“I will go to the Tezcatlipoca’s Crest of the Serengeti Sierras.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he processed MC’s words.
"Tezcatlipoca’s Crest?" he repeated, his voice carrying a hint of disbelief.
The Serengeti Sierras were nothing short of hostile territory, a land of rugged cliffs and untamed terrain on the southern border, infamous for its smuggling and drug cartels.
For anyone to willingly head there seemed reckless—borderline suicidal.
“Why would you want to go somewhere that dangerous?” Ethan couldn’t hide his unease.
MC looked at him, eyes cold and unyielding.
“I don’t have to explain myself to you, Ethan.” MC’s voice was level, calm.
“I’m only telling you because, technically, I’m still under investigation.” There was an unmistakable edge in the words, a reminder that this was a courtesy, not a request.
Ethan’s throat tightened. “Fine. Then I’m coming with you.” His tone was resolute. “You can’t head into the Sierras alone—it’s too dangerous.”
MC didn’t respond. With a dismissive glance at Ethan and the officers around them, MC rose and walked out of the precinct, leaving Ethan staring at the empty doorway.
The tension in Ethan’s chest slowly unwound as he watched MC leave, a tiny reprieve from the dread that had settled in since the start of the investigation.
But the relief didn’t last. A new thought took root, more unsettling than anything he’d imagined before.
Who would have the power to orchestrate this, to turn the tables on someone as untouchable as MC?
Only someone with significant authority. Ethan’s mind flickered to the governor—recently re-elected, freshly endowed with political capital.
The state’s most powerful man might see MC as a liability now, a pawn to be discarded after years of service.
Ethan felt a wave of nausea; if the governor was truly behind this, then everything had just become far more dangerous.
He grabbed his phone, dialing quickly as he left the station.
“Sir,” he said the moment the Lieutenant Governor picked up. “They really took action against MC, making various accusations against him.”
“But MC’s moving out. I think he’s going south, towards the Sierras. If he’s got to be there, we need to mobilize backup or something, because if he’s out there alone, we’re all in trouble. Texpanse will be in chaos if MC’s taken out.”
The Lieutenant Governor’s silence on the line spoke volumes. “Understood,” he replied. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Ethan ended the call and broke into a brisk walk, adrenaline already coursing through his veins.
He had no idea what awaited MC in the Sierras, but he couldn’t let him go unprotected. By the time he reached his car, he had already formed a plan.
The late evening found Molly Anderson at the airport, a sleek black sedan waiting under the dim lights of the arrivals terminal.
She had spent hours preparing, donning an outfit as sharp as her intentions.
When Charlie Northridge appeared through the glass doors, a smile stretched across her face. He spotted her, giving a casual wave before striding over to the car.
“Charlie,” she greeted, “Hope you’re ready for a warm welcome. Thought I’d give you a taste of the good life here.”
He laughed, sliding into the passenger seat as she took the wheel.
“It’s good to see the Anderson family still knows how to treat their guests.” His eyes sparkled with excitement, thoughts already running ahead to the future.
Their destination was the best hotel in the city, a luxurious beacon in Texpanse’s heart.
Molly navigated the roads with ease, glancing at Charlie as they drove.
He was practically glowing; she didn’t need to ask why. The Anderson family’s ventures had flourished across the South, and now that influence had finally reached into Texpanse.
This was more than a business move for him. If he managed this right, he’d have his foot in the door of both commerce and state politics, laying the groundwork for an eventual run at Congress.
It was the start of an empire, the kind of career most men could only dream of.
He leaned back in the seat, a self-satisfied grin on his face.
“Anderson Enterprises really has made a name here. Once we finalize this, I’ll be able to take things to the next level.”
He glanced at her, a glint of ambition in his gaze. “After all, the South isn’t just a market—it’s an empire waiting to happen.”
Molly smiled back, the future already unfolding in her mind.
Molly Anderson settled into the leather-lined booth in the private dining room, her manicured fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass.The room exuded luxury, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over pristine white linens and dishes prepared with rare ingredients flown in from across the globe.She’d spared no expense for tonight’s dinner, pouring close to a hundred thousand dollars into wine and cuisine that screamed exclusivity.When Molly and Charlie stepped in, Governor Calvin Dark was already waiting, his face breaking into a smile as he saw Charlie."Charlie! Finally, the Anderson empire is in good hands," Calvin said, his excitement evident.As they settled into their seats, the restaurant manager approached, welcoming both Molly and Calvin with a bright smile.He greeted them with practiced politeness but gave barely a nod to Charlie. The slight stung, but Charlie brushed it off, focusing on the promising evening ahead.The manager’s gaze lingered on Molly, his expr
Molly lifted her chin, a proud smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.“Charlie isn’t just anyone,” she declared.“He’s from the Northridge family—one of the finest names in the capital. Graduated from the top business school in the country. He’s exactly who should be leading the Anderson family business.”Across the table, Calvin Dark’s expression soured. He slammed a hand down, the impact rattling the wine glasses and silverware. “Robert, this is outrageous,” he hissed. “You dare to threaten me?”But Robert didn’t back down. His eyes narrowed, a fierce intensity burning in them as he shot back, “I’m not threatening you. I’m standing up for the truth, for the man who built this state’s security!”His voice echoed, ringing with conviction before he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Calvin fuming.The tense silence finally broke as Charlie turned to Molly and Calvin, his face set with steely determination.“Don’t worry about Robert. I will lead Anderson Enterprises into a n
Ethan and his team stared at the crowd around them, rooted to the spot.On every side, people packed the streets, eyes lifted with reverence as a single name thundered from their lips."Welcome, Joshua!"The chant echoed, a wall of sound, reverberating off every surface, drowning out the city’s usual chaos.Ethan’s grip tightened on his weapon as he exchanged glances with his men, each of them wide-eyed, shaken.These people weren’t here to challenge them—they were here for Joshua.But how had he done it? How had he, amidst all this turmoil, gathered a crowd so vast and loyal?The man in question, Joshua, stood in the center of it all with serene calm.His eyes swept across the throng before he took a single step forward, his voice low but cutting through the noise."Jaguar gave me his word," Joshua stated, his tone firm but level. "He said he wouldn’t cross the border. Has he gone back on that?"A figure moved within the crowd, breaking through with quick, deliberate steps.A man in
"Joshua Smith," the officer said, his tone clipped. "You're under arrest."Joshua barely blinked. "On what grounds?" His voice remained steady, betraying no hint of alarm. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest, his eyes sharp.The other officer, shorter but no less imposing, held up a sheet of paper."We’ve received an anonymous tip that you're involved in multiple crimes—bribery, embezzlement, theft, robbery, and..." He paused, his voice lowering. "Even murder."The accusations hung in the air, as thick and heavy as storm clouds. Joshua raised an eyebrow, incredulity washing over him."Murder? Bribery? Theft?" His lips curled into a faint smile, amused by the absurdity of it all. "I think you have the wrong person."The officers didn’t flinch. They moved toward him, ready to place handcuffs around his wrists. But before they could lay a hand on him, a voice, icy and composed, sliced through the room."No, officers. You have the right person."Joshua froze at
Factions within the company were restless, each vying for power in the absence of Joshua. He was the only one keeping them in check. The whispers of betrayal and ambition crept through the halls like a storm on the horizon. Molly leaned against her desk, a mocking smile on her lips."You think you’re something special, don’t you?" she laughed, her voice dripping with sarcasm."You’re just a nobody, a lost orphan. If it weren’t for the Anderson family, you’d be begging for scraps."Joshua’s eyes narrowed at her words.He knew she was trying to get under his skin, but he had learned from her father, the patriarch of the Anderson family.Molly rolled her eyes, unfazed. "We’re about to tie the knot with the Northridge family. Charlie is everything you’re not. He’ll make this family strong, unlike you."Her laughter echoed, cutting through the silence of the office. "And when that happens, you’ll see just how irrelevant you really are."Her words stung, but Joshua remained composed. He ha
The two officers stood facing each other, eyes locked in a silent, heated exchange.They couldn’t believe it—how dare this young criminal give them orders?"You think you can just summon the Chief whenever you feel like it?" Officer Harris scoffed, his voice low, laced with irritation.Joshua didn’t flinch. His gaze remained sharp, almost amused."If you two don’t want to go get him, I can always call him myself," he said, his tone calm and unbothered. "But if I do, things might get... complicated."The words hung in the air, thick with subtle menace. The officers stiffened. A chill ran down their spines as they processed the weight of his threat.Before they could react, Joshua casually reached for his phone, his finger hovering over the dial. Panic flickered in their eyes."No, no! Wait!" Officer Harris blurted, his voice cracking slightly."We’ll go get him. We’ll get him now." Without a second thought, both officers turned and hurried out the door, their feet practically stumbling