2025-02-12 16:08:27Luke's sheer arrogance made Zach want to puke at his face while he gnashed his teeth. Although he was deeply worried about his sister, he refused to give them the satisfaction by going on his knees. He wouldn't ruin his dignity in such a way.
Luke’s smug grin widened as Zach stood motionless, gripping the edge of the steel table. “What’s the matter, pauper? Cat got your tongue?” Luke sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.
But Zach didn’t kneel. Instead, he straightened his spine, his gaze sharp and unwavering as it locked onto Luke. His lips pressed into a thin line, trembling slightly with the effort of containing his fury.
“I’m not kneeling,” Zach said, his voice low but steady.
Luke’s smile faltered for a moment before twisting into a smirk. “Oh? Do you think defiance makes you a hero? Let me remind you—your sister’s life is hanging by a thread, and all it takes is one phone call from me to cut it.”
Zach’s fists clenched, the veins in his arms taut as a surge of anger coursed through him. But he refused to give Luke the satisfaction of a reaction.
“Zach,” Maya interjected, stepping forward. Her tone was devoid of warmth, as though she were addressing a pesky subordinate. “Let’s stop this nonsense. You and I both know we don’t belong in the same world.”
Zach turned to her, his gaze hardening.
She continued, unfazed by his silent reproach. “I’ll make it easy for you. Take this as a business transaction.” She pulled out a sleek envelope from her purse and held it out to him. “There’s enough money in here to keep you afloat for a while. With your mother gone, you don’t need to scrape by anymore, trying to support her.”
Zach’s breath hitched, the weight of her words striking like a physical blow.
Maya’s expression remained cold, her lips curling into an impatient frown. “Frankly, you should feel relieved. This is your chance to start over. Be smart, Zach. Take the money and walk away.”
Every words Maya uttered felt like a knife twisted inside of him. It heightened gos disappointment at her. He never thought she was such a person but his mother's death has revealed her for what she truly was - selfish, greedy and callous.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room. Then, Zach let out a dry laugh, low and humorless.
“You really think I want your money?” he asked, his voice quiet but sharp as a blade.
Maya raised an eyebrow, her confidence unwavering. “I’m offering you a lifeline, Zach. Don’t be stupid.”
Zach stepped forward, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and sorrow. “No, Maya. What you’re offering is a price for my dignity—a bribe to make me disappear so you can move on guilt-free. But here’s the thing…”
His voice grew firmer. “I don’t want your money. I don’t need your pity. And I certainly don’t want you in my life anymore.”
Maya blinked, momentarily thrown off by his resolute tone. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying,” Zach said coldly, “I agree to the divorce—not because you want it, but because I do. You’re unworthy of me. And for the first time, I see you for what you really are—a selfish, heartless woman who doesn’t deserve the love I gave you.”
Maya’s face hardened, but her lips twitched with annoyance rather than regret. “You’ll regret this,” she snapped, dropping the envelope at his feet.
“Maybe,” Zach replied, his voice steady. “But not as much as you will.”
Maya stared after Zach, stunned by his defiance. This wasn’t the man she thought she controlled—the obedient, loyal shadow of her success. Her shock quickly turned to fury, her lips twisting into a scowl.
“Is this some kind of act, Zach?” she snapped. “Who do you think you are? You’re still just a nobody!”
Luke chuckled, his tone dripping with disdain as he stepped closer. “Don’t let his little outburst fool you, Maya. He’s all bark and no bite. A man like him will always crawl back when he realizes he’s nothing without you.”
Zach turned, his cold gaze sweeping over them both. “Enjoy the illusion while it lasts,” he said quietly.
Luke scoffed, wrapping an arm possessively around Maya’s waist. “Illusion? Hardly. We’re heading to a banquet this afternoon hosted by First Star Bank—the city’s largest financial institution. Once we secure their investment, Maya’s company will expand beyond your wildest dreams.”
Maya smirked. “And you, Zach, can keep playing the role of the noble ex-husband while we rise to the top.”
Zach clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as they walked away. Their arrogance stoked a fire inside him, their cruelty pushing him to his limit. Alone in the room, he whispered to himself, “I’ll make you regret every second of this humiliation. I swear it.”
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Zach turned, expecting another insult, but instead, a strikingly beautiful woman entered, flanked by a trail of figures in dark suits and shades. Her presence was magnetic, her sharp features framed by cascading ebony hair. The men at her sides moved with precision, positioning themselves evenly along the walls, their movements crisp and disciplined.
The woman strode confidently toward Zach, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her deep emerald eyes shimmered with excitement as she stopped before him. Without hesitation, she bowed deeply.
“Master,” she said reverently, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve been searching for you for five years. Finally, I’ve found you.”
Zach’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Master? I think you have the wrong person.”
She straightened, her smile faltering at his words. “Surely you remember me? I am Laura, your loyal subject. I swore to serve you until the end of my days.”
Zach’s gaze hardened. “What is this?” Zach looked away and thought. “Did Luke send them to mess with me? I won’t fall for his games.”
Laura’s joy faded as she noticed the coldness in his eyes. “No,” she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You… you don’t remember?”
Zach crossed his arms, suspicion etched into his features. “Remember what?”
Laura took a step back, composing herself. “You are the leader of Dominion’s Shadow—the most powerful and secretive organization in the country. Five years ago, you vanished after an ambush during a mission. We’ve searched tirelessly for you ever since.”
Zach’s expression flickered with doubt, but beneath it was the seed of something else—a flicker of the truth. “Prove it,” he demanded.
Laura met his gaze with fierce determination. “I will. But first, let me protect you, as I’ve always done.”
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THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 3 ~
Zach stared at Laura, stunned. The words she had spoken were like pieces of a puzzle that didn’t fit together. Leader of a powerful organization? Dominion Shadows? It all sounded absurd. His heart weighed heavily, burdened by the loss of his adoptive mother and the constant worry for his sister’s safety. He didn’t have the time or energy for elaborate stories.“Look,” he said, his voice low and firm, “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I need to go somewhere urgently. If you think I’ll fall for this nonsense, you’re wasting your time.”Laura’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. Instead, she reached into her tailored blazer and pulled out a sleek black card. The card gleamed under the overhead light, its surface embossed with intricate golden patterns and the unmistakable emblem of First Star Bank—the most prestigious financial institution in the city.“This,” she said, holding it out to him, “is your supreme black card. It originally belonged to you.”Zach hesitated before taking the
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 4 ~
Zach stared at his hands, trembling with disbelief. The crumpled car hood bore the marks of his newfound strength. Since waking in the hospital, his body had felt different—stronger, sharper, as if some dormant power was clawing its way to the surface.“Zach!” Mary’s tearful voice snapped him out of his daze. She threw herself into his arms, her small frame trembling against his. Her sobs were muffled against his chest as she clung to him tightly.“You’re alive!” she cried, pulling back just enough to look at him. Her face lit up with joy, though fear lingered in her wide eyes. “I thought you—” Her voice cracked, and tears streamed down her cheeks.“I’m here, Mary,” Zach said softly, holding her close. “I’m not going anywhere.”Her relief was short-lived as her gaze darted toward the group of men watching them. “You—You should run! They’ll kill you. Please, don’t fight them!”Zach’s jaw clenched, his gaze shifting to the gang. The group of five men sneered, clearly unimpressed by his
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 5 ~
Zach stared at the broken men before him, his chest heaving. His hands trembled, not with fear, but with the sheer force of what he had just done. He didn’t recognize himself. How had he done this? The impossible strength, the quick reflexes—it all felt like someone else’s body.But he pushed the questions aside for now. He had to protect Mary.“Leave now,” Zach commanded, his voice low and unyielding. His piercing gaze swept over the gang, daring them to challenge him. “Or none of you will leave in one piece.”The leader, now visibly shaken but desperate to maintain control, snarled. “You think you’re untouchable, boy? Darius will hear about this.” He turned to his men. “Get him! All of you! Squash him like the bug he is!”Mary’s face went pale, and she tugged on Zach’s arm. “Zach, don’t! There are too many of them. You’ll get hurt!”Zach gently pushed her behind him, his tone steady. “Stay back, Mary. I won’t let them touch you.”The gang hesitated for a moment, eyeing Zach warily,
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 6 ~
A while later, Zach stood before the Five Star Bank, his clothes a patchwork of soot and grim of sorts thanks to the fire from the burnt house, his face smeared with exhaustion and faint hope. The murmurs of people passing by stung like needles, their eyes scanning him with disdain. Even the guards exchanged glances but made no move. This was a prestigious bank, often housing low-profile billionaires. The guards wouldn’t risk making a mistake by ejecting someone who might secretly own half the city.Zach walked to an ATM machine, clutching the black card tightly. He inserted it, his fingers trembling slightly. His real birthday—27-09-1998—replayed in his mind. He took a deep breath and entered the pin, hitting the button to check the balance.The screen blinked once, twice, and then froze entirely. The green interface flickered and vanished, replaced by a cryptic message. A loud beep echoed through the hall, turning every head towards him.“What’s going on?” murmured a customer.“Mus
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 7 ~
Zach stared at the black card in his hand, the privileges Barbara had listed replaying in his mind like a dream too grand to be true.“Unlimited access to top-tier financial management, exclusive properties, and the bank's best property for a house?” he murmured, his voice laced with disbelief. “It’s almost absurd.”Barbara handed him her sleek business card, the gold lettering on it exuding sophistication. “Mr. Zach,” she said warmly, “if you ever need anything—anything at all—please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m at your service.”He nodded, still in awe.“Oh, and one more thing,” she added. “We’re hosting a business banquet this afternoon. As one of our highest-level clients, you are not only invited but have influence over the bank’s major projects. I strongly encourage you to attend.”Zach blinked. “A banquet?”Barbara smiled. “Yes, sir. As a top-tier client, you have a say in the bank’s major investment projects happening today. Your attendance is highly valued.”Her
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 8 ~
The air in the banquet hall shifted abruptly as Maya’s assistant, Lena, who had been trailing behind them, let out an audible gasp."Lena, what is it?" Maya turned sharply, her annoyance evident.Lena hesitated for a moment before blurting out, “The Crest Villa—the most expensive villa in the city—it’s just been assigned a new owner. The new resident is moving in today!”Maya froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Crest Villa? That can’t be true!”Luke frowned. “Impossible. No one’s ever been able to meet the bank’s standards for that place.”Lena held up her phone, scrolling rapidly. “It’s all over the Internet. First Star Bank announced it officially a while ago. People are speculating who the new owner could be.”Luke and Maya exchanged a stunned glance. The villa was a legendary property, owned by the bank and symbolizing ultimate power and influence.“Who could it be?” Maya murmured, her mind already racing.Luke scoffed. “Whoever it is, they must belong to a family so influenti
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 9 ~
Laura’s response was immediate. "Right away, sir. I guess they must have offended you.""They have," Zach said, his voice tight with anger. Laura sneered. "How dare they bite the very hand that feeds them. We've given them opportunities in the past, just like First Star Bank. This is how they repay us? Nonsense.”Zach added. "I want you to also halt all business dealings with them.""I will take care of it, Master Zach," Laura confirmed. "Consider it done."Zach exhaled slowly, his grip on the phone tightening as he finished the call. He wasn’t just about to take back his dignity; he was about to make sure no one ever dared to mock him—or his family—again.He stepped back into the grand hall, the echoes of his footsteps competing with the sneers and mocking laughter that immediately greeted him. Luke, Maya, and a few others snickered, their eyes gleaming with amusement as they watched him walk in."Back so soon, Zach? Did you go to weep for a moment or call some top authority?" Maya
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 10 ~
Luke stood frozen, his cheek stinging where Laura’s hand had struck him. His body stiffened, humiliation creeping up his spine like a slow-burning fire. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the room—sharp, scrutinizing, waiting to see his reaction. His fists clenched at his sides, but the anger boiling in his chest was overshadowed by a rare sensation: shame.Laura stepped closer, the sharp tap of her heels against the marble floor slicing through the thick silence. The air around her was suffocating and commanding. When she spoke, her voice was deceptively calm, but every word was edged like a blade."You really think you can treat people however you want, Luke?" she asked, her tone a quiet storm. "You’ve crossed a line, and you will answer for it."Luke opened his mouth, but his voice faltered. He had never felt powerless before, never been put in his place like this. He stole a glance at the crowd, seeing the judgment in their eyes, the silent amusement on some faces. His arro
Latest Chapter
~ 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.
~ 37 ~
Barbara took another slow sip of her coffee, the warmth seeping into her palms. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. “Why do I have this strange feeling that Zach did this?”Phoebe nearly choked on her drink. She leaned forward, eyes widening as she stared at the screen, where Darius Fitzroy’s battered face was plastered all over the news. His left eye was swollen shut, and his lip was split.“Hold on,” Phoebe pointed at the TV. “Isn’t that Darius? The guy who stalked you years ago?”Barbara hummed in agreement, taking another sip.Phoebe whistled. “Damn. He got beaten like a pulp.”"Too bad I didn’t get to witness it.” Barbara let out a chuckle, then Phoebe noticed the way Barbara was smiling—an amused, knowing smile.Her eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute. You know who did this?”Barbara shrugged, placing her cup down. “Could be.”“Could be?” Phoebe folded her arms, waiting for more.Barbara sighed. “I think Zach did it.”“Zach? Who’s he?”Barbara hesitated, then glanced at her frie
~ 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,
~ 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. "
~ 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
