2025-02-12 16:11:19A 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.
“Must be a system error,” said another.
Zach’s brow furrowed. Before he could step away, two bank staff appeared, their eyes narrowing as they approached him.
“Excuse me, sir,” one said, his tone sharp. “This isn’t a public facility. Where did you get that card?”
“I’m the holder,” Zach replied evenly, though his embarrassment seeped into his voice.
The second staff member, a woman with sharp features, sneered. “The holder? Dressed like that? Please. You probably found it on the street.”
Their voices drew the attention of more staff and customers.
“You think someone like him could be a top-tier client?” a cocky female staff member chimed in, loud enough for everyone to hear. “He probably stole it. Guards, get him out of here before he embarrasses himself further.”
Zach’s cheeks flushed red. The humiliation burned hotter than the fire that had consumed his home. “I’ll leave,” he muttered, his voice low, “no need to throw me out.”
He turned to go when a commanding voice stopped him. “Wait.”
Heads turned as a tall, poised woman strode into the hall. She was stunning, her sharp suit tailored perfectly, her dark hair pulled into an elegant bun. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, and every staff member bowed in deference. She was the bank's Manager.
“Ms. Barbara,” someone whispered.
“Who caused the system freeze?” Barbara asked, her voice calm but firm, her sharp eyes scanning the room.
The cocky staff member stepped forward. “Ma’am, we were just handling a vagrant who—”
Barbara cut her off with a raised hand. “I’m not asking for your opinions. I’m asking who accessed the account that froze our system.”
Fingers pointed at Zach. “Him,” they said, their voices tinged with disdain.
Barbara’s gaze landed on Zach, and her sharp expression softened with surprise. “You?”
The staff around her began to whisper among themselves.
“Yes, Ms. Barbara,” the cocky staff member sneered. “We were just about to remove him.”
Barbara’s face darkened. “Remove him?” she echoed. Her voice rose, each word laced with icy authority. “This man holds the position of most exclusive VIP in this bank! And you dared to insult him?”
The hall fell silent, the cocky staff member’s smirk fading into sheer terror. “M-Ma’am, I didn’t know—”
“Enough!” Barbara snapped. “Your behavior is disgraceful. Apologize. Now.”
The cocky staff member turned to Zach, her face pale. “I-I’m so sorry, sir. I didn’t mean—”
Barbara interrupted. “Your apology means nothing. You’re suspended. Effective immediately.”
One by one, Barbara pointed at each staff member who had mocked Zach. “You’re suspended. You too. And you.”
Their protests were drowned out by her unwavering tone. “Five Star Bank’s reputation depends on respect and professionalism. You’ve failed at both.”
Zach stood rooted to the spot, stunned. Him, the most exclusive VIP of the greatest bank in the city? It felt surreal, a dream he never dared to have.
It wasn’t until the rudest staff member clasped her hands and begged him for forgiveness that reality began to sink in.
But his mind raced with one burning question: How much could be in the account to freeze an entire bank?
Barbara straightened her suit, her tone now measured with professionalism but softened with an air of regret.
“Mr. Zach,” she began, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that disarmed him. “I deeply apologize for the earlier misunderstanding. I’m Barbara Davis, the Manager here. Allow me to personally assist you.”
Zach nodded stiffly, still processing the whirlwind of events.
She led him through a polished hallway to a private room, its decor minimalist yet intimidatingly luxurious. At the center stood a reinforced ATM machine encased in a sleek security frame. With a swipe of her keycard, Barbara unlocked the system, gesturing for Zach to step forward.
“This is a secured terminal,” she explained. “Please proceed with the same pin.”
Zach hesitated, glancing at her, then at the machine. He slowly entered the pin, his fingers trembling as he pressed the buttons.
The screen blinked, processing for a moment before displaying the balance.
$100,812,947,450.63
His breath hitched, and he instinctively took a step back. “This… this has to be a mistake.”
Barbara’s calm smile didn’t waver. “No mistake, Mr. Zach. This account was set up for you specifically. With it comes elite privileges, including my personal assistance in managing your finances.”
“Personal assistance?” Zach echoed, his voice low, almost disbelieving.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice firm. “You are our only elite client. We are at your service—whether you need financial advice, asset management, or access to exclusive opportunities. Whatever you require, consider it done.”
He rubbed his temples, trying to grasp it all. The words of Laura from earlier flooded back to him: “You are the leader of Dominion’s Shadow—the most powerful and secretive organization in the country…”
He blinked, his mind racing. Earlier today, he was confirmed dead. Then he had risen, fought five men single-handedly, and now stood here, a cardholder of unimaginable wealth.
Barbara interrupted his spiraling thoughts gently. “Mr. Zach, is there anything you need immediately?”
“A house,” he admitted after a pause. “I need a place to stay.”
Barbara’s expression lit up. “Of course.”
She excused herself briefly, made a quick phone call, then returned with a confident smile. “It’s done. We have a top-tier villa ready for you. You can move in today.”
Zach’s jaw dropped. “Today?”
“Yes,” she confirmed. “It’s our only best available property. Fully furnished and secure.”
He stared at her, stunned and utterly speechless.
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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
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 11 ~
Back inside the grand hall, it buzzed with murmurs. Every eye in the room followed the scene that had just unfolded—Luke, a man of status, had been tossed out like a stray dog. But what sent shockwaves through the crowd was Laura’s next move.She walked to Zach and took the seat beside him.Gasps echoed, and hushed voices erupted across the room.“What’s going on? Madame Laura is sitting close to that ordinary Zach.”“Why did she disgrace Luke because of him?”“Zach is a nobody, but the impeccable Madame Laura is sitting next to him.”Barbara, standing close, gathered herself quickly and turned to Zach. "Would you like anything, Mr. Zach?" Her tone held a trace of reverence.Zach shook his head. "I'm fine."Laura, studying his face, leaned slightly toward him. "Are you alright, Master? I'm here to assure that."Barbara's breath hitched. So her assumption was right. Laura had come because of Zach.Zach exhaled, his eyes unreadable. “I told you before, Laura. Don’t call me that.”“But…
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 12 ~
Zach’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. His face remained unreadable, yet there was a flicker in his eyes—a silent storm beneath his composed exterior. Daniella watched him, feeling a pang of sadness. Maya’s words had been cruel, but what struck Daniella the most was the look in Zach’s eyes. Not anger. Not indignation. Just… something deeper, something unspoken.Then, he finally spoke, his voice steady. "I'm not a pauper."Maya let out a short, mocking laugh. "Oh, don’t flatter yourself, Zach. Just because Madame Laura stood up for you doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly become important. She did it to keep her reputation clean, nothing more." She smirked, tilting her head. "Face it, you’ll always be nothing. Bradford’s No.1 destitute."Daniella’s hands curled into fists at her sides, but before she could say anything, Maya’s sharp gaze turned on her. "Enjoy chasing after scraps, Daniella," she sneered, flipping her hair with exaggerated arrogance before striding off, her heels clicking
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 13 ~
A stunned silence filled the room immediately after that announcement.Daniella’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded. Did she hear that right?Maya’s chair scraped loudly against the floor as she stood. “That’s a mistake! It has to be!”She couldn’t believe it. Her breath came in sharp bursts as the realization hit—she was supposed to win! Her fingers clenched into fists, her face burning with fury.“This is ridiculous!” she shouted, her voice slicing through the murmurs in the hall. “I was supposed to win the investment! There’s no way—no way—that Daniella Jones of all people could have won fairly!”Barbara’s expression remained composed, but there was an unmistakable sharpness in her gaze. “Are you accusing First Star Bank of unfairness, Ms. Tower?”Maya scoffed. “Oh, don’t twist my words, Barbara. I’m saying that this—” she pointed a shaking finger at Daniella, “—this is a joke. A fraud! She must have played a dirty trick because she’s not worthy of winning.”Barbara let out a quiet
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 14 ~
Outside, Maya stormed toward her car, gripping her phone tightly. Her chest heaved as she punched in a call, her nails digging into her palm."Lena! Get another ride immediately. I'm not in the mood for your incompetence!" she barked.Lena, her assistant, took a cautious step back, narrowly avoiding a slap that never came. "Y-yes, ma’am. Right away."Maya let out an exasperated breath, yanking the car door open. She slid into the driver's seat and slammed her hands against the steering wheel. The sharp honk echoed in the night, but she didn’t care.Her fingers trembled as she dialed Luke’s number. No answer.Again. Still nothing.She clenched her jaw, hitting redial repeatedly until, finally, he picked up."What do you want, Maya…?" His voice was irritated, laced with exhaustion."Baby!" she wailed. "I lost the project investment. Can you believe the so-called top-tier client gave it to my undeserving ex-friend?"Luke sighed heavily. "Don't complain to me. I can’t do anything."Maya’s
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
