2024-12-26 14:43:04Seraphina 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 capital, with vast connections and unmatched power. When you marry him, you’ll be at the top.” Seraphina stared into the dark night, her proud smile widening. “Yeah, if I marry Dominic, our future will be bright. I’ll be at the top of everything!” *** Meanwhile, at the Morow police station. After the police car stopped at the station, Max calmly stepped out of the car and walked toward the building's entrance without looking back. His steps were steady, as if he was someone completely sure of his purpose. The two officers following him were stunned by his demeanor. One of them whispered, "What is he doing? Why is he so calm?" The other officer nodded. "He doesn’t look like a criminal. He looks like... a leader walking into his own office." Once inside the police station, Max sat down calmly in a chair. Without hesitation, he said, "I would like to meet with Chief Raul." The two junior officers exchanged complicated glances. “What makes you think a criminal like you deserves to meet our chief?” They were shocked by Max's request. How on earth could he feel entitled to order them to meet the head of police? "He should be begging for mercy, not giving orders," one of the officers mumbled in disgust. The officers didn’t move. Why would they listen to a criminal? Max knew what was going on in their heads but he wasn’t at all bothered. Instead, he said in a casual tone. "Whether you call the head of police or not doesn’t matter to me." Calmly, Max took out his phone. "But trust me, it will make a big difference for you if I called." His words, although short and simple, created a heavy pressure on the junior officers. They felt uneasy, and after hesitating for a second, one of the officers quickly rushed out. Obiviously to call the head of police. One minute later, Chief Raul arrived in a hurry, his eyes fixed on Max, who was sitting calmly in the lobby chair. Upon seeing Max, Raul felt a cold shiver run down his spine. He couldn’t avoid remembering the undercover operation that involved Max some time ago. In Adoona, a remote town in Morow State, Max had infiltrated the dangerous Medellin Cartel drug trade operation. The town was known for being hostile, and many undercover agents had lost their lives there. However, Max not only emerged unscathed, but also managed to transform the entire town into a profitable, legitimate place, with many legal businesses thriving. He even saved numerous badly wounded undercover agents. This extraordinary feat had left everyone in the Morow State Police Department, from senior to mid-level officials, in awe of Max’s methods, which were considered almost miraculous. But now, in front of him, Raul was confused. How could someone as extraordinary as Max suddenly appear at this police station? Raul approached Max with steady, respectful steps, his face serious. "Mr. Maxmillian Knight, it’s a pleasure to meet you again. Is there anything I can assist you with, Sir?" Raul said, his voice full of respect, even bowing slightly. The two junior officers following him were stunned by the very different demeanor. They had never seen Chief Raul show such respect to anyone. This made the two junior officers exchange nervous looks. They couldn’t understand why Raul, their superior, the head of police, would treat Max, a prisoner-to-be, with such respect?
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0011
Meanwhile, Governor Darrus, Seraphina, and Dominic returned to the Hayes family residence.The Lieutenant Governor, Avo, with his arrogant demeanor, had ruined the welcome dinner for Dominic, turning what should have been a warm occasion into a tense one.Nevertheless, a spirit of optimism remained among them.They were confident that Dominic would successfully take control of Morow State.Their plans were solid, alliances firmly established, leaving no room for Max to turn the tables.Max had already lost, and Dominic’s vision as the new leader of Morow State was becoming more tangible with each passing moment.Darrus sat relaxed in the spacious living room.Thoughts of the future began to fill his mind.He felt proud of how his family had forged strong ties with Dominic’s influential family in the capital.With these connections, Darrus envisioned a bright future ahead-opportunities for promotion, greater wealth, and an elevated social status.He even imagined one day moving to the
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
