2024-10-31 17:51:38The next day, Max stood at the entrance of the Silver Crescent Clan estate, again but this time it looked different from the last time he was bought here. The mansion loomed before him, a blend of stone and glass shining in the morning sun. He took a deep breath, feeling both excitement and anxiety twist in his stomach. This was his family.
A familiar butler that was known as the person that he meant the first time he was bought here, so he opened the door. “Welcome, Master Max. Please follow me. Sir.” Max nodded and stepped inside. The foyer was grand, filled with portraits of stern ancestors. Some seemed to watch him, judging him. “Here we are,” the butler said, leading him into a large hall. Family members gathered, their chatter fading as they turned to face him. A few faces showed curiosity, but many were cold. Max felt their eyes assessing him, their whispers sharp. “Is that him?” a woman whispered. “Looks like a nobody,” a man muttered. Max squared his shoulders, pushing back the urge to shrink. He had to remind himself he belonged here, despite the weight of their stares. “Master Max!” The butler called again. “This is Lord Harold Price, the patriarch of the Silver Crescent clan.” An older man stepped forward, silver hair framing a face that commanded respect. “So, you’re the Lost Young Master,” he said, his voice low but firm. “So I was told…Sir, so I guess…Yes, sir,” Max replied, trying to sound confident. “Tell me what you know about your past,” Harold pressed, his eyes sharp. “Not much,Sir,” Max admitted. “I grew up in foster care. I learned about the Silver Crescent clan only recently.” Harold studied him closely. “That’s not enough. You need to understand your position here.” Marcus Thorn, the clan’s assistant commander, stood beside Harold. He had seen Max at the clan’s business estate before when he filled him in on little important details of who he is, he was also the one that handed to Max that limitless green card. “Show me your birthmark,” he said. Max hesitated but rolled up his sleeve, revealing the mark on his forearm. Marcus leaned in, examining it closely. “Very well,” Marcus said, stepping back. “You have the mark. You are who you say you are.” Harold added with a thick smirk. A mix of relief and anxiety flooded through Max. He was accepted, but not entirely. “You will have a room here,” Harold continued. “Or a penthouse if you prefer solitude. We want you to be comfortable.” “Thank you,” Max replied, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and unease. “Next, we’ll take you to Silver Crescent Ledge two Industries,” Harold said. “It’s time you learn about the family business.” Max was still in shock because it never gets old, this new identity and all is a bit enough to take in. So followed Harold and Marcus down a long corridor. The walls were lined with more portraits, but now the air felt different—charged with ambition and purpose. They entered a sleek office building connected to the estate. Employees hurried past, their expressions focused. The buzz of productivity filled the air. “Welcome to Silver Crescent Industries,” Harold announced, his voice booming. “We’re a powerful force in the market.” Max felt pride swell within him. This was the heart of the clan’s influence. “Now,” Harold said, “let me introduce you to your foster brother.” A tall handsome man in his mid-thirties stepped forward. His name was Lenox Hills. He crossed his arms, a sneer forming on his lips. “So, you’re the one,” he said, his voice laced with disdain. Max met his glare. “Yeah, that’s me.” Lenox’s disdain was palpable. “You think you belong here? You don’t know the first thing about leading.” “I’m here to learn,” Max replied, trying to keep his voice steady. Lenox laughed, a sharp sound that cut through the room. “Learn? You’ll be a joke. You think just because of a birthmark you’ll fit in? This isn’t a game.” Max felt a rush of frustration. “I didn’t ask to be here. I just want to understand my place.” Lenox stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. “You’ll never earn their respect. They’ll always see you as an outsider.” The realization hit Max hard. This family, his family, was not ready to accept him. He was a stranger among them, thrust into a world he didn’t understand. “I’ll prove you wrong,” Max declared, forcing confidence into his voice. Lenox smirked, stepping back with a mocking expression. “Good luck with that.” Harold watched the exchange, concern flickering in his eyes. “This is a time for unity. We need to focus on the future, not infighting.” Lenox rolled his eyes. “The future? You mean letting him take the lead? What a joke.” Max felt the tension crackle between them. He was surprised to find himself in a position he never thought he’d be in—a member of a powerful clan. But it was clear that acceptance would not come easily. “Max will be announced as the new leader soon or should I say CEO?,” Marcus said with a frown, his voice firm. “He deserves a chance.” “Chance?” Lenox spat. “You think he can handle it? I’m the interim leader, and I know what it takes. He’s nothing.” Max felt a chill run through him. The stakes were high, and Lenox’s words echoed in his mind. Could he really handle the pressure? “I’m ready for the responsibility,” Max declared, forcing confidence into his voice. “Ready?” Lenox sneered. “You won’t last a week. I’ll make sure of it.” Max took a deep breath, holding back his anger. “You don’t know me. You don’t know what I’m capable of.” Lenox stepped closer, his expression darkening. “I know you’re nothing without your birthright. You’ll always be in my shadow.” Max clenched his fists. “I’ll find my own way. I won’t be your pawn.” Harold intervened, his tone sharp. “Enough. We’re family, and we need to act like it.” Lenox stepped back, crossing his arms defiantly. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Max turned to Harold, a hint of desperation in his voice. “What if I can’t do this?” Harold placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “You’ll learn. We all have to start somewhere. Trust in yourself.” Max nodded, though doubt lingered in his mind. He had to prove himself, but the path ahead felt daunting. As they moved deeper into the office, Max’s heart raced. He felt like he was stepping into a storm, with Lenox’s animosity looming over him like a dark cloud. “Stay focused, Max,” he whispered to himself. “You can do this.” But as he walked forward, a question lingered in his mind: would he be strong enough to stand against Lenox and claim his place in the Silver Crescent clan?
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 9: A New Identity
Max’s phone buzzed against the silent office. He almost ignored it, buried in work, but something made him look. The caller ID showed a hospital number, and his brows furrowed.“This is Max Carter,” he answered.“Mr. Carter, this is Nurse Stevens at Memorial Hospital,” a calm voice spoke. “Emma Hawthorn’s been in an accident. You’re listed as her emergency contact. We need you here to sign off on her surgery. She’s in critical condition.”Emma Carter. Or, Emma Hawthorn now, as she’d chosen to be called since the divorce. The name hit him like a punch. His ex-wife, the woman who’d once been his everything and then left him shattered, needed him now. She’d put him down, belittled him, and tossed him aside, yet here he was—her only lifeline.Max felt a strange blend of sympathy and bitterness rise in his chest. But he didn’t hesitate. He shoved his work aside, grabbed his keys, and headed out of the office, his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. Memories of their marriage surfaced
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 10: Tension Unleashed
‘This feeling,’ Max thought as he pushed through the hospital doors, ignoring the looks of confusion and shock from Richard and Fiona behind him. The chauffeur held the door of a sleek black car open for him, and Max slid in without a backward glance, leaving his ex-in-laws to stew in their own disbelief.As the car sped toward the office, Max’s mind switched gears. The hospital drama with Emma was now in the background; something more pressing had surfaced. His phone buzzed, and he glanced down at the message from his assistant: “Urgent. Lenox is pushing for a buyout of all investor shares.”Lenox. Max’s foster brother, once family, now rival. Their relationship had twisted and broken over the years. After the reveal of their shared blood, they’d never built any real closeness. Lenox didn’t like the thought of Max coming out of nowhere to take everything from him, leading to an endless game of one-upmanship. Lenox wasn’t someone to take lightly, and Max knew it.The car pulled up to
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 11: The Ultimate test
Max was on his way home from work when his driver pointed out that a car had been following them. Max turned around and peered through the back glass to confirm. He noticed a silver SUV trailing behind them, so he asked his driver to take a detour."They're still coming after us sir, what do I do ?" His driver asked. Max pulled out his cellphone and called Marcus. "Hey Marcus, I don't know what to do, but someone seems to be following us." Max said with a hint of panic buried in his voice."Calm down master Max, tell me exactly where you are and I'll send some officers to your location this minute," Marcus said, trying to get him to calm down. The driver increased his speed trying to evade the pursuers.But as he made a right turn, the SUV rammed into the back of the car. The driver lost control and crashed into the tree on the alley. He was lucky the air bag got deployed and prevented him from sustaining a fatal injury.Max was concussed and his vision became blurry. His ears rang
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 12: The Hidden Legacy
Marcus and Alfred took Max to what looked like an old abandoned manor. It was made of bricks and had a distinct look about it. They drove into the main compound and helped Max get down. He was limping as a result of the beating he had taken earlier that evening. "Damn Alfred, you really tuned him up good, didn't you ?" Marcus said as they walked towards the main entrance. It was bolted shit and bound with a set of chains and a heavy padlock. Marcus brought out the key from his pocket and unlocked the padlock and the door while Alfred helped Max stand on his feet. "I had to make it look real, no hard feelings right?" He asked Max who was too stunned by the building in front of him to answer. "Well, Master Maxwell, to your family manor, you see up until now I haven't told you somethings because I was waiting for the right moment, your name, your real name is , Maxwell Arnold Quentin III (the third) You are the only true heir of Lord Archer Arnold Quentin, and Lady Martha Arnold Que
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 13: Secrets In The Smoke
James lingered at Emma’s side until the moon began its descent. She clung to his arm, her voice soft and pleading. “Aren’t you staying the night with me?” Though he hesitated, her glassy eyes made him falter. With a forced smile, he sat back down, intending to leave once she drifted off. Her breathing eventually grew shallow and steady, but James found himself rooted in place. The night outside pressed against the window like a silent spectator, and with every tick of the clock, James felt his resolve weaken. Guilt gnawed at him, an emotion he couldn’t quite define, tangled between duty and something darker. Elsewhere, outside the hospital. Fiona Hawthorn stepped into the cold embrace of the night, her heels clicking faintly against the pavement. She lit a cigarette with shaking hands, taking a long drag that filled her lungs with smoke and a fleeting sense of calm. “You know smoking is prohibited here, right?” The voice startled her, deep and smooth like velvet over
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 14: Blood &Betrayal
Maxwell leaned against the hospital bed, the weight of Marcus’s words pressing down on him like a vice. His pulse raced, his mind spinning as decades of lies unraveled before him. “Your father,” Marcus began, his tone steady, “was the second-in-command of the Silver Crescent Clan, a family revered for its strength and influence. But his stepbrother, Alphonse, resented him. Alphonse was failing as clan leader—his reign marred by poor decisions and rebellion among the ranks. When certain members conspired to overthrow him, Alphonse pinned the blame on your father, Archer.” Maxwell’s fists clenched as he leaned forward. “So they turned the brothers against each other?” Marcus nodded solemnly. “The accusations created a rift that couldn’t be mended. Alphonse, blinded by paranoia and rage, believed the lies. He feared your father’s influence and sought to eliminate him... and his family.” The room seemed to close in around Maxwell as Marcus continued. “Alphonse hired assassins t
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 15: Echoes Of The Past
Maxwell stepped out of the room, his footsteps echoing faintly as he walked beside Marcus toward the hospital's main entrance. “You sure you’ll be okay on your own?” Marcus asked, his voice low but firm.“I’ll be fine. Just need some time to think,” Maxwell replied with a faint smile.Marcus nodded but didn’t leave it to chance. As he walked toward his car, he gave a subtle signal to one of the guards stationed nearby. The man nodded, understanding his silent instruction to keep a watchful eye on Maxwell while maintaining a discreet distance.Maxwell turned back into the hospital, his steps unhurried as he let his thoughts wander. The events of the past few weeks had transformed him into someone else. He was a man with purpose now, carrying the confidence of someone who had climbed out of the abyss, stronger and more determined than ever.As he rounded a corner, a faint hum drew his attention. By the vending machine stood a familiar figure. Her frame was smaller than he remembered—it
My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich Chapter 16: Into The Ring
Maxwell leaned back in the leather seat of the sleek black SUV, staring out at the blur of the city. Despite being discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health, his body betrayed him—each movement a sharp reminder of his recent collapse. The faint hum of the engine filled the silence, occasionally interrupted by static crackling from Jackson’s earpiece. Jackson, seated in the driver’s seat, kept his focus on the road. His stoic expression gave away little, but Maxwell sensed the man was preoccupied, likely replaying the intense conversation they’d had hours earlier. There was more to Jackson than his quiet demeanor—his presence was a constant reminder of the dangers Maxwell now faced. When the car rolled to a stop in front of the towering glass building that housed Maxwell’s penthouse, Jackson quickly stepped out to open the door for him. “Thanks,” Maxwell muttered, hesitating briefly before stepping onto the pavement. As they rode the elevator to his floor, Jackso
Latest Chapter
Chapter 97
Katherine came out of her room a few minutes past ten. She cried herself to sleep.She noticed the house was quiet. She came downstairs and asked the maid about Maxwell and she informed her that he had left about an hour ago.Disappointed that she wouldn't get to express herself to Maxwell she went back upstairs. Waking into his room, she opened the walk in closet and began to pack her clothes and shoes into the guest bedroom at the end of the hall. She invited one of the guards to help her arrange them and instructed the maid to get her fresh linen curtains to brighten up her room.By the time she was done setting the bedroom up, she took a shower and got dressed. She asked the guard who had helped her get the room ready to drive her to the city mall.Upon arrival he accompanied her inside and carried the shopping bags from each store she purchased items from. For the first time in a while, Katherine had decided to go on a shopping spree, dresses, shoes and jewelry all of which were e
Chapter 96
Dawn had barely broken when the sounds of boots crushing the dried grass underneath them were heard. Tactically Lenox's mercenaries circled the perimeter of Nathan's compound. In their hands we're assault rifles with silencers to mask the sound of the gunshots. They were dressed in all black and wore masks that covered their faces except for their eyes.Unfortunately their stealthy approach wouldn't last long as Nathan's compound was wired with motion sensors and as soon as they breached the perimeter the alarm went off.Immediately the guards we're alerted and they took their defensive position against the intruders. But these were simple men who barely had any tactical or combat training. Unlike the mercenaries who had trained most of their lives for these.The rained hell upon Nathan's guard in form of bullets as the tore through their defenses. Nathan on the other hand was prepared for this kind of situation as he had been raided by the DEA in the past. He had a safe room that h
Chapter 95
"Wow, no wonder you couldn't wait to get me out of town. Now I know why. You're such a fucking piece of shit Maxwell, you know that. And to think I left Ohio and came down here to be with you while you're fighting a war," Katherine said as she stared at Maxwell. The vein in her forehead was apparently and it was glaring that she was furious. Before Maxwell could say a word. She tossed her hand bag at his head. Maxwell raised his hands in defense. He wanted to speak but deep down he knew there was no way he could defend himself especially in this sort of situation. What was his going to say? What was going to be his excuse?"And you? I knew deep down all you wanted was to get back in his bed. I knew I was right to be wary and on my guard whenever you were around, well you finally got what you wanted right? Get dressed and get the fuck out of our house this minute," Katherine yelled as she turned towards Emma.Emma's eyes turned to Maxwell as she expected him to speak or try to calm K
Chapter 94
Maxwell and Alfred finished up their meeting with Jackson a little later than they had expected. Some of Jackson's contacts had ties to the drug world and brought Jackson's attention to Lenox's dealings with Nathan. "He's gone desperate, for him to stoop so low," Maxwell said to Alfred as they walked back into the house. Their conversation was cut short as they walked into the living room to find Emma asleep on the couch."I had almost forgotten she was here, I figured she would have gone home while we were with Jackson," Maxwell said.Alfred simply gave him a sarcastic look and patted him on the shoulder, "Do you want me to handle it?" He asked with a calm tone."No it's fine," Maxwell replied. Alfred turned towards the path that led to his room and walked away. He had told Max that he wouldn't be having dinner with them on the account of the burger he had earlier that day.Maxwell walked over and tried to calmly wake Emma up but she didn't respond. In truth Emma wasn't that sleep
Chapter 93
When Lenox heard about the death of two of his Faction members. He was in between feelings. He was both angry but at the same time relieved. Their deaths meant he didn't have to pay back the money he owed them but it also meant he and Oliver were the only ones left on the hit list.They were on their way to the meeting with the Meth dealers to revisit the terms of their negotiations. Oliver had made the call for a sit down, even though he didn't like the idea of it.Upon arrival they met Nathan, the man they brokered the deal. He was seated outside the house having a smoke with a bit of whiskey left in the glass."You're welcome, please take your seats," he said to them as they got down from their vehicles. Oliver offered a polite smile in response while Lenox kept a straight face."Would you like anything to drink?" He asked as he observed the demeanor. They both declined as they took their seats and unbuttoned their suits. "So what's this I hear about you wanting to revisit terms,
Chapter 92
The sound of silverware against plates was the only sound in the dining room all afternoon long as Maxwell and Emma ate their meal. Maxwell focused intently on his plate, cutting into his food with precision, while Emma occasionally glanced at him, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions she couldn’t quite untangle.Every now and then, Maxwell’s eyes looked toward her, his gaze unreadable, but he quickly looked away. And for all his calm, she knew he was still very much attracted to her. And why wouldn’t he be? She had shown up uninvited, looking dashing and coming back into his life, a life she had walked away from only months ago.After the end of the meal, Maxwell slumped back in the chair, as if he was glad that it was over. Emma used the chance to ask.“What about Katherine?” she asked, her voice soft but intentional.Maxwell stunned, the sound of the name cutting through the already tense atmosphere. He placed his fork on the table, his jaw tightened. “She’s with her paren
Chapter 91
Emma couldn’t get the kiss out of her mind. It wasn’t just the kiss itself. It was the way Maxwell had looked at her afterwards, the depth of his eyes, and the unspoken promises lingering in the air between them. Ever since, Maxwell had filled every waking moment, and even in the very dreams. Her therapist, Dr. Grant, asked questions about her emotional state and even insisted on her talking about changes occurring in her personal affairs. But Emma hadn’t mentioned Maxwell since that day not once. She wasn’t sure why. Perhaps because she feared her therapist would disapprove.Instead, Emma had taken a more proactive approach. She was determined to see Maxwell once more, and not by coincidence. She decided at last to look into what time he had his next appointment scheduled. It wasn’t easy, Maxwell was a private man, and the clinic took confidentiality seriously. But Emma had her ways.The reception desk had a nurse who was fond of her. Emma capitalized on it. At the outset, she
Chapter 90
The morning sun had barely risen up when the sound boxing gloves swinging through the air filled the courtyard. In the heart of the manor’s courtyard, the clash of fists covered by gloves echoed. Maxwell and Alfred moved with practiced precision, sparring session was a symphony of jabs, dodges, and counter strikes. The two men had both gotten up early, every muscle of their bodies prepared for the fight following a weightlifting workout, which had made their muscles tight and agile.Maxwell, was slow at first but was beginning to pick up speed as he moved with finesse . Each step, each punch and each block showed his stamina was picking up. Across him, Alfred’s enthusiasm burned brighter, his every move was laced with an energy that Maxwell envied. It was clear Alfred was enjoying himself, every dodge and counterpunch seemed to ignite a spark in his eyes.“You’re getting faster," Alfred said, panting slightly as he ducked another strike.“And you’re getting predictable,"Maxwell
Chapter 89
Lenox had just acquired a new warehouse, since most of the former ones were compromised. He had twelve mercenaries posted there watching and securing the grounds. Inside the warehouse, he had built a few segments including a small container apartment for himself whenever he needed to be away or secluded.Outside, he had a few workers with counting machines and rubber bands counting and arranging money that was delivered from the meth trade. In just a week, things were looking good and business was coming back to life, but his mind could not get over the fact that Maxwell and Alfred were still out there plotting to get him."What the hell are we going to do about those two Oliver. You act like you're not bothered but just because they succeed in killing me doesn't mean they won't come for you," he said as he took a bottle of water from the mini fridge."I already offered the solution I could think of and look around Lenox, we're doing okay from it, you have enough money to buy more me
