2025-03-19 21:23:26
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THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~29~
Zach’s voice was cold, commanding as he asked about his grandfather. "Where's my grandfather? I want to see him."McDonald nodded without hesitation. "Follow me, Master."Without another word, Zach strode behind McDonald, his steps measured, his presence unwavering. The two men walked out of the room and into the lit hallway. Outside, a black SUV awaited them. McDonald opened the door, and Zach slid into the leather seat, silent as the car roared to life.The drive was quiet. McDonald didn’t dare to speak unless spoken to, and Zach was lost in thought. His fingers drummed against his thigh as he stared at the passing lights.Fifteen minutes later, the SUV slowed, turning into an unmarked tunnel entrance. Zach’s sharp eyes scanned the darkness. Hidden passageways, restricted access—his family’s wealth and influence were evident in every detail.As the car emerged from the tunnel, a massive estate loomed ahead. The house was an architectural masterpiece, its walls of frosted glass and pr
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 30 ~
The SUV roared as Zach pressed harder on the accelerator, weaving through the near-empty road. His grip on the steering wheel was tight, his knuckles white with tension. The GPS flickered, showing he was only a few minutes away. He barely blinked as he followed the route, his mind focused on the objective. His heart, however, was a different story—beating steadily, yet filled with anticipation.As he neared the outskirts of the city, the landscape shifted. The towering buildings gave way to a vast, open space with a large body of water stretching into the horizon. It wasn’t the sea, but a massive lake with a stillness that almost seemed unnatural. The GPS beeped, signaling that he had arrived.Zach slowed the SUV to a stop, scanning the area. His phone’s screen confirmed the coordinates. He exhaled sharply and stepped out. The crisp, humid air carried the scent of water and damp earth. The ground beneath his boots was slightly wet, as if it had rained earlier.His gaze followed a narr
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 31 ~
Darius tilted his head, his dark eyes gleaming as he examined Zach. Then a slow smirk pulled at his lips. “Now that I’m really looking at you…” he muttered, his fingers stroking his chin. “I think I’ve seen your face before.”Zach didn’t move, his sharp gaze locked onto Darius, his body wound tight like a coil. He had no patience for whatever nonsense was about to come out of this man’s mouth.“One of my informants told me my beloved Barbara was seen with you.”Zach scoffed, rolling his shoulders. “And what do you want me to do about that?” His voice was laced with mockery. “Last I checked, Barbara was a grown woman who could do whatever she damn well pleased. Or do you think you're worth every woman, Darius?”Darius let out an ugly chuckle, the kind that sent chills down spines. “Talking about worth… are you worth anything at all?” His voice dripped with disdain. “Barbara is classy and rich. If she’s been hanging around you, it’s probably because you had some way of deceiving her wi
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 32 ~
Behind them, Doctor Kieran clutched his daughter tighter. He shook his head, his face pale with fear, a silent warning in his eyes.Darius, still catching his breath, chuckled lowly. Then he laughed harder, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "You’ve made a big mistake."Doctor Kieran took a step forward. "Zach, please," he urged. "Let’s just leave. You don’t know what you’re dealing with. Darius isn’t a man you can take down."Zach didn’t even acknowledge him. His gaze remained locked on Darius.Darius smirked, pushing himself up to his feet. "When I’m done with you, I’m coming for them next." His voice was smug, filled with dark promise.Then he shrugged off his coat, tossing it to the ground. His muscles tensed, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the fight."You think you can take me on?" He spread his arms wide. "See this, you ordinary piece of shit."Darius stretched his right arm, and as he did, an eerie glow shimmered across the surface. Tiny sparkles flickered like d
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 33 ~
The city lights flickered in the distance as Zach climbed into the driver’s seat, his grip on the wheel firm yet steady. The metallic scent of blood still clung to his skin, but he didn’t seem to notice. He turned the ignition, and the car roared to life.Beside him, Dr. Kieran sat stiffly, his fingers curled tightly around his daughter’s small hands. The girl clung to him, still shaken from the ordeal. Zach glanced at them through the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable.With one hand on the wheel, he pulled out his phone and dialed.“Laura.” His voice was clipped. “Meet me near West Haven. I need you to take someone under your protection.”Laura didn’t hesitate. “Alright, Sir.”Hanging up, Zach focused back on the road, weaving through the streets with precision. The silence in the car was thick, but Dr. Kieran finally broke it, his voice hesitant.“You’re… unharmed?”Zach didn’t look at him. “I’m fine.”Dr. Kieran frowned. “You just took down Darius and those brutes like the
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 34 ~
Zach folded his arms, watching as Dr. Kieran examined his grandfather one last time before stepping back.“For the meantime, I want my grandfather to have a proper watch,” Zach said.Dr. Kieran nodded. “I can keep an eye on him.”McDonald raised a brow, surprised. “Such a remarkable doctor wants to take on such a task?”Kieran turned to Zach. “As long as my daughter is safe.”Zach’s gaze was steady. “I don’t repeat my promises. She’s safe with Laura.”“I believe you,” Kieran said with quiet conviction. “And thank you for earlier.” He bowed respectfully, lowering his head in gratitude.Zach acknowledged him with a nod, then patted his grandfather’s arm in a silent farewell before turning to leave.McDonald watched him go, then turned to Kieran. “I take it my young master has done something for you?”“Not just something,” Kieran murmured. “He saved my life. And my daughter’s. I’ll be forever grateful to him.”Zach drove back to his villa, needing a moment to himself after the day’s chaos
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 35 ~
At South Bar, it was dimly lit, filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses. Maya leaned against the counter, swirling the last remnants of her cocktail, her long nails tapping impatiently against the glass. Her phone lay face-up beside her, the screen dark.She had been waiting for an update—one that should have come by now. A call from the thugs she had hired to ruin Daniella.Her lips curled into a smirk as she envisioned the scene: Daniella's little diner in ruins, chairs overturned, windows shattered. And Daniella herself? Incapacitated. Humiliated. The thought sent a shiver of satisfaction down her spine.Her smirk faltered as she recalled how Luke had humiliated her, tossing her aside as if she were nothing. The same way Zach had looked at her like she was beneath him the other day. But not for long.Her thoughts were interrupted by the bartender’s voice."Ma'am, your tab."Maya barely spared him a glance, sliding a card across the counter. "
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 36 ~
The grand Fitzroy mansion was silent in the early morning, its lavish halls illuminated bathed in the glow of the rising sun. In the side of the vast living room, Groy Fitzroy lounged comfortably in his high-backed leather chair, a thin line of smoke curling from the pipe between his fingers. His sharp eyes flickered with quiet amusement as a petite blonde—his latest plaything—massaged his shoulders, her manicured nails digging lightly into his tense muscles. Her dress was barely decent, the plunging neckline leaving little to the imagination, her small round breasts teasingly pressed against his back.Then, the heavy doors creaked open, and a figure stumbled inside.Darius Fitzroy barely made it past the threshold before his knees threatened to buckle. His fine leather suit was in tatters, his once-sleek hair was matted with sweat and dried blood, and his face was a mess of bruises and swollen flesh. He cradled his right arm against his chest, the limb twisted at an unnatural angle,
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~ 46 ~
The city’s hall was packed. As Barbara stepped inside with Zach, whispers followed them.“Isn’t that Julian’s fiancée?”“Why is she with that ordinary-looking man?”“She’s so disappointing.”Barbara’s sharp eyes landed on the gossipers, and they immediately pretended to be engrossed in something else. Huffing, she walked further into the hall.Minutes later, a convoy of black jeeps pulled before the city hall—Lamborghini Urus, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and a Bentley Bentayga.All eyes snapped toward the entrance.Julian stepped out of the first jeep, dressed in an expensive tailored jacket and trousers, exuding dominance.Murmurs of praise erupted.“He’s here!”“The strongest man in Belmont.”“A true elite.”Flashes from cameras blinded the entrance as journalists rushed to get his picture.But Julian ignored them, walking with pride. His presence alone was suffocating. Inside the hall, even the richest men bowed slightly as he passed.One of the organizers rushed up. “Master Julian! Welc
~ 45 ~
The room was silent, save for the faint rustling of fabric as Zach adjusted his posture. He sat on the floor, knees bent, back straight, the locket hanging against his bare chest. The window he had left open allowed the silver glow of the moon to stream in, casting ethereal patterns on the wooden floor. He inhaled deeply, feeling the cool night air settle in his lungs before exhaling steadily.Closing his eyes, he focused on the locket. A warmth spread from the small object, pulsing against his skin like a second heartbeat. Suddenly, images flooded his mind—flashes of combat techniques, ancient movements perfected through generations, and a deep understanding of battle flowing through him like an untapped river.His muscles tensed, then relaxed. His fingers curled slightly before opening again as if guided by an unseen force. He could see himself in his mind’s eye, executing powerful strikes, evading attacks with precision, and channeling raw energy into his limbs. The sensation was o
~ 44 ~
Julian’s nostrils flared, his grip tightening around the edge of the door. His gaze burned into the men kneeling before him, their heads bowed in shame. His voice, laced with restrained fury, cut through the tense air. “How was that possible?”With his face bruised and bloodied, the man hesitated before answering, his voice barely above a whisper. “They were too strong, Master.” He kept his eyes low, as if daring to meet Julian’s gaze would seal his fate.Julian’s jaw clenched, his fury rising like an uncontrollable storm. His breaths grew ragged. Weak. Pathetic. He had trained these men to be his shields, not cowards.A soft touch at his back made him freeze.“Come back, Master,” a sultry voice cooed. Delicate hands wrapped around his tense frame.Julian roared, shoving her away with brute force. “Get out!”The woman gasped, stumbling back as fear widened her eyes. She vanished in a hurried retreat, knowing better than to stay when his anger boiled over.Julian scoffed, shaking his
~ 43 ~
Barbara was short of words, her throat tightening as she tried to swallow the bitter taste of her father’s words. She couldn't say anything else. Mac, standing tall and imperious, gave his final order."Look your best tomorrow for Julian, and see to it that your guard here stays well." His voice held no room for argument. Then, turning his piercing gaze to Zach, he smirked slightly, a glint of menace in his sharp eyes."I hope you've been protecting my daughter well and not taking advantage of your proximity at times?" he sneered.Barbara's shock tightened into something colder. How could he reduce a multi-billionaire who could erase poverty from Belmont with a mere signature to nothing more than a common bodyguard?However, Zach only smiled at the misconception, amusement dancing in his eyes. Mac frowned at the reaction."Father, with all due respect, he's not my bodyguard," Barbara said firmly. "He's my friend."Mac’s face twisted in disdain. "Friend? You keep friends with ordinary
~ 42 ~
The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of a grand estate, its high iron gates parting silently to reveal a long driveway lined with cherry blossom trees. The estate itself was a fortress of elegance—tall, imposing, with a blend of modern and classic architecture that hinted at old money and power. Zach turned to Barbara, noticing her stiff posture, the way her fingers clenched into fists on her lap. The confident, sharp-tongued woman from earlier had faded into something else—someone hesitant, uncertain.He stepped out and walked around to her side, opening the door for her. “You okay?”She let out a short breath. “Physically, yes. Mentally?” She shook her head. “Not so much.”He studied her, concern flashing in his eyes. “Why?”She forced a smile. “You don’t have to worry about that.”Before he could push further, she turned and led him toward the entrance. As they approached, uniformed guards at the massive doors immediately straightened and bowed at her presence. Zach took it al
~41~
Zach unclenched his fist and shook off the pain creeping into his knuckles. His gaze swept over the broken men groaning on the ground, his face twisted in a grimace of disgust. “Get lost.” His voice was sharp, final.Two of the men, still trembling from the brutal display, rushed forward to their fallen leader. He was barely conscious, blood dribbling from his swollen mouth. They hoisted him up between them, his legs dragging limply against the gravel. Neither of them dared to meet Zach’s gaze. They simply threw open the car door, shoved their leader inside, and disappeared into the night, tires screeching in their desperate escape.Zach exhaled, shaking his head. "Some men never learn."When he turned, he found Barbara still staring at him, her lips slightly parted, her expression a mixture of awe and disbelief.“Your city’s really… hospitable," he quipped, raising an eyebrow. "You know, back home, we welcome guests with dinner. Here, it’s knives and poison darts.”She let out a sh
~ 40 ~
Upon hearing the threat, Zach dusted his jacket off and stepped forward, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Let's see which party ends up in a pile of broken bodies," he said coolly, positioning himself slightly ahead of Barbara. His body was firm, shielding her from any potential attack.The men roared at him in response. "You're calling for your death!" one of them barked, stepping closer.Zach simply looked at them, unfazed, his expression unreadable. Five men circled them like vultures, their predatory eyes fixed on him. A silent exchange passed between them, and then, almost in perfect synchronization, they dipped their hands into their suit jackets.Barbara’s breath hitched when she saw the glint of sharp, dark steel in their hands. Her stomach twisted as her eyes landed on the star-shaped darts—sleek, with jagged edges and dipped in an oily, sickly green sheen.Her pulse quickened. She recognized them immediately. “Nightfang darts,” she whispered in horror.Julian’s men used th
~ 39 ~
In less than an hour, the private jet touched down smoothly in Belmont, its descent barely noticeable from inside the luxurious cabin. The moment they stepped out onto the airstrip, Barbara took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, familiar air of her hometown. It had been years since she last set foot here, and though the city still held its grandeur, it also carried the weight of memories she wasn’t sure she was ready to face.Zach, standing beside her, adjusted his sleeves as he observed their surroundings with sharp eyes. The sharp reflection of the moon stretched in an endless blue, casting long shadows over the well-paved roads leading out of the airport.Barbara had already arranged for a car, one borrowed from an old friend, and as soon as they got inside, she took the wheel.“Comfortable?” she asked as she started the engine.Zach smirked, his deep voice laced with amusement. “Didn’t take you for someone who’d drive herself around.”She chuckled. “I like my freedom.”As she man
~ 38 ~
Barbara tapped her fingers against the rim of her coffee cup, her eyes locked on her phone screen. The message from Zach was short but firm:"No need to worry about transportation. I’ve got it covered."A small smile played on her lips. He was always so swift and efficient, handling things like he had the world in his hands. She muttered under her breath, “How does he do that?”Just as she was about to leave, Phoebe suddenly grabbed her wrist. “Barbara… are you sure you want to go with him to Belmont?”Barbara sighed, freeing her hand. “Yes, Phoebe.”Phoebe hesitated. “Your father won’t like this. He wants you and Julian to meet at the competition tomorrow. That’s why he sent me to bring you home.”Barbara froze mid-step. “Julian?”Phoebe nodded. “Yes. He still wants you. Five years, and he hasn’t given up. Your father has a bigger plan for you both.”A bitter chuckle left Barbara’s lips. “I don’t care. Julian is just going to watch me and nothing else. He can’t do anything about it.
