2024-12-26 14:44:43The Next Night
Seraphina 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 offended.
On the contrary, she took pride in her own charm, a seductive smile unconsciously appearing at the corner of her lips.
“You’re going to love Moont Hotel, Dominic.”
Seraphina said, her voice sweet, her smile beautiful.
“The best hotel in the state, designed to host special guests like you.”
Dominic gave a faint smile, his eyes greedily taking in her curvaceous figure.
“The hotel might be the best, however, I bet it’s nothing compared to your hospitality.”
He felt a secret joy in his heart.
This time, not only could he get a free ride to the pinnacle of power, but he could also win a beautiful woman.
He was confident that by taking over Morow State, it would only take a few years to boost its GDP to $30 trillion.
With that achievement, a cabinet position would be within his grasp—power and wealth following in his youth.
What a huge gain!
Fifteen minutes later, the car pulled up in front of the hotel.
Seraphina stepped into Moont Hotel’s lobby with Dominic at her side.
As they passed through the main doors, a man in his fifties, wearing a warm smile, approached them.
“Dominic Lancaster,” he greeted warmly, extending his hand.
“Welcome to Morow State.”
“Thank you for the welcome, Governor Darrus. It’s an honor to be here.”
Governor Darrus chuckled lightly, his tone casual yet clearly meaningful.
“The honor is ours. Your name has long been the talk in business and political circles. I’m confident your presence here will make a significant impact.”
Seraphina offered her graceful smile.
“Father, Dominic is a man of vision. I’m certain Morow State will learn a lot from him.”
Darrus glanced at his daughter with the proud eyes of a father, then returned his focus to Dominic.
“I don’t doubt that. However, before we delve into grand visions, why not enjoy the dinner first? Seraphina has arranged everything.”
Dominic nodded politely while reluctantly shifting his gaze away from Seraphina.
“With pleasure. And I’d also like to learn more about Morow State from you.”
After a brief conversation, they proceeded to the VIP dining room in the hotel.
The long dining table in the VIP room was adorned with an ivory-white silk tablecloth, tall silver candlesticks casting a soft, warm glow.
In the center, an arrangement of white and burgundy roses was perfectly crafted, adding a subtle touch of elegance.
The first course arrived in style, carried by staff dressed in formal uniforms.
Plates of gold-rimmed porcelain were served with lobster Thermidor, garnished with an abundance of black caviar.
The aroma of butter and white wine quickly filled the room.
Shortly after, foie gras was served in perfect slices, accompanied by a smooth raspberry sauce, enhancing the visual appeal and providing a contrasting flavor.
Then came the star dish of the evening: a whole roasted lamb.
Served on a large platter, the lamb was surrounded by vibrant vegetables roasted in herb butter.
It alone cost $30,000.
Although it couldn’t compare to the highest level of dishes back in the capital, Dominic was secretly satisfied.
It didn’t look cheap, and that meant it matched his high status.
However, he didn’t show his pride but nodded approvingly.
The finest wines were chosen to complement each course.
The first bottle opened was a 1990 Chateau Margaux, with complex aromas of grape and spice.
The staff poured it into crystal glasses, reflecting the candlelight in mesmerizing ruby hues.
Course after course followed: wild salmon with saffron sauce, truffle risotto with edible gold, and dessert featuring Valrhona chocolate cake topped with flakes of pure gold.
The total cost of the dinner reached $300,000.
“Hope you enjoyed the welcoming dinner.”
Seraphina smiled, purposefully seductive.
Good!
Dominic smiled proudly.
He felt his importance was now fully noticed by the father and daughter.
Just then, the dining room door slowly opened.
The Hotel Manager entered with an enthusiastic smile.
The man was impeccably dressed in an elegant black suit, his appearance reflecting professionalism.
Yet, his bright eyes revealed an excitement he could barely contain.
“Miss Seraphina, I am Nelson, the manager of this hotel,” Nelson greeted with a respectful bow.
“It’s truly an honor to host you tonight. When I heard you made the reservation, I immediately knew tonight would be special. I hope you and your guest enjoy the experience at Moont Hotel.”
Seraphina gave a small smile, maintaining her cordial demeanor.
“Of course, Manager Nelson. You and your staff have done an excellent job.”
Nelson’s smile widened, then he glanced at Dominic briefly before refocusing on Seraphina.
His eyes seemed to search for someone he admired, but they weren’t among them.
“Oh, pardon me, but I can’t help asking… Where is Mr. Max? I was really hoping to meet him tonight.”
He’d heard many great things about Max.
And most importantly, if it wasn’t for Max’s helping hand, his whole business would have gone bankrupt a few weeks ago, and his family wouldn’t have suffered.
He knew he owed Max his life, and many thanks.
Silence suddenly filled the room.
Seraphina, who had appeared elegant earlier, suddenly furrowed her brows, and her gaze turned cold.
Even Governor Darrus showed a tense expression.
That name made him feel uncomfortable from all aspect.
“Manager Nelson,” Seraphina’s voice turned sharp, “I suggest you don’t ruin the atmosphere by mentioning that name.”
Manager Nelson looked confused, standing frozen.
“I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean-”
“Max,” Seraphina interrupted with a mocking tone, “is nothing more than a dog we kept out of kindness.”
“Do you really think he’s as great and accomplished as the rumors say? It’s truly laughable how people admire something so undeserving!”
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Meanwhile, inside the prison.Chief Raul stood tall in front of the large cell.The old, rusty iron door became the focus of his gaze.He turned to his subordinates and spoke in a firm voice."Remove this door. Clean everything!""I want this place to be as comfortable as a five-star hotel."His subordinates immediately went into action.Some of them began unscrewing the bolts of the iron door with the tools they had brought.The process made a creaking sound that echoed down the prison hallway.Others started mopping the floor, scrubbing every corner until it shined.One officer wiped the walls with a damp cloth, removing the dark stains.Several others moved the old, rusty metal bed out of the cell.In no time, a new, luxurious bed with a sturdy wooden frame, clean white sheets, and a soft pillow was brought in and carefully set up."Make sure everything is neat," said Chief Raul, watching closely with sharp eyes."Almost done, Chief."One officer reported while straightening the la
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Chief Raul rushed out of the cell after ensuring Max's accommodations were perfectly arranged.Once he reached his office, he immediately called Lieutenant Governor Avo.“Lieutenant Governor Avo, what about Governor Darrus?”Chief Raul began the conversation.“He’s still being stubborn,” Mr. Avo replied on the other end of the line.“He remains insistent on that political marriage.”“He wants Dominic to take over Morow State. Nothing can change his mind.”Chief Raul slammed his fist on the desk.“Dominic? That man isn’t even worthy of cleaning Mr. Max’s shoes, let alone leading Morow State!”“I know,” Mr. Avo responded with a defeated tone.“But Darrus is obsessed with the capital alliance. He believes it will strengthen his position.”Chief Raul cursed loudly.“He’s a fool! Mr. Max is the only one who truly cares about this state.”“Meanwhile, Dominic doesn’t even know where the Morow State border lies!”“It’s ridiculous! We’re handing Morow State over to someone who will destroy it!
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Meanwhile, in downtown Morow State… Neon lights flickered above the city’s most luxurious nightclub. The music boomed, expensive liquor glasses cluttered the VIP tables, and triumphant laughter echoed from three men deep in celebration—Dominic, James, and Darrus. Dominic leaned back against the plush sofa, flanked by two scantily clad escorts. He raised his wine glass high, brimming with victory. “To Morow State’s soon-to-be new gubernatorial spokesman!” he declared with a smug laugh, met with cheers and the clinking of glasses from the other two men. James, already half-drunk, nodded proudly as he patted his son’s shoulder. “You deserve it, Dominic. After tonight, Max will be nothing but a memory. Mount Alken’s the perfect place to make someone disappear—no witnesses, just rocks and wild beasts.” Darrus chuckled, lifting his own glass. “And once Dominic rises, I’ll be back in the governor’s seat. Morow State will be back in our hands—where it belongs!” The three of them burst i
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In front of the governor’s office, more than a hundred people gathered in a massive demonstration. They shouted demands for Max to be removed from his position.Banners and posters filled the crowd with sharp criticisms: "Cowardly Leader!" "Max Ran Away, Morow is in Ruins!" "Governor, Fire Max Now!"The chaos was further fueled by the media, which kept reporting that Max was irresponsible and merely looking for an excuse to avoid the difficult situation.***On the other side, Max had just descended from Mount Alken. His steps were firm as he walked toward the parking area where he had left his car.However, upon arriving, his eyes narrowed as he noticed that all four of his tires had been deliberately deflated. His lips thinned, and his expression turned cold.He knew this was no coincidence. Someone wanted to stop him here.Max could feel sharp gazes watching him from the shadows. His battle instincts immediately kicked in. Calmly, he lifted his head slightly and spoke in a col
0074
Three Days After Max’s Departure from Morow State…Morow State, which had begun to recover, was once again gripped by fear.Within two days, a series of brutal attacks shook the city. Explosions rocked churches, causing widespread panic and outrage. Not only that, but a recreational park filled with families suddenly turned into a sea of fire due to an unexpected bomb attack.However, the terror did not stop there. Ruthless gangs roamed the streets, committing muggings, robberies, and acts of violence without anyone able to stop them. The police were overwhelmed by the highly organized and brutal attacks. Citizens who once felt safe were now too afraid to leave their homes. Social media exploded with complaints, demands, and widespread fear. People questioned: where was Max? Why had their hero disappeared when Morow State needed him the most?The situation worsened when political figures and opinion leaders began highlighting Max’s absence. The very people who once praised him now t
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After completing his martial arts training, Max stood with heavy breaths, sweat soaking his body. Yet, he knew this journey was far from over. Saheel gazed at him with wisdom in his eyes. "Now, it is time for you to master the second power," Saheel said. "The ability to heal." Max raised an eyebrow, still not entirely convinced that he possessed such an ability. But he remained silent, waiting for further instructions. "The first step," Saheel continued, "is to channel the energy of life into a living being. Touch this plant." Saheel pointed to a withered plant in the corner of the room. Its leaves had turned yellow, and its stem was nearly broken. Max stepped forward and crouched down, hesitantly placing his hand on one of the leaves. "Focus," Saheel whispered. "Feel your energy flow. Imagine life coursing through your body and into the plant." Max took a deep breath, trying to sense something. Several seconds passed, and nothing happened. He frowned. "This is ridicu
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Max sat cross-legged on the cold stone surface, his eyes closed, breathing slowly as Saheel had taught him.Saheel stood before Max, gazing at him with a calm expression. "Now, you will enter your subconscious. There, you will meet someone who has been waiting for you for a long time. Prepare yourself..."Without waiting for permission, Saheel placed two fingers on Max’s forehead.In an instant, the world around Max spun rapidly, his body feeling weightless before sinking into darkness.Yet, within that darkness, a dim light appeared, and suddenly, Max found himself standing in the middle of a vast field, shrouded in thick mist."You’ve finally come, boy." The deep voice echoed around Max.From within the mist, a man with long white hair and a flowing robe slowly stepped forward. His sharp gaze was like that of an eagle, and his body radiated a powerful, oppressive aura."Mentor..." Max furrowed his brows, his heart trembling. It was his late mentor, the man who had taught him the fun
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Sensing Max’s presence, the old man slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was sharp yet filled with wisdom. He immediately stood up and bowed respectfully before Max."Welcome, Young Master," he said in a deep, calm voice.Max returned the gesture with a slight bow, showing his respect to the figure before him.The man was Saheel, an 80-year-old hermit and the disciple of Max’s late mentor. His face was lined with deep wrinkles, yet his eyes still held sharpness and vigilance.Saheel looked at Max with confidence. "I knew that one day you would come to see me, and today proves it." A faint smile appeared on his face. "In fact, I could sense your presence hours ago."Max nodded slightly, not particularly surprised by the statement. "That doesn’t matter. I wasn’t expecting a grand welcome. I came here to see you and ask for your help."Saheel raised an eyebrow. "Help?"Max took a deep breath before speaking again, his voice quieter but firm. "I need your help to heal my mother. The illness s
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Hearing that, Sarah immediately shot Dominic a sharp glare. Her eyes flashed with anger. “Nonsense! Max is not that kind of person!” she exclaimed loudly. “All this time, Max has worked harder than anyone else. Even tasks that weren’t his responsibility, he completed with full dedication.” Sarah stepped forward, standing right in front of Dominic. “Do you even know how much he has done? He cleaned out the thugs in Bebank Town, eradicated crimes that weren’t even part of his duty as the governor’s spokesperson.” “He did it because he cares. Everyone in Morow State believes in his abilities, and he has proven himself time and time again.” Dominic tensed, his jaw clenched tightly, but Sarah didn’t stop. With a mocking tone, she continued, “And now, I ask you, Dominic. What have you contributed so far? What have you done?” Dominic didn’t answer. His face remained cold, but Sarah knew her words had struck his pride. “You’re just a young man relying on your father’s big name,” Sara
0069
Dominic clenched his fists, struggling to contain the storm of emotions boiling inside him. Seraphina’s degrading words felt like sharp knives stabbing his pride. But what hurt even more was the undeniable truth in her words. Dominic had fallen—he had lost all the connections and influence he once had. Seraphina smirked mockingly at him. “So, why are you here?” she asked sharply. “Are you here to meet Max as well?” Dominic remained silent, refusing to answer. However, Seraphina seemed to have already guessed everything. She let out a mocking laugh. “HAHA… So it’s true? You’re here to beg Max, to grovel at his feet, and plead for a position in this government?” Dominic gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury. His fists clenched tightly, but he still refused to speak. Seraphina merely looked at him in satisfaction, savoring her small victory. Before Dominic could retaliate, the woman who had been sitting across from Seraphina stood up and walked toward them. S
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Max stared at his mother, his sharp and commanding eyes reflecting an inner turmoil no one could comprehend. He wanted to believe that his mother’s illness was merely a rare medical condition, something that could be explained logically. However, after witnessing firsthand how her body changed, how the convulsions seemed to react to something invisible—Max felt a crushing sense of helplessness in his chest. With all his might, he held back his emotions. He didn’t want his mother to see him vulnerable. Max wasn’t the type of man who let his emotions control him, but at this moment, he felt utterly useless as a son. He clenched his fists on his lap, his jaw tightening, and for the first time in his life, he cursed himself. ‘If only I were stronger… If only I could save her…’ Then, something strange happened. The air around Max trembled, and the temperature in the room dropped drastically. It felt as if something inside him was stirring—something long sealed away, wai
