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.
Max sat across from Richard in the grand study, trying to process the magnitude of what he’d just learned.“So... I’m really a Montgomery?” he asked, his voice tinged with awe.Richard smiled, rising from his chair.“There’s no doubt about it.”He walked to a shelf, pressed a hidden latch, and revealed a secret room.Max followed him inside, his breath catching as he took in the sight: walls lined with ledgers, monitors displaying company logos, and a central table stacked with documents.“These are our holdings,” Richard explained, gesturing to the displays.“GlobalTech Industries, Royal Crown Hotels, StreamLife, and many more.”Max’s eyes widened as recognition dawned.“Wait—these are some of the biggest names in the world. We own them?”“Correct,” Richard said with a hint of pride.“Our wealth spans continents. The Montgomery family controls assets worth trillions. And now, so will you.”Max’s head spun.Just that morning, he’d been worried about rent.Now he was being handed contr
As Max woke up, he stretched with a grin, feeling lighter than he had in years. “No budgeting, no calculating shifts…” he murmured, staring at the ceiling. “So this is what freedom feels like.”He sat up, glancing at his worn-out sneakers by the door and laughing. “Well, guess it’s time to treat myself. No cafeteria lines today—let’s go somewhere extravagant. Somewhere… off-limits,” he whispered with a smirk.As he dressed, a thought crept in. “Any restaurant, any meal, no more checking prices.” He shook his head, still marveling. He decided against the cafeteria and dressed up, calling for a taxi to take him somewhere he’d always dreamed of going. “Brightwood shopping center, please,” he told the driver, a hint of excitement in his voice.The driver glanced at him through the mirror. “Big place. Got some fancy plans for the day?”“You could say that,” Max replied, smirking to himself. “I’m thinking of treating myself to the best lunch they’ve got.”The cab pulled up to the towe
Max 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
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
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
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
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
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