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 control of an empire.
Richard reached into a drawer and pulled out a sleek, custom phone embossed with a golden “M.”
“This is yours now. It’s directly linked to the estate’s private network.”
He then produced a black card, its metallic gold lettering spelling out Max’s name.
“And this grants you access to the family’s accounts.”
Max took the card hesitantly. “How much...?”
Richard smiled knowingly.
“For now, it is ten billion dollars. Consider it your starting allowance.”
Max stared at the card, his pulse racing.
Ten billion dollars?
For someone who’d spent his life scraping by, it felt like stepping into a dream.
“But why keep all of this hidden?” Max asked.
“I never heard the story of our family. Why not let people know who we are?”
“Because real power works best in the shadows,” Richard replied.
“We influence without being seen. It’s the Montgomery way.”
Max ran his fingers over the card’s raised lettering.
The weight of responsibility began to settle in. “What am I supposed to do with all this?”
“Learn,” Richard said, his tone firm yet encouraging.
“Your role is to uphold the Montgomery legacy. With time, you’ll understand the full scope of what that means.”
Max nodded, a mix of awe and determination in his eyes. “I’ll do my best.”
Richard smiled, his pride evident. “I have no doubt.”
As Max left the study, the card and phone clutched tightly in his hands, he felt the enormity of his new life pressing down on him.
That night, he lay in a four-poster bed so grand it could have belonged to royalty.
The sheets were impossibly soft, the room hushed except for the faint crackle of a distant fireplace.
As he stared at the ornate ceiling above, Max let out a shaky breath.
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ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 7
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
ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 8
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
ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 9
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
ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 10
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
ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 11
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
ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 12
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
ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 13
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ALMIGHTY DOMINANCE LOST HEIR CHAPTER 14
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 218
The bunker’s silence was suffocating.Max’s fingers hovered over the button, every muscle in his body screaming for him to end this.One press.One moment.Elliot’s empire—gone.Emily, bruised and breathless, rushed into the chamber first, Red Fang and Molly behind her.“Max!” she gasped, eyes darting between him and Elliot. “Do it. End this.”Red Fang, ever the pragmatist, cocked his gun. “Push the damn button, boss.”Molly’s gaze flickered to the mainframe. “We don’t even know what wiping it will trigger.”Max knew that.That’s why he wasn’t pressing it.Something wasn’t right.Elliot, bloody but smirking, watched him carefully.“You hesitate,” he murmured. “Smart.”Emily’s breath hitched. “Max, don’t listen to him.”Elliot’s smirk widened.“You think I built this entire empire just for it to collapse with me?” His bruised fingers tapped the device in his palm. “Go ahead. Destroy it. But you won’t be stopping anything.”Max’s grip tightened.“Then what am I stopping?”Elliot chuckle
CHAPTER 217
The bunker loomed before them, half-buried beneath ice and reinforced steel. The frozen wind howled across the tundra, but Max barely felt it.He could only see one thing.The entrance to Project Nemesis.Red Fang, Emily, and Orlov’s strike team flanked him. The Russian general’s men were hardened operatives, armed to the teeth.“Thermal scans show minimal movement inside,” Molly reported through the comms. “But that’s impossible. Elliot wouldn’t leave this place unguarded.”Max’s jaw tightened.“He’s waiting.”Emily’s hand hovered over her gun.“So what’s the play?”Max stepped forward.“No more tricks,” he said. “I go in alone.”The bunker’s inner doors slid open, revealing a massive, circular chamber bathed in dim, blue light.And at its center—Elliot.Standing alone, dressed in a black combat shirt, his expression calm.Waiting.“You made it,” Elliot said smoothly. “Was starting to think you’d given up.”Max stepped forward, muscles coiled.“No more games.”Elliot smirked.“No. J
CHAPTER 216
Max’s eyelids cracked open, and the first thing he felt was pain.His wrists were bound.His head throbbed.His breath came out in short, sharp bursts, the frigid air burning his lungs.The room was concrete and steel, dimly lit by a single overhead bulb.A black site.Siberia.He flexed his fingers, feeling the bite of handcuffs against his skin.Across from him, Emily and Red Fang sat in matching restraints, their eyes flicking toward him as he stirred.Emily’s lip was split. Red Fang’s knuckles were bruised.Max let out a slow, steady breath.Elliot had planned for this.And now?Now they were in his trap.The heavy door groaned open.A man strode in—tall, broad, and radiating pure military authority.General Dmitri Orlov.His icy blue eyes swept over them, calculating, judging.He stopped before Max, arms crossed.“I should execute you where you sit,” Orlov said in flawless English.Max didn’t flinch.“You’d be making a mistake.”Orlov’s expression didn’t change.“You are Maxwell
CHAPTER 215
Max’s hands shook as he stared at the blinking red display on Emily’s chest.0:59He swallowed, forcing his mind to slow down.“Emily, don’t move,” he said, his voice tight.She held her breath. “Wasn’t planning to.”The bomb’s wiring was intricate, laced with a failsafe mechanism designed to detonate if tampered with incorrectly.0:45Molly’s voice crackled through the earpiece.“Max, I’m in the system—there’s a wireless detonation trigger, but I can’t hack it remotely. You have to disable it manually.”Red Fang’s tone was grim. “How much time?”Max exhaled shakily. “Not enough.”0:30His fingers moved with surgical precision, tracing the primary detonation circuit. One wrong move, and Emily would—No.Focus.Emily’s eyes locked on his. “Max.”0:15“Almost there,” he muttered.0:10Max found the kill switch—but it was wired to a secondary charge.Damn it.He had one chance.One cut.He sliced through the wire.0:03The countdown stopped.A sharp, piercing silence filled the room.Emi
CHAPTER 214
The skyline of Dubai gleamed under the desert moon, an empire of glass and steel stretching toward the heavens.At its peak stood the Desert Crown, a private skyscraper Elliot had turned into his personal fortress.Tonight, Max was walking straight into it.Max adjusted his collar, stepping out of the sleek black car that had been provided for him.No weapons.No backup.No second chances.Elliot had made that clear.The building’s penthouse elevator was already waiting.Red Fang’s voice crackled through the hidden earpiece.“You sure about this, boss?”Max stepped inside.“No.”The elevator doors sealed shut, carrying him into the lion’s den.The penthouse was a study in excess. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the glittering skyline, the city pulsing with unmatched wealth and power.And at the center of it all—Elliot.Sitting in a high-backed chair, dressed in a custom black suit, a drink in hand, smirking like he’d already won.Emily was nowhere to be seen.Max’s fists clenched.
CHAPTER213
The screen on Viktor’s phone lit up.A live news broadcast.Max turned his head slightly—and felt his blood go cold.His own face flashed across the screen.BREAKING NEWS:“Interpol confirms Maxwell Montgomery is in possession of a classified bioweapon. Global alert issued. Immediate capture or termination authorized.”Max’s heartbeat thundered.No.Elliot’s voice hummed through the line.“You see, Max… while you were busy looking for me?”The smirk was almost audible.“I made the world believe you’re the real threat.”Viktor gave him a mocking shrug.“Sorry, Max. It’s just business.”Gunfire roared through the abandoned warehouse, bullets sparking off rusted steel beams as Max dove for cover behind a stack of shipping crates. The acrid stench of gunpowder filled the air, mingling with the heavy scent of betrayal.Red Fang was already firing back, his rifle barking as he clipped one of Viktor’s men.But it wasn’t enough.They were outnumbered.And worse—Emily was gone.“Max, we gotta
CHAPTER 212
The abandoned warehouse smelled of gun oil and damp concrete.Max stood in the shadows, his eyes scanning every darkened corner. He knew better than to trust anyone in Elliot’s world—especially a man like Viktor Kazan.Viktor wasn’t just a weapons dealer. He was a kingmaker, supplying warlords, rogue states, and intelligence agencies with the tools to rewrite power structures.And now, Max needed him.Red Fang, standing beside him, kept his hand resting near his holster. Just in case.“I don’t like this,” Red Fang muttered.Max’s jaw clenched.“Neither do I.”A rusted door groaned open, and Viktor Kazan entered.He was a hulking man, dressed in a long military coat, his bald head gleaming under the dim warehouse lights. A scar ran from his temple to his jawline, a reminder of how many people had tried—and failed—to kill him.Behind him, two bodyguards followed, their expressions cold and unreadable.Viktor stopped a few feet away from Max, lighting a cigar.“You have some nerve, Montg
CHAPTER 211
Max sat in the dimly lit safe house, staring at the flickering monitor in front of him. The screen was filled with news reports, security alerts, and live footage of military convoys moving through major cities.Every government agency. Every intelligence network. Every law enforcement unit in the world.They were all looking for one man.Him.“Maxwell Montgomery is now the world’s most wanted fugitive,” the news anchor declared. “Following an attack on an Interpol cyber facility in Singapore, he has been officially classified as a global terrorist—”Max clicked the screen off.His jaw clenched.Elliot had played him perfectly.Red Fang paced the length of the room, his expression unreadable.“We can’t stay here,” he said. “Not for long.”Emily sat cross-legged on the couch, arms folded tightly against her chest. Her eyes flicked to the closed blinds.“The moment we step out, we’re dead,” she muttered. “Every security camera, every border checkpoint—hell, even private contractors will
CHAPTER 210
Max stood over Molly’s terminal, eyes scanning the empty data feeds. The endless networks, the financial grids, the black-market communication lines—Elliot had wiped them clean.His name was nowhere.His digital footprint, nonexistent.Max’s jaw tightened.Molly cursed under her breath, fingers flying over the keyboard. “This isn’t just some rich guy going off-grid—this is a complete system-level erasure.”Red Fang leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his expression grim. “It’s like he was never even here.”Emily stood near the window, arms folded. Her gaze was distant, calculating.“He knew we’d come for him,” she murmured. “He’s already three steps ahead.”Max’s chest burned with frustration.Elliot hadn’t just vanished.He had left nothing behind.No shell companies.No offshore accounts.No former contacts willing to speak his name.It was as if he had rewritten the world to forget him.But Max knew better.Elliot wasn’t hiding. He was waiting.A New Power RisesRed Fang’s