as the gang members encircled her like vultures eyeing their prey. Red Fang leaned against the wall, arms crossed, smirking as he surveyed the scene.“Well, sweetheart,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery, “your knight in shining armor is tied up too. Who’s gonna save you now? The tooth fairy?”The men around him laughed cruelly, their leering gazes sending shivers down Lisa’s spine. One of them stepped closer, running his fingers through her hair.“She’s a pretty one, boss,” he said with a sneer. “I say we start with her dignity first, then deal with the rest.”Lisa jerked her head away, her voice trembling. “Stay away from me!”“Oh, feisty,” another thug mocked, cracking his knuckles. “I like when they fight back. Makes it more fun.”Red Fang gestured toward Lisa, his smile widening. “She dared to slap me. Let’s teach her a lesson she’ll never forget. One by one.”The men closed in, their laughter echoing ominously in the cold, dimly lit warehouse. Lisa
Max lounged in his apartment, enjoying a rare moment of quiet, when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, frowning at the unfamiliar number.“Who is this?” he asked, his tone sharp.A gruff voice came through the line. “You don’t know me, but your little friend Lisa gave me your number. She thinks you’re her knight in shining armor.”Max stiffened. “What do you want?”The man chuckled darkly. “Money. Fifty grand. Bring it to the warehouse on 6th Street. And don’t even think about calling the cops. Otherwise...” His voice turned cold, “We’ll have some fun with her first. Maybe she gets out alive, maybe she doesn’t.”Max clenched his jaw, his mind racing. Lisa wasn’t his closest friend, but she had always treated him kindly. He owed her.“I’ll bring the money,” Max said curtly. “Don’t touch her.”The man laughed. “You’ve got two hours. Don’t be late, hero.”As the call ended, Max immediately dialed his butler, Winston.“Winston, I need fifty grand in cash. Now.”Winston’s calm voi
The class monitor, Lisa, stood trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked at Red Fang.The gang leader leaned back lazily against the wall, his wolfish grin taunting her.His men chuckled and leered, their laughter echoing in the dimly lit alley.Red Fang glanced at Kurt, who was still frozen in place.“Tell you what, peacock boy,” he said with a mocking smirk, “since you’re her ‘knight in shining feathers,’ I’ll give you a chance. Pay me—let’s say... $10,000—and I’ll forget this little incident ever happened.”Kurt’s eyes widened in panic.“T-Ten thousand? Are you insane?” he stammered, his voice cracking.Red Fang shrugged, his grin widening.“Cheap price for a friend, don’t you think? Or would you rather I let my boys have their fun? I bet she’d fetch a nice profit in certain markets.”Lisa gasped in horror, clutching her chest as the gangsters laughed cruelly.“Come on, Kurt!” Lisa cried, her voice breaking. “You promised you’d help me! Please!”Kurt’s mind raced.H