My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich

Chapter 23: The Oath Of Blood

Maxwell paced his room, restless. the events of the evening weighing heavily on his mind. After returning home, he’d taken a long shower, hoping to wash away the stress and clear his thoughts. He changed into clean clothes, but the sense of unease lingered. He glanced at his phone and, after an hour of deliberation, he dialed Alfred.

The call was brief but informative. Alfred confirmed that Marcus was safe and unharmed, though the news wasn’t without its cost. “One of the guards was killed during the escape,” Alfred said .

The guard’s death was the final straw. Lenox and his uncle Alphonse had crossed a line. He was enraged and wanted to act but retained his calm exterior. “Prepare the car, We’re going to Marcus’ house,” he said to Jackson who was helping himself to some coffee.

Jackson nodded without question, his stoic expression a reflection of his loyalty. The drive was tense, the silence in the car was only broken by the hum of the engine. Maxwell stared out the window, his mind racing with plans and scenarios. He wasn’t just furious, he was resolved. This was war, and he would not back down.

When they arrived at Marcus’ estate, Maxwell couldn’t help but be impressed. Armed guards patrolled the compound with military precision, their alert eyes scanning every shadow. The heightened security was to be expected after the attempt on Marcus’ life, but the sight still filled Maxwell with a grim sense of satisfaction. At least Marcus was taking no chances.

Alfred greeted them at the entrance, his face filled with concern but also relief at seeing Maxwell. “He’s inside," Alfred said ,leading them into the spacious living room.

Marcus sat on the couch, a light blanket draped over his shoulders. A steaming cup of tea trembled slightly in his hands, but his gaze was steady. Despite the warmth of the room, there was a cold look in his eye. He seemed to be reminiscing about the sight of the young guard who gave his life to save Marcus. Maxwell crossed the room in quickly and knelt beside him.

“Marcus,You’re safe now. That’s all that matters,” Maxwell said in a reassuring tone, trying to comfort the old man and get him to calm down.

Marcus gave a weak nod, but his grip on the cup tightened. Maxwell placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension radiating off him. “We’ll make this right,I swear it,” Maxwell said.

While Maxwell comforted Marcus, Alfred pulled Jackson aside, speaking in hushed tones about the new security measures for Maxwell’s safety. They both knew the stakes had never been higher and he was the main target if they couldn't get to Marcus.

A sudden commotion near the main gate interrupted their conversation. Alfred’s phone buzzed, and he answered it immediately. After a brief exchange, he turned to the others. “A package has been delivered,” he announced, his tone cautious.

“Scan it for explosives,I don't want any chances taken,” Jackson said without hesitation.

The guards followed protocol, meticulously inspecting the package before declaring it safe. Two guards carried the box into the living room and placed it on the coffee table. It was an ordinary-looking parcel, its plain wrapping giving no hint of its contents.

Alfred approached it with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. He carefully cut the tape and opened the lid. His expression froze as he stared into the box. For a moment, he said nothing, his face a mask of disbelief.

“What is it?” Maxwell asked, rising to his feet.

Alfred stepped back, his hands trembling slightly. He didn't say a word but the expression on his face said plenty.

Marcus couldn't deal with the suspense, so, despite his earlier exhaustion, pushed the blanket aside,and walked over. He peered into the box, and his expression darkened. The tea cup slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor, but he paid it no mind.

Inside the box were the severed head and hands still adorned with distinctive silver rings that Marcus recognized instantly. It was the head of Edward Fischer. An old friend and comrade of Marcus who always sat beside him at the table of every council meet. Marcus almost fell to the ground, but Alfred who was behind him caught him immediately.

Marcus clenched his fists, his entire body trembling with rage. He turned to Maxwell, his voice rising with fury. “Enough is enough! Are you ready to get your hands dirty? Are you ready to fight for what is rightfully yours? Because that's my oldest friend in that box. These bastards have shown their hand, what say you Maxwell Quentin?”

Maxwell locked eyes with him, the weight of the moment sinking in. This wasn’t just about vengeance anymore,it was about reclaiming their honor and protecting their future. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, his resolve hardening like steel.

He got up and went to the table standing in front of Alfred and Marcus. He picked up the knife with which Alfred used to open the box and then sliced a deep cut into his left palm. He allowed his blood to drip onto the hard wooden floor for a bit while they all watched him in shock, except for Marcus.

“I swear,I will lead us to victory. I will not rest until Alphonse and Lenox pay for their crimes. We will take back what is ours, and we will make them regret ever crossing us. This is my oath to you, the true members of the Sliver Crescent clan,” He said with so much conviction in his voice he didn't feel the pain from the cut.

The room fell silent, the gravity of his words hanging in the air. Marcus nodded, his fury giving way to the renewed hope his eyes. “Then it’s settled,We fight.” he said. He picked up the knife and cut his own palm, allowing the blood to drip over the spot Maxwell's blood stained.

Alfred and Jackson exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of concern and loyalty. They knew the path ahead would be perilous, but they also knew there was no turning back.

As the night deepened, the group began to plan their next move. Strategies were discussed, alliances were considered, and every detail was scrutinized.They needed to know who they could trust and understand that numbers weren't on their side.

Most of the council would side with Alphonse out of fear and the rest would side with Lenox due to the promise of profits. Maxwell’s mind raced with ideas, fueled by anger and determination.

When they were done, Alfred took Marcus upstairs to attend to his cut and get him cleaned up.

Maxwell stood by the window, gazing out at the estate. He knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but he also knew he wasn’t alone. Together, they would rise above the chaos, and together, they would claim their rightful place.

This was more than a fight for justice, it was a fight for survival, for honor, and for a future free of tyranny and he was ready to give it everything he had, even if it would cost him his life.