ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR

CHAPTER 5

The black sedan rolled to a halt before a gilded gate, its towering iron bars adorned with the elegant "Montgomery" crest.

Max leaned against the window, his breath fogging the glass as he took in the grandeur.

“Is this it?” he asked, his voice low, almost reverent.

Harrison, the ever-composed butler, nodded.

“Indeed, sir. This is Montgomery Estate.”

A security guard approached.

Harrison handed over a thick envelope without hesitation.

Max fidgeted as the guard scanned the documents.

After a tense moment, the gates opened with a groan, revealing a sprawling estate bathed in sunlight.

As the car eased forward, Max’s jaw dropped.

A central fountain sparkled like diamonds, surrounded by gardens so manicured they seemed unreal.

Marble statues peeked out from hedgerows, their lifelike gazes following the car.

“It looked like a giant museum.” Max muttered.

“You haven’t seen the inside yet.”

Harrison said with a small smile as the car stopped at the mansion’s grand steps.

Max hesitated before stepping out, painfully aware of his scuffed sneakers and worn jacket.

“I shouldn’t be here.”

Harrison opened the car door with a flourish.

“Mr. Montgomery insisted.”

With reluctant steps, Max followed Harrison up the marble staircase.

Inside, every inch of the mansion screamed wealth: ornate chandeliers, towering oil paintings, and a faint scent of polished wood and old money.

“Please wait here,” Harrison instructed, stopping before an imposing door.

He knocked, and a voice from within responded, “Come in.”

Max swallowed hard, his hand trembling as he reached for the doorknob.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

The study was warm but intimidating, the air thick with the scent of aged leather and old books.

Behind a mahogany desk sat an elderly man, his silver hair immaculately combed, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Max.

“Hello,” Max said hesitantly.

The man’s expression softened, his eyes shimmering with emotion.

“It’s you,” he whispered.

He rose, his movements deliberate but trembling. “After all these years.”

Max stood still, his curiosity outweighing his nerves. “What do you mean?”

The old man approached with surprising agility, pulling Max into an embrace.

Max froze for a moment, then relaxed as the warmth of the gesture sank in.

“You have your father’s eyes,” the man said, stepping back, his voice thick with emotion.

“And your mother’s chin. It’s like seeing them again.”

“My parents?” Max asked, stunned. “You knew them?”

The man gestured to a chair, his hands trembling.

“Sit, son. I’m Richard Montgomery, your grandfather.”

Max sank into the seat, his heart pounding.

“I don’t understand. I grew up in foster care. I thought I didn’t have family.”

“You do,” Richard said, his voice strong yet kind.

“You’re my grandson, and you’re the rightful heir to the Montgomery legacy.”

Max blinked, the words hitting him like a tidal wave.

“I... don’t even know what to say.”

“Say nothing,” Richard replied, his gaze unwavering.

“This isn’t just about wealth, Max. It’s about belonging. You’re home now.”

For the first time in his life, Max felt something unexpected—a sense of connection.