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.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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
~ 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
