2025-02-12 16:12:16Zach 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 words brought back a memory. Zach recalled Luke at the hospital morgue, boasting about attending First Star Bank’s banquet with Maya.
Back then, I couldn’t even imagine setting foot there, he thought, amused. Now, I’m being handed an invitation on a golden platter.
“Interesting,” he mused with a faint smile. “I’ll attend.”
Barbara’s face lit up. “Wonderful! I’ll arrange a car to take you to your new home—Crest Villa—before the banquet. A sleek Bentley will be ready for you in no time.”
Zach raised a hand humbly. “Thank you, but I’ll make my own way there.”
Barbara looked surprised but quickly composed herself. “As you wish. Here’s the address. Everything has been prepared for your arrival.”
At the corner of their former street, Mary paced anxiously. When Zach arrived, her worry shifted to confusion as he beckoned her into the taxi.
“Where are we going?” she asked, glancing back at the ashes of their old home.
“You’ll see,” Zach replied with a cryptic smile.
Minutes later, they arrived at Crest Villa. The chief security guard opened the gates with a respectful bow. “Welcome, Mr. Zach, Welcome, miss.”
Mary’s jaw dropped as the villa came into view. It was massive, with pristine white walls, tall windows, and a fountain in the circular driveway. “This… this isn’t ours, is it?”
Zach grinned. “It is.”
Mary shook her head, unable to process it. “Zach, how?”
He gently nudged her toward the door. “Go inside and see for yourself.”
The interior was just as breathtaking—marble floors, a grand staircase, and chandeliers glittering like stars.
Mary stood frozen. “This is… it’s a palace!”
Zach placed a hand on her shoulder. “Feel at home, Mary. This is ours now.”
“But—”
“No buts,” he interrupted softly. “I’ll explain later. For now, settle in. I’ll be back soon.”
Before she could protest, Zach left, determined to find a simple outfit for the banquet.
The grand hall glimmered with elegance, chandeliers casting soft light over the polished floors and finely dressed guests.
Barbara led Zach inside, her calm demeanor commanding respect from everyone they passed.
“Take a seat for now,” Barbara said, gesturing toward a table near the back of the hall. “I need to handle some arrangements. I’ll join you shortly.”
Zach nodded, watching as she walked away. Left alone, he scanned the room and stopped when his eyes landed on a familiar duo—Maya and Luke.
Maya was hanging onto Luke’s arm, her laughter echoing softly. “Luke, you’re amazing,” she cooed. “You’re so connected. How do you do it?”
Luke smirked, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper that carried just enough for Zach to hear. “Well, I’ve got Barbara Davis in my corner. She’s the one running this whole banquet. Trust me, you securing the bank’s investment project is as good as done.”
Maya’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “I knew I made the right choice with you. Zach was such a... disappointment.”
Luke laughed, his voice dripping with arrogance. “The other applicants for the investment project here? They’re just seat fillers. By the end of tonight, you’ll have what they can only dream of.”
Maya smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You’re incredible, Luke. I’m so lucky to have you.” She kissed him lightly, oblivious to anyone watching.
Zach, sitting a few tables away, watched them out of the corner of his eye. His expression remained unreadable, his posture relaxed. Internally, he felt a flicker of amusement. If only they knew the truth.
He turned his attention to the program booklets on the table, feigning indifference as the two continued their public display of affection.
Zach remained seated, quietly observing the opulent surroundings, when he caught movement in his peripheral vision. Maya had spotted him. Her brows furrowed, and she leaned closer to Luke, gesturing toward Zach.
“What is he doing here?” Maya sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. “Did he follow me? How pathetic.”
Luke smirked. “Let’s see what the chicken has to say.”
The pair approached Zach, their arrogance palpable.
“Didn’t expect to see you here,” Luke began, his voice taunting. “What’s the matter, Zach? Still clinging to old dreams?”
Maya crossed her arms, her lips curling in a mockery of a smile. “You’ve always been so arrogant, haven’t you, Zach? Even at the hospital, acting like you were above everything. Look at you now, still trying to cling to me.”
Zach’s expression didn’t waver. His voice was calm, cold. “You’re mistaken, Maya. We no longer have anything to do with each other. Don’t get carried away.”
Maya’s eyes narrowed, but Luke chuckled. “Oh, come on, Zach. Don’t pretend. We both know you’re just nursing a broken heart. Admit it.”
Maya smiled smugly, sliding her arm through Luke’s. “For your information, Zach, Luke and I are getting married soon. So, stop trying to bother me. It’s embarrassing.”
Luke puffed his chest arrogantly. “And once I help Maya secure the largest investment project here, my family—the Harringtons—will be untouchable. We’ll be the top family in the city, and no one, not even you, will be able to compete.”
Maya cooed at him, planting a kiss on his cheek. “You’re amazing, Luke,” she said, rubbing off invisible lipstick.
Luke smirked. “You know, honey, my father promised me something if I close this deal.”
“Oh?” Maya’s eyes sparkled. “What is it?”
“A villa,” Luke said, drawing out the words. “Just two levels below the most expensive one in the city’s most prestigious area.”
Maya gasped. “A villa? Oh my God, Luke! That’s incredible. You’re the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Luke smiled smugly, tightening his arm around her. “It’ll be our new home after the wedding.”
Maya’s gaze flickered toward Zach briefly, her triumph evident whilst her disregard for him. Zach, however, remained impassive, his thoughts unreadable.
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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
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 15 ~
Bull’s voice was steady but laced with frustration. “We’ve tried tracing whoever was behind it, but they cover their tracks well. This isn’t the work of an ordinary person or group.”Zach nodded, his expression unreadable. His fingers tapped lightly against his wrist as he processed Bull’s words. Something inside him burned for answers, an ache deep in his chest—a void where memories should be. He exhaled, his voice firm.“I want to know everything. Right now.” His gaze shifted to Laura. “What was I like before? And what exactly is Dominion’s Shadow?”Laura straightened, her posture one of deep respect. “You established Dominion’s Shadow when you were just sixteen, Master. Even then, you had an unmatched mind and a natural dominance no one could defy. The organization became the most powerful and secretive force in the country, operating in the shadows, controlling what needed to be controlled.”Zach raised a brow. “Controlled how?”Laura’s lips curved slightly. “Intelligence. Securit
Latest Chapter
~ 92 ~
Zach stood at the back of his car, his fingers moving swiftly across his phone screen. After tossing Daniella’s backpack onto the back seat, he typed a message, his brow furrowed in thought.{Mary, I'll be away for today or a couple of days at most. Please take care, and whatever you need, you can ask Barbara.}He hit send, then slipped the phone into his pocket, glancing toward the porch. Daniella was stepping out with her mother, Lou.“So, so, so, you’ve been dodging your grandfather for years,” Lou teased, grinning slyly. “But because Zach wants to visit the village, you're running like a happy puppy?”“Mother…” Daniella whispered sharply, halting on the porch. “It’s not about Zach. I just want to help him. He’s done so much for us.”Lou’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Right. And when Grandpa begged you, you suddenly had a hundred excuses.”Daniella rolled her eyes but said nothing. As they reached the car, Zach greeted them warmly, gratefulness shining in his tired eyes."Thank yo
~ 91 ~
Yvonne’s hands trembled slightly as she took the parcel from the nurse. Her father and Ricky exchanged wary glances, their bodies tense, but Yvonne barely noticed. Her mind spun wildly, heart thudding against her chest.Slowly, she peeled away the brown wrapping. Nestled inside was a small, plain flash drive. The sight made her breath hitch. Memories rushed back—how she had handed the flash drive over, how the horrible man stabbed her, how Zach had come to save her, and how he had chased after the goons only because she begged him to retrieve it.Tears burned behind her eyes.That man didn’t just save my life... he saved this too, she thought, clutching the flash drive tightly in her palm. “He’s an angel... a real one.”A small, grateful smile unknowingly curved her lips.Chairman Weather noticed. His voice cut through the room, sharp. “What’s funny?”Yvonne looked up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, masking her emotions. “A present from an admirer.”“Really?” His tone was he
~ 90 ~
Outside the hospital, the sun cast a dull glow over the street where a line of exotic cars gleamed under the morning light. Security guards in dark suits paced near them, keeping watch. Inside the private hospital room on the top floor, the atmosphere was tense.Yvonne lay against the white pillows, her face pale but calm. Her father, Chairman Weather, stood by her bed like a storm contained in human form, his arms crossed, his brows furrowed with anger.The doctor, adjusting his glasses, bowed slightly and said with careful respect, “Sir, Miss Yvonne is stable now. She can be discharged today.”Chairman Weather gave a sharp nod, his face hardening further. His gaze then shifted to his daughter, seething.“How could you be so careless, Yvonne?” he scolded, his voice gruff. “How could you endanger yourself like this?”Without giving her a chance to answer, he spun toward Ricky, her personal guard, his glare sharpening.“And you! You are supposed to protect her with your life! Instead,
~ 89 ~
Zach stood there, hands stuffed deep in his pockets, his heart oddly restless as he watched Barbara flee through the door like a startled bird.What just happened? he wondered, frowning, his mind scrambling to process the last minute.A soft shuffle from behind him made him turn his head slightly. Mary reached downstairs, studying him with a knowing look. She feigned a little cough, a deliberate attempt to draw his attention.Zach blinked. "Uh, Mary. You're awake.""Hmm. Good morning," she replied, her voice carrying a teasing undertone as she folded her arms."Yeah, good morning," Zach muttered, scratching his head, unable to resist glancing back at the front door, half-expecting Barbara to barge back in and take back her unintended confession."Well, Barbara is gone," Mary said, struggling to suppress the mischievous smile threatening her lips.Zach nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah... she’s gone," he murmured, still lost in thought. She said "yes". Did she really mean it? His chest tigh
~88~
The hours dragged by like slow-moving clouds as Zach cultivated, seated cross-legged on the floor, palms resting on his knees, his breathing controlled and deep. Even after the poison in his system had been washed away in mere minutes, he pressed on. His body ached for restoration; his energy reserves felt hollowed out by the night's turmoil. He could feel the faint rush of new energy coursing through his veins, splashing and crashing like a roaring tide against his inner walls.When at last he opened his eyes, the dark circles beneath them had faded slightly. He heaved a breath, steady and low, before dragging himself to the bathroom. Under the steaming water of the shower, he tilted his head back, letting the rivulets wash away the weariness clinging to him like a second skin.After drying off, he made his way barefoot toward the kitchen, gulped down a glass of cold water, then turned to leave. Passing by the first room in the hallway, he noticed the door ajar. Curiosity stirred. He
~ 87 ~
Zach's steps faltered slightly as he entered the villa, a wave of dizziness clouding his vision. He instinctively reached out to the wall but missed. His body leaned dangerously forward—then firm hands caught him."Hey, are you okay?" a concerned voice asked.He blinked away the haze and straightened, forcing a smile as he recognized Barbara’s face. "Yeah," he said, though the faint spinning in his head said otherwise. "Wasn’t expecting to see my finance manager at my house past 11 p.m."Barbara rolled her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Well, I wasn't planning on staying either. Should’ve been gone hours ago, but your sister wouldn’t let me."He frowned. "Mary wouldn’t let you?""Yeah. I just put her to sleep."He blinked in disbelief. "What?""I brought her back like I said I would. Wanted to leave, but she begged me to stay. Said she felt uncomfortable being alone in such a big house—especially not knowing you’d be back tonight.""I see," Zach murmured, stepping past her,
~86 ~
The doctor cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "Is that actually yours?" he asked stiffly.Zach raised an eyebrow. "You want to find out?"The nurse, still skeptical, grabbed the payment machine. "If it's counterfeit, security will be happy to deliver you to the police."The doctor leaned in, clearly expecting the worst. "Treatment bills will be approximately ten thousand dollars."Zach inserted the card with a bored expression. "Make it fifty. Get them the best."He input his pin. The transaction processed instantly.Approved.The machine chimed brightly.Silence fell.The nurses blinked at him like he'd grown wings. The doctor paled, sweat beading on his forehead."I...I apologize, sir," he stammered. "Please forgive our...mistake.""You!" he barked at the nurses. "Apologize at once!""Sorry, sir!" the nurses chorused, heads bowed.Zach barely spared them a glance."Move them to the special wards. Get them prepped now." the doctor barked, snapping his fingers at the stun
~ 85 ~
His scream snapped the others out of their daze.“Get him!” The leader yelled.Two of them lunged forward at once.Zach ducked beneath the first swing, then drove his elbow hard into the man’s ribs. The impact sent him spinning to the pavement, wheezing.The second came with a short blade.Zach seized his arm mid-strike, twisted, and with one violent jerk, flipped him over his back. As the man hit the ground, Zach snapped the joint with ruthless precision. The crunch echoed.Two more were already coming.Zach didn’t hesitate. He grabbed one by the neck mid-charge, slammed him headfirst into a nearby brick wall. The man’s body slumped as blood sprayed down the wall in a thick line.The last attacker barely had time to shout before Zach spun, gripped his throat with both hands, and squeezed.The man struggled, legs kicking, fingers clawing at Zach’s arms, but it was no use. His gasps turned to silence, and then—nothing.The leader, still on the ground, stared wide-eyed. His last man—a y
~ 84 ~
“No…” Yvonne breathed, panic crawling up her spine.She watched in frozen horror as he raised his hand to strike.“Fine!” she shouted, her voice cracking. “I’ll get it!”She rushed back to the car, her hands trembling as she reached beneath the front passenger seat — the only place she could think of hiding it earlier. Her fingers curled around the small, black flash drive. Reluctantly, she walked back toward them, raising it up.“Hand it over,” the man ordered, eyes greedy.“Not until you let him go,” she barked, refusing to be intimidated.The leader smirked, then flicked his fingers lazily. The two men shoved Ricky down and released him.Yvonne’s eyes stayed on Ricky, making sure he was breathing, before she slowly stretched the flash drive toward the leader. He snatched it and inserted it into a portable reader clipped to his belt.She crossed her arms. “You and whoever sent you — Pablo — you’re both going down. Soon.”He looked up from the device, laughter dancing in his eyes. “
