2024-12-26 14:42:40“Don’t let Morow State’s prosperity fool you,” he said, his tone as calm as ever.
“Behind all the success lies dangers far greater than you can imagine.”
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto Seraphina’s face, as if penetrating her soul.
“In Anoma County, tens of thousands live without proper compensation. Why? Because a giant factory was built illegally, leaving the people there without homes or a proper livelihood.”
Not waiting for her response, he continued.
“And Boxa County? A welcoming playground for gangs smuggling weapons and drugs. Their influence runs wild, controlling the streets and intimidating local authorities. They only stay in check because I’ve been holding them down.”
Max took a short breath, then spoke with a sharper edge to his voice.
“Then there’s Cexl County. Greedy businessmen ran Ponzi schemes, and now thousands have lost everything. Unemployment is skyrocketing, inflation is out of control. Without me? No one could stop it!”
“And don’t forget Debua County,” he added, his tone grim.
“It was just hit by a massive storm. While the rescue operations are over, they’re now facing post-disaster destruction that no one is ready to handle.”
He leaned closer.
“And then there’s the issue at the border—the ‘Lord of the Abyss’ trying to rebuild their illegal trade routes.”
“Everything is under control because I’ve been handling it! I’ve kept all these factions in line, ensuring chaos doesn’t spread.”
“Haha… Really? Oh, how scary!"
Seraphina let out a small, mocking laugh, her voice sharp with derision.
"Do you realize how shamelessly boastful you are?” she sneered.
“Don’t you think all of that just sounds like a bunch of self-aggrandizing stories to make yourself look important?”
She stepped closer, her lips curling into a subtle yet cutting smirk.
“Do you really believe that without you, everything would fall apart? You seem to think far too highly of yourself.”
Seraphina’s gaze remained icy as she continued, her voice sharp as a blade.
“You know what, Max,” she began, “don’t forget you’re just an orphan. All the comforts you enjoy now? They’re because of my family!”
“Even if you’ve achieved something, it’s only because my family supported you! Do you really think Morow State can’t function without you? What a joke!”
She stopped right in front of him, looking him up and down as if assessing something worthless.
“Without my father’s influence, you wouldn’t be anything! You wouldn’t even be standing here in this villa.”
Max remained silent, his jaw tightening as her words pierced through the air.
“And now,” Seraphina continued, her voice filled with conviction, “my father will take back his power.”
“He’ll take over Morow State, making it better and more prosperous. To me, you’re nothing more than a pawn.”
“The Lancaster family, the wealthiest in the capital, will soon form an alliance with my family. When that happens, my new fiancé, Dominic Lancaster, will take over the management of Morow State.”
“Do you know what will happen? In a year, Morow State’s GDP will easily exceed $30 trillion.”
She smiled cruelly, her eyes fixed on Max as if he had already lost.
“And you? You’ll spend the rest of your life in prison!”
Max stood motionless, his expression unreadable, though his eyes burned with a cold fire.
Seraphina folded her arms across her chest and added with a tone dripping in disdain.
“You should worry about yourself. The future of Morow State no longer requires your involvement.”
One of the officers stepped forward, pulling a pair of handcuffs from his belt.
Max knew his fiancée’s family must have long devised a grand scheme and he couldn’t escape or clear his name at this time.
However, he didn’t intent to resist.
Over the past four years, he had been constantly dedicating himself to a bring positive change to this state.
He was truly a bit exhausted.
Now, he might have finally got the chance to take a long nice break.
But before the officer could get any closer, Max shot him a cold glare.
That single look froze the officer in place, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.
Even his colleague standing nearby hesitated to move.
Max spoke in a low, firm voice, “I’ll walk on my own.”
With calm, deliberate steps, Max began walking out of the villa.
The two officers stood in confusion for a moment, trying to process what had just happened.
After a few seconds, they snapped back to reality and rushed to catch up, panting as they tried to keep pace with Max.
But they no longer dared to cuff him like a common criminal.
The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension, making Max seem less like a suspect being taken in and more like a ruler issuing commands.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0003
Seraphina walked to her car, her phone pressed tightly against her ear.A satisfied smile clearly marked her face.“Everything is going according to plan, Father,” she said, her voice sweet but laced with mockery.“Max really can’t do anything. He didn’t event resist.”Darrus Hayes’s deep voice sounded pleased.“Good. Of course, he didn’t resist. What could an orphan do?”Seraphina chuckled softly.“He actually believes that Morow State can’t function without him. Truly, it’s pathetic.”Darrus nodded, though it was only heard through the phone.“What a foolish man!”He continued, “Dominic Lancaster will arrive tonight. I want you to pick him up at the airport and make sure everything goes smoothly.”“We’ll celebrate this big step. Morow State will soon be under our control.”Seraphina smiled, proud of the task at hand.“Of course, Father. I’ll make sure erverything is perfect.”Darrus continued, his voice filled with ambition.“The Lancaster family is the most influential in the capit
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0004
Max did not immediately answer Chief Raul’s question.He glanced at the chair in front of him, and Chief Raul immediately sat in it, right across from Max.Max crossed his legs, leaning casually back in his chair.Max gave a thin smile, but his eyes remained sharp.“I’ve been accused of corruption, bribery, and... engaging in illegal activities.”"That's why I'm here now," he continued.Chief Raul was stunned, almost jumping out of his seat in shock.How could this be?Max was the one who had stabilized Morow State, played a significant role in the progress of the state, and now he was suddenly accused of such crimes?It felt like a bomb exploding in his chest.Chief Raul couldn’t fathom who could have orchestrated all of this.For the past four years, under Max’s leadership, Morow State had risen from the darkness.New schools had opened for children from poor families.The rampant child trafficking had been eradicated, and dozens of missing children had been returned to their famili
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0005
The Next NightSeraphina stood in front of the mirror, ensuring her makeup was flawless.The maroon satin gown she had chosen elegantly hugged her figure, highlighting her grace without appearing excessive.Her red lipstick added a bold touch, as if declaring that tonight, she was the center of attention.After confirming her appearance was perfect, she stepped out toward the car waiting to take her to the airport.At the VIP terminal, she watched Dominic’s private jet land.The lights on the runway reflected off her car’s window.When Dominic finally exited thecabin, Seraphina immediately walked to greet him.Dominic, dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit, returned the greeting with a small nod.They walked side by side toward the car.Dominic glanced at Seraphina briefly, inwardly acknowledging that this woman knew how to command attention.His gaze involuntarily swept up and down her curvaceous figure, filled with intense aggression.However, Seraphina didn’t feel the slightest bit off
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0006
Manager Nelson stood tall, despite the atmosphere in the room growing increasingly tense."With all due respect, Miss Seraphina," he said, "I cannot allow you to dismiss Mr. Max's contributions so easily."Seraphina shot Manager Nelson a sharp glare."What do you mean?" her voice cold.Manager Nelson lifted his chin slightly, taking a deep breath."Everyone in Morow State knows who’s truly been working behind the scenes.”“Without Mr. Max, this state wouldn’t be what it is today. Our current GDP? The stability we enjoy? It’s all made possible by Mr. Max’s contributions."To Manager Nelson, Seraphina’s remarks were a cruel joke.Everyone in Morow State knew that Max had been working tirelessly behind the scenes, transforming a once-chaotic state into a stable territory with a $20 trillion GDP.Even the Moont Hotel, the pride of Morow State, stood tall thanks to Max’s unseen support and contributions.After Manager Nelson countered Seraphina’s claims, the room’s atmosphere shifted drast
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0007
Darrus and Dominic's faces hardened, revealing their displeasure as their plans began to unravel.However, Darrus remained unmoved by Mr. Avo's warnings.With a tone full of disdain, he scoffed."Max is nothing but an orphan with no value," Darrus sneered."He has no talent, no education, and has only made it this far because of my generosity.”“Meanwhile Dominic," he continued, glancing at Dominic, who sat confidently, "is a top graduate from the Cadenza Leadership Institute.""Dominic has extraordinary skills, a strong family background, and an extensive network of connections.""Comparing Max to Dominic? It’s like comparing a filthy maggot to a soaring eagle. They’re not even on the same level," Darrus concluded.Mr. Avo sneered, his gaze sharp with contempt.Crossing his arms, he responded in a cold ironic voice,"Oh, is that so? If Dominic is so brilliant, why hasn’t the capital’s GDP surpassed Morow State yet?"Mr. Avo’s words struck like a whip, darkening Darrus and Dominic’s e
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0008
The next morning, Max woke up early, breathing in the refreshing coolness of the morning air.He had a simple breakfast that had been prepared for him while checking the items he would take to Mount Arleth.There were fresh flowers, candles, and a few other supplies.Meanwhile, Chief Raul appeared restless, pacing back and forth in front of the inn’s door.Seeing that Max was ready, he approached him.Chief Raul said anxiously, “Excuse me, Sir. But may I accompany you?”“The security out there… I’m concerned, Sir.”Max looked at Raul and calmly replied, “Stay here. I’ll be back. There’s no need to worry.”However, Chief Raul insisted.“I can’t just stay here, Sir. I must go with you.”Max gave a slight smile, unbothered by Raul’s unease."If it makes you feel better, then come along with me."With a nod, Chief Raul and his subordinates followed Max out of the inn.Yet, as soon as they stepped outside, Chief Raul paused briefly, his eyes scanning the path ahead.He was used to being on
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0009
At that moment, Chief Raul and his men finally realized who these people really were.They were subordinates of the "Lord of the Abyss."The "Lord of the Abyss" was a figure of immense military power.He controlled key trade routes, strategic territories, and wielded influence that extended into neighboring countries.Seeing someone as formidable as him paying respect to Max left them both astonished and deeply impressed.Chief Raul looked at Max with a newfound perspective.In his heart, he reflected, if someone as influential as the "Lord of the Abyss" showed such respect to Max, then Max’s reputation must far exceed anyone’s imagination.Max didn’t need to rely on corruption, threats, or underhanded methods to gain influence.His very presence was enough to command authority and control any situation.Chief Raul pondered for a moment.If someone like Max ever turned his back on Morow State, the consequences would be unimaginable.Only devastation would remain.Moments later, the yo
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0010
Without looking back, Max turned and began descending from the peak, passing rows of soldiers who stood silently with their heads bowed.Each of his steady steps on the snow resonated with an undeniable authority.Chief Raul, standing not far away, observed Max’s steps with mixed emotions—admiration and profound respect.The young man leading the troops suddenly moved forward.With a respectful demeanor, he knelt before the tombstone, followed by the rest of the soldiers.Chief Raul and his men could only stand frozen, unsure of what they should do.Then, the young man bowed deeply, and the entire troop followed suit.Chief Raul found the scene extraordinary, as though he were witnessing something that would never happen again in his lifetime.In his heart, Chief Raul thought, Max was a symbol of irreplaceable strength.If someone like Max were imprisoned, the damage to Morow State would be unimaginable.Chief Raul witnessed everything with deep admiration.The extraordinary power and
Latest Chapter
0067
Max held his mother’s hand tighter, gazing at her aged face, which still carried warmth despite her inability to speak. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the emotions swirling inside him before finally speaking. "Morow State is stable now, Mother. I’ve resumed my position as the chief spokesperson for the governor’s office," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "I came here to take you with me. I want you to live with me, not in this place, not with Father." Max looked at his mother with hope. For a long time, he had wanted to take his mother away from this house, away from the shadow of his father, whom he always believed was the source of her suffering. But every time Max voiced his wish, his mother always refused. Today, Max was trying once more. "I need an answer, Mother," Max continued. "If you agree to live with me, blink once. If you don’t, blink twice." Silence filled the room. Max held his breath, waiting for a different answer this time. But in the next
0066
Max had never truly been interested in Sarah. To him, she was just a childhood friend—someone their families had once tried to arrange a marriage with when they were teenagers. But to Max, Sarah was nothing more than a part of the past, a past that had no place in his life now. After the incident at his office, Max decided to return to his family home—the Knight estate. As he stepped into the main hall, he found his father, Mr. Fernand Knight, sitting in an ornate wooden chair, engrossed in his book. The atmosphere of the room remained the same as he remembered—cold and filled with the shadows of a dark past. Without a word, Max walked past his father. But before he could ascend the stairs to the upper floor, Fernand’s deep voice stopped him in his tracks. “How impolite,” his father remarked, not even bothering to look up from his book. “You dare come back to this house without informing me? You didn’t even greet me.” Max paused for a moment, his jaw tightening, but he did
0065
After that incident, James, Darrus, and Dominic no longer dared to disturb Max. Their political careers had been utterly destroyed. The two major parties that once supported them now refused even to acknowledge their existence. Their names were only mentioned in the dark history of Morow State as figures who failed to maintain their power. Meanwhile, Morow State was now stable. Organized crime had been eradicated, the economy was improving, and public trust in the government was gradually being restored. Amidst the growing calm, someone from Max's past appeared in his office. Seraphina stepped in with a pounding heart. She knew the risks, but she couldn't let this opportunity slip away. With hesitant steps, she stood in front of Max, who was busy with his documents. "Max..." Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. Max didn’t lift his face; only his cold eyes glanced at Seraphina briefly before returning to his work. His silence made the air in the room feel even heavier. S
0064
Within an hour, news of Nichol's arrest, along with all the crime bosses who had recently wreaked havoc in Morow State, had spread widely across various media platforms. National television aired exclusive reports, while social media was flooded with posts about the extraordinary event. One of the police officers involved in the operation gave a brief interview in front of the cameras. In an astonished tone, he explained how the arrests happened so quickly and without resistance. "We didn't need much force or additional strategy. The entire operation took only ten minutes. And it was all because of Mr. Max," he stated firmly. "What’s even more surprising is that these crime bosses didn't fight back at all. They bowed and showed respect to Mr. Max, as if they had known him for a long time." His statement quickly became a hot topic across social media platforms. Comments flooded the news posts, mostly from Morow State residents who now felt relieved and safe. "Max is truly a her
0063
The iron door swung wide open, revealing a vast room filled with tobacco smoke and the sharp scent of alcohol. The dim light from the flickering chandeliers cast a glow on the scattered stacks of cash spread across the gambling table. Several men sat around the table, laughing coarsely as they downed their liquor. In their laps, scantily clad—or even completely nude—women clung to them seductively, inhaling the intoxicating aura of power and wealth that permeated the room. However, the laughter and noise gradually faded as Max stepped inside with a calm demeanor. His cold gaze swept across the room, instantly shifting the atmosphere. Chief Raul and his three subordinates followed closely behind, their bodies tense, ready to act. His police instincts screamed at him to draw his weapon immediately, but he froze the moment Max raised a hand—an unspoken command that was clear and undeniable. Chief Raul furrowed his brows but lowered his gun. His men followed suit. At the center
0062
Not even 24 hours had passed since his release, yet Max was already back in action. There was no time to rest, no time to relax.Chief Raul, standing beside him as they prepared to depart, attempted to offer some advice."Mr. Max, you should rest first. At least for two days. Your body still needs to recover after everything that happened in prison."Max merely glanced at him briefly, his expression remaining cold. "Not necessary."That short response ended any further debate. Chief Raul sighed, finally giving up.They set off in a convoy consisting of two Hummers filled with police officers and soldiers.Their destination: Bebank Town, the epicenter of chaos that had shattered Morow State’s stability.Max already knew who was behind all of this—Nichol. A man who had caused trouble before and had now returned with even greater power.The journey to Bebank Town took several hours. The roads were eerily empty, with only the occasional passing vehicle speeding by as if trying to escape t
0061
Seraphina clenched her fists in fury, but there was nothing she could do. Darrus quickly grabbed her hand, suppressing the storm of anger raging within him.The two of them hurriedly left the place, frustration seething beneath their skin, as if they had just suffered a humiliating defeat.***Inside the car, silence filled the air, suffocating.Seraphina stared straight ahead, her jaw tightly clenched.Meanwhile, Darrus leaned back in his seat, trying to steady his erratic breathing. His anger was on the verge of exploding, but he was still attempting to stay calm.His personal assistant, seated in the front, handed him an envelope with an official seal."Sir, this just arrived from the governor’s office," the assistant said cautiously.Darrus snatched the envelope roughly and tore it open without hesitation. His eyes scanned the letter rapidly. The red flush on his face drained away, and his hands began to tremble."This… this can't be happening," he muttered, his voice shaking.Ser
0060
A tense silence engulfed the room after Max’s statement. Darrus remained frozen in place, his jaw clenched, while Seraphina bit her lip, struggling to suppress the storm of emotions rising in her chest. But before anyone could speak, a deep voice shattered the silence. "I think this is a good idea," Chief Raul said firmly, his gaze locking onto Darrus. "Mr. Darrus, you know very well the current of Morow State. Everyone has criticized your leadership, especially since Mr. Max was imprisoned for a crime he never committed." "If you still want to clear your name in the eyes of the public and continue your political career, you should consider this carefully, Sir." Chief Raul stated. Darrus clenched his fists, his expression a mix of fury and devastation. "I... I can't just give up my position!" Sarah stepped forward, her sharp eyes piercing straight into Darrus. "Can't? Or rather, won't?" Her voice was soft, yet laced with biting sarcasm. "Think about it, Mr. Darrus. Haven’t ther
0059
Seraphina was stunned, not expecting that response to come from Max's mouth. However, Max remained firm in his stance. To him, Seraphina was nothing more than a foolish woman filled with lust and ambition. She had never been someone who could capture his attention, let alone move his heart. If not for his late mentor’s request to stay in Morow State and assist Darrus, Max would have never involved himself with Seraphina from the beginning. And now, as he gazed at Seraphina with pure arrogance, he became even more certain—this woman had never changed, and she never would. Hearing his insult, Seraphina’s face flushed with embarrassment and rage. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides before, in a swift motion, she raised her hand, intending to slap Max in retaliation. But before her palm could make contact with Max’s face, another hand—slender yet strong—grabbed Seraphina’s wrist firmly. Seraphina was startled, her eyes widening as she turned to see who dared to stop her. A beau
