2024-12-27 21:32:49Dominic stood in the middle of the room, gazing at the officials who were beginning to grow restless.
He smirked arrogantly, confident that the situation was entirely under his control.
With a casual gesture, Dominic pulled a file from under his arm and tossed it onto the table.
“Here,” he said with an air of confidence, “is concrete evidence proving Max’s guilt.”
The officials in the room exchanged glances.
Some began to move closer to examine the file’s contents, but Dominic continued speaking before anyone could open it.
“This file contains information on Max’s property holdings in Golden Hills and his financial transactions with several women.”
“I believe this is enough to open everyone’s eyes,” he added with conviction.
Dominic strolled leisurely around the room, his sharp gaze meeting each official in attendance.
He felt a wave of exhilaration within him but maintained an expression of somber seriousness and feigned compassion.
“How could Max, a former state leader, acquire dozens of properties without being involved in corruption and bribery?”
Dominic asked, his tone firm yet laced with a theatrical sadness.
“And if he wasn’t entangled with prostitutes or keeping multiple women,” Dominic continued, “why did he transfer thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars to these women on a regular basis?”
The officials began whispering among themselves.
Some appeared doubtful, while others looked confused.
Dominic stopped walking and stood in the center of the room again, observing their expressions one by one.
“I know this is hard to accept,” he said softly.
“But we must face the truth. Max, whom we regarded as a hero, is nothing more than a parasite.”
“Max deceived us all with his false image. He is not the hero we thought he was.”
“He is an enemy of the state, and he deserves both disgrace and appropriate legal punishment!” Dominic concluded.
The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air.
Dominic felt triumphant, even as he maintained his façade of feigned sorrow.
Chief Raul, however, looked increasingly angry and dissatisfied.
He recalled how Max had been treated with respect by the subordinates of the "Lord of the Abyss."
To Chief Raul, Dominic’s accusations were absurd and laughable.
But before Chief Raul could interrupt Dominic, Mr. Avo stopped him.
“Raul, don’t,” Mr. Avo said softly, gently patting Chief Raul’s shoulder.
The exchange was only audible to the two of them.
“Arguing with Dominic now is a waste of time. Someone like him won’t listen to any rebuttal,” Mr. Avo said.
Chief Raul furrowed his brows.
“But this is too much, Mr. Avo. We can’t just stay silent while Mr. Max is being slandered like this.”
Mr. Avo let out a long sigh.
“I’m angry too. But trust me, Dominic will never back down. He’s arrogant, greedy, and will only learn after hitting a wall.”
“Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do right now,” Mr. Avo continued, a hint of despair in his voice.
Chief Raul looked at Mr. Avo with a frustrated expression.
“So, what should we do?”
“Keep your emotions in check,” Mr. Avo replied.
“I’m growing disillusioned with Dominic and Governor Darrus myself.”
“They only care about their personal ambitions. The future of Morow State? Without Max, I’m pessimistic.”
“I’m even considering retirement and moving to another state.”
While Mr. Avo and Chief Raul spoke in hushed tones, Dominic led the group of officials to the Golden Hills community.
After a fifteen-minute drive, they arrived.
Everyone was stunned by the community’s environment.
The main road was wide enough to accommodate four buses side by side.
The scenery was breathtaking, with well-maintained infrastructure.
There were top-tier private schools from elementary to secondary levels, as well as renowned higher education institutions.
The officials exchanged bewildered glances, confusion and amazement on their faces.
One of them finally spoke in a low voice, “If this is the result of corruption, how is everything managed so well?”
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AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0017
Dominic led the group of officials through the Golden Hills community with a confident stride.The homes in Golden Hills were symbols of luxury and prestige.The cheapest house, priced at ten million dollars, featured minimalist modern architecture, complete with a spacious yard and a private swimming pool.On the other hand, the most expensive house, worth up to two billion dollars, was a grand mansion in a European classical style.Surrounded by hectares of gardens, the property included a magnificent hall, a private cinema, a garage for dozens of cars, and breathtaking views overlooking the hills.“Look at this house,” Dominic said firmly, pointing to an extravagant house on the corner of the street.“This house alone is worth more than two billion dollars. And it's just one of the dozens of properties Max owns here.”The officials fell silent, some beginning to whisper among themselves.Dominic continued, raising his voice to ensure everyone could hear.“I know this is hard to bel
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0018
Then, the group arrived in front of the house closest to the community gate.This house, with its modern facade, stood majestically, adorned with large glass windows and towering white pillars.Dominic pulled a stack of documents from his bag and walked toward the front door.He signaled his subordinates to get ready, waiting for his command to begin the investigation at the first house.“Make sure everything goes according to plan,” Dominic ordered one of his subordinates, his voice filled with authority.“Understood, Mr. Dominic,” the subordinate replied while checking the recording equipment and other documents they had brought.After confirming everything was in place, Dominic took out his phone and made a video call to Governor Darrus for a real-time update.The call was answered after a few seconds.On the screen, Darrus’s serious face appeared, sitting at a large desk with several monitors in the background.Darrus was in the middle of an important conference with other governo
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0019
Darrus made sure that the live streaming was visible to all the other Governors.Once the live stream set was ready, he signaled to Dominic to begin.Dominic felt a wave of intense excitement.As part of the effort to uncover Max's crimes, he would play a major role.He not only wanted to destroy Max's reputation but also carve out a name for himself among the officials as someone trustworthy and capable of taking decisive action.With his hands slightly trembling from excitement, Dominic approached the first house, located closest to the gate of the luxury community.He rang the doorbell and stood tall, preparing himself for the role he was about to play.The camera turned on, displaying Dominic's face on the screen."My name is Dominic, a government investigator," he said, his voice cold and filled with authority."We are conducting an investigation, and we require all residents to cooperate."Behind him, the officials began stretching their necks, curious about who the woman allege
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0020
Dominic stared at the middle-aged woman arrogantly, refusing to answer her question.Instead, with a condescending tone, he asked, "Do you know Max?""Of course, I know him," the woman replied.She nodded slowly, her face reflecting deep emotion.She paused for a moment, her mind flooded with memories.Her husband, a resolute and dedicated man, had sacrificed his life in a secret mission targeting an organ trafficking network near the western border of Morow State.The mission was so perilous and fraught with risks that it claimed her husband's life.She recalled how it was Max who had called her to deliver the tragic news.His voice at the time was firm, yet filled with sorrow and empathy.When they finally met at the funeral home, the image of Max, with sorrowful eyes and a heavy sense of guilt, flashed vividly in her memory.She remembered how Max bowed deeply to her—a gesture of profound respect she would never forget.In Max's gaze, she had seen a powerful mix of emotions—deep gu
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0021
Dominic, feeling he had full control of the situation, pointed toward the street in front of the house.With a contemptuous tone, he instructed her, “Go and gather all of them. I want them assembled in front of this house. Now.”The middle-aged woman frowned slightly at Dominic but said nothing.She walked slowly back to call her neighbors.Dominic saw this as a golden opportunity.He glanced at the cameras, ensuring everything was being clearly recorded.In his mind, this was the perfect moment to reveal a "major scandal."He wanted the officials and governors watching the live stream to see for themselves that Max had been "harboring" numerous women, including minors, in this place.In the conference room, Governor Darrus sat confidently.His sharp eyes fixed on the screen showing the live broadcast.Leaning slightly forward, he spoke with a tone of speculation and judgment.“I’m certain that the middle-aged woman is just part of Max’s strategy to divert attention.”Darrus said, poi
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0022
Dominic began to feel confused but quickly brushed it aside.In his mind, he started thinking this could actually work to his advantage.If Max indeed had a peculiar preference for older women and had formed a “harem” like this, it would only further tarnish Max’s image.Dominic became increasingly convinced that exposing this would allow him to delve deeper into Max's wrongdoings and use the situation to destroy his reputation.With a faint, uncontainable smile, Dominic felt satisfied with his thoughts.He cleared his throat loudly to grab everyone's attention, ensuring it was audible, and turned to the live stream camera.He was ready to address Darrus and the other governors, confident that this was the perfect opportunity to reveal Max's disgrace and solidify his own position.With an expression full of conviction, Dominic began his speech in a serious tone, as if delivering undeniable truth.“Max has been proven guilty of numerous corrupt acts,” he said, his voice full of emphasi
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0023
The crowd of women and children stood frozen, their piercing gazes directed at Dominic, who now stood arrogantly in front of the live stream camera.A woman’s voice broke the silence.“Mr. Max would never do such a thing!”“He helped us without asking for anything in return!”Shouted a middle-aged woman, her voice trembling, her fists clenched at her sides.“That’s right!” another woman chimed in, her face flushed with anger.“He gave us a place to stay when we lost everything. We are widows and children living without protection!”"We are not mistresses!”Dominic merely chuckled cynically, stepping forward with confident strides.He raised his hand, pointing at the first woman who had spoken.“Then, answer me!”“Why did Max spend billions to buy houses for you?”“Why does he visit you every holiday, like a lover impatient to make love!?”The crowd fell silent, unsure how to respond.Dominic pressed his attack, his tone sharper.“Why does he transfer money to you every month?”“Isn’t
AN UNDERSTATED POWER 0024
Dominic stood stiffly behind one of his bodyguards, his face as pale as a sheet.The atmosphere, once thick with tension from his orders, had now turned into an eerie silence that hung over everyone.The middle-aged woman stepped forward slowly but with unwavering confidence.Her hand rose high, holding a shining badge the size of her palm.The center of badge featured a photograph of a uniformed person, with a line of text below the photo.She began to speak, her voice calm yet brimming with an authority that silenced everyone present.“This is my husband,” she said, the emotion in her tone unmistakable.“He died while carrying out a secret operation to combat human organ trafficking in near the western border of Morow State.”“His body was destroyed beyond recognition.”“And this badge is a memorial, issued by the President of Synergia to honor my husband's sacrifice."In accordance with the federal constitutional protocol, anyone who made significant contributions or sacrifices for
Latest Chapter
0055
Harry stared at the plastic bottle in Arlo's hand with hopeful eyes. His lips were dry, and his throat felt like it was on fire. But just as he reached out to take it, Arlo smirked. "You want to drink this?" Arlo swung the bottle slightly, making the liquid inside ripple. "Too bad, this isn’t water. It’s camel urine." "But if you're really that thirsty, who knows? Maybe it won’t taste as bad as you think." Harry fell silent for a moment. His blood boiled at the blatant humiliation. His jaw clenched, and he balled his fists. "You're joking, right?" Arlo chuckled. "Bebank Town is in the middle of a dry desert, Captain. Water sources are scarce, and the people here don’t waste anything valuable." "Camel urine is filtered and drinkable in desperate situations. The locals know that." "But it seems you’re still not used to our way of survival," Arlo continued. Harry knew Arlo was just mocking him. The former captain and vice-captain had never been humiliated like this. Frustratio
0054
Meanwhile, Harry and his team waited in the shade, drenched in sweat, feeling dry, dizzy, and on the verge of heatstroke. At that moment, a few townspeople walked by with iced cola, flaunting their drinks, and Harry’s team couldn’t help but swallow hard. "Captain… we're really thirsty here," one officer complained, his voice hoarse. "We don’t even have a single bottle of water. Is this what you call a well-planned operation?" Harry’s subordinates were now regretting following him on this mission. They had expected comfort, but instead, they were suffering. Not only were there no proper supplies, but they didn’t even have a single bottle of water. "When the former captain and vice-captain were still here, we never had to go through anything like this," another officer muttered, his voice filled with nostalgia. Harry was at a loss for words in response to his team's complaints. He knew they were right. This mission was far more difficult than he had imagined. But giving u
0053
Again...Nichol was reminded of four years ago. He remembered how strong and scary Max was! At that time, in this very place… In the dimly lit basement, tension hung in the air like a double-edged sword. Nichol stared at the pages Max had thrown onto the table. His usually steady fingers now trembled as he flipped through the sheets. Nichol’s once-confident expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the names on the list. It contained key figures in the city's illegal business network. If Max truly managed to take them all down, it wouldn’t just shake Bebank Town—the entire underground network of Lav Nexus would be in ruins! Worse yet, Nichol’s own business would be on the brink of collapse. Taking a deep breath, Nichol tried to compose himself. He looked up, attempting to put on an innocent face. "Mr. Max, I don't know where you got this list, but these people left town a long time ago. I can't hand over what I don't have." Max remained silent. His cold, u
0052
Nichol suspected that Harry and his team were Max’s spies sent to infiltrate his operations, and the news of Max’s capture might be a trap. Nichol never underestimated Max. He couldn’t allow the terrifying and humiliating events of four years ago to repeat themselves. Four years ago was the first time Nichol had ever met Max. *** Four years ago… Nichol was an ambitious leader of an illegal business empire who believed he was invincible. He stood at the center of an important meeting in the same underground tunnel, surrounded by his trusted associates. Their agenda was to expand their illegal operations in Lav Nexus, exploiting legal loopholes and leveraging corruption within the local government. Everything was going smoothly until a loud explosion abruptly halted their discussion. The heavy iron door at the end of the tunnel was forced open, shaking violently before it crashed to the floor. Smoke and dust filled the room, leaving everyone there stunned. Out of the s
0051
Harry crossed his arms over his chest, staring impatiently at Arlo. “Now tell me, where can I meet the mayor?” Arlo wiped the sweat off his forehead, pretending to be confused. “The mayor? Oh, of course, Captain. Let me check if he’s around. Wait here for a moment.” Without waiting for a response, Arlo turned and walked briskly toward the main building. However, hours passed, and Arlo did not return. By 2 p.m., the sun scorched the ground of Bebank Town mercilessly. Strong winds carried swirling yellow sand, lashing against Harry and his team’s faces. Within minutes, the raging dust overwhelmed them. Their eyes burned, their throats were parched, and their bodies felt wrapped in suffocating heat. “Get to the car, quickly!” Harry commanded, shielding his face with his arm. They staggered toward the police car, seeking refuge from the sandstorm. But inside the car, the situation wasn’t much better. The temperature soared like a giant oven, nearing 60 degrees Celsius. S
0050
Darrus studied the reports on his desk with intense concentration. His face reflected deep concern. The illegal immigration incident in Bebank Town not only threatened security but also had the potential to tarnish the reputation of Lav Nexus County, which had long been known as the most stable and prosperous region in Morow State. The title of "Happiest County," earned for four consecutive years, now felt like a heavy burden. Darrus immediately took action by instructing the Lav Nexus Police Department to thoroughly investigate the case. The timeline was tight—only three days. Darrus knew that every minute without a solution would only worsen the situation. Although the group of illegal immigrants hadn't brought any contraband, he was well aware that this small breach could open the door to larger threats in the future. Darrus picked up the phone and called Harry, the head of the Lav Nexus Police Department. Harry sat in his chair with his ever-present confident smile
0049
"Additionally... The mayor of Bebank Town has been fired. The council is preparing to elect a new mayor soon," Arlo provided more information. Nichol raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharpening. "Really? So Max's allies are out?" Arlo nodded. "That's right. With the old mayor gone, this opens up many opportunities. We no longer have to worry about someone constantly keeping an eye on our movements." Nichol gave a faint smile, but behind that smile, a great ambition began to grow. "This is better than I expected." "We can start expanding without obstacles. In fact, there might be opportunities to establish relations with the new mayor." "If the new mayor is approachable, we could offer something... beneficial," Nichol continued, then he gave a wicked grin. Arlo nodded again. "What’s our next move, Boss?" Nichol paused for a moment, his voice filled with determination when he spoke. "We move in two directions." "First, you will investigate and make sure that Max is truly out of the g
0048
The twilight sky hung darkly over the government building of Morow State. In the front yard, a crowd of officials with determined expressions sat on the sidewalk, waving posters with bold slogans such as "Free Mr. Max!" and "We Won’t Work Without Mr. Max!" floating in the air. Some of them handed in their resignation letters with conviction, and a stack of white papers piled up on the receptionist's desk. "Free Mr. Max from prison!" These were the shouts of the protesting officials. Inside the office, Darrus paced angrily. His eyes sharply fixed on the wall, as if trying to find a solution behind the cold concrete. "Dammit! They think they can intimidate me with this stupid stunt?" Darrus' voice boomed, his fists clenched by his sides. He halted, his face flushed with rage. Without warning, he kicked the wall hard. "ARGH!" he groaned inwardly, the pain shooting up his leg, but he held it back by gritting his teeth. Breathing heavily, he shouted, "Nonsense! This state doesn'
0047
Dominic stared at himself in the mirror, still frustrated after the events of earlier that afternoon. The whispers of officials questioning his orders echoed in his ears, making his blood boil. However, before he could completely drown in anger and self-pity, the sound of a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Dominic opened the door, and there stood Darrus. Darrus had deliberately come to the capital just to meet Dominic tonight. His face appeared calm yet full of alertness, like someone who knew exactly what to do, even in the darkest of times. "Dominic, I know you're going through a tough day." Darrus said sympathetically as he stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. Dominic nodded, allowing Darrus to enter. "Yes, it's been a tiring day. Everyone is blaming me," Dominic muttered in despair. Darrus smiled faintly, motioning for Dominic to sit. "I understand. That's why I'm here." "I have a plan that will not only silence Max's supporters but also strengthe
