AN UNDERSTATED POWER

0001

In Morow State, Lanua City, at the Nexxon Villa.

“Mr. Maximillian Knight, you are under arrest for allegations of multiple crimes: embezzlement, bribery, and prostitution!”

One of the police officer declared firmly, breaking the silence of the night.

Max stood at the doorway of his luxurious villa, his eyes sharply fixed on the two officers dressed in dark blue uniforms who had just arrived.

“Are you sure you’ve come to the right place?”

Max asked coldly, suspecting they had the wrong person.

His voice was flat, though he was inwardly puzzled.

The taller officer, wearing sunglasses, held up a document.

“We’ve received an official report implicating you in these serious crimes. We need to take you to the station for further investigation.”

Max raised an eyebrow as he skimmed through the document.

“I’ve increased this state’s GDP tenfold, reaching $20 trillion. Do you really think I would need to embezzle money or accept bribes?”

As the future son-in-law of Governor Darrus Hayes, Max had devoted the last four years to transforming Morow State into a better place.

With a strong vision and leadership, he had turned a state once plagued by chaos and crime into a safe and orderly region, making it a model of success for other states.

The officer hesitated, momentarily doubtful.

But he remained firm.

“We can’t ignore this report, Mr. Max. We’re just following orders.”

Max smirked cynically.

His mind wandered to his past, wondering who might be behind this.

Perhaps someone or a group threatened by the significant changes he had brought to this state.

He knew many people behind the scenes were unsettled by the progress he had achieved.

“So, who reported me? Who’s scared to see me making Morow State better?”

Before the officers could answer, the sound of an approaching car interrupted them.

A Bugatti La Voiture Noire purred as it stopped in front of Nexxon Villa.

A driver stepped out of the front seat and quickly opened the back door.

With graceful movements, a woman stepped out of the car.

She wore a dark green dress that highlighted her silhouette.

Her long brown hair cascaded elegantly over her shoulders, and she slowly removed her large, stylish sunglasses with finesse.

She was Seraphina Hayes, Max’s fiancee.

“I was the one who reported you.”

She said and walked confidently toward Max, each step radiating undeniable class and elegance.

What?!

"Why?"

But then, Max suddenly realized the reason.

And a cynical smile formed on his lips.

His hard work in transforming Morow State for the better had now become a prize in a power struggle—a coveted gift for greedy politicians like the father of his fiancée.

Darrus Hayes had recently secured a landslide re-election victory.

His popularity soared, and he saw an opportunity to further solidify his position.

Meanwhile, the success of Morow State, a product of Max’s hard work, was a threat to Darrus.

Darrus wanted to claim that achievement as his own and ensure that Max would not be remembered as the key figure behind the state’s progress.

Seraphina stepped closer and sneered.

“Do you really think I would marry you? Stop dreaming!”

“My father plans to form a marriage alliance with a powerful family in the capital. He’s marrying me off to a young heir from a wealthy family.” 

“That will strengthen his political position even further.”

She paused, observing Max’s unreadable reaction with disdain.

“And of course, our engagement will be annulled. We Hayes don’t ally with criminals.”

Understanding the situation, Max couldn’t hold back a cynical clap.

He chuckled bitterly, his voice low.

“What a good plan! But without me, do you think your father can manage Morow State?”