AN UNDERSTATED POWER

0007

Darrus and Dominic's faces hardened, revealing their displeasure as their plans began to unravel.

However, Darrus remained unmoved by Mr. Avo's warnings.

With a tone full of disdain, he scoffed.

"Max is nothing but an orphan with no value," Darrus sneered.

"He has no talent, no education, and has only made it this far because of my generosity.”

“Meanwhile Dominic," he continued, glancing at Dominic, who sat confidently, "is a top graduate from the Cadenza Leadership Institute."

"Dominic has extraordinary skills, a strong family background, and an extensive network of connections."

"Comparing Max to Dominic? It’s like comparing a filthy maggot to a soaring eagle. They’re not even on the same level," Darrus concluded.

Mr. Avo sneered, his gaze sharp with contempt.

Crossing his arms, he responded in a cold ironic voice,

"Oh, is that so? If Dominic is so brilliant, why hasn’t the capital’s GDP surpassed Morow State yet?"

Mr. Avo’s words struck like a whip, darkening Darrus and Dominic’s expressions even further.

Dominic tried to mask his discomfort with a thin smile, but it was evident that Mr. Avo’s statement had wounded his pride.

Mr. Avo stepped forward, pointing directly at the table as if issuing a challenge. 

"Managing Morow State with or without Max are two entirely different things.”

“Max can leave Morow State anytime, and he’ll still be fine."

"But without Max? Morow State would collapse into chaos!"

Mr. Avo continued.

Darrus slammed his hand on the table in a fit of rage, his voice echoing through the room.

"Mr. Avo! Don’t forget your place! I am the Governor! How dare you speak to me like this?"

His face turned red, his gaze full of threat.

Mr. Avo stood firm, showing no trace of fear.

"Don’t think your position will silence me! I’m merely stating the truth."

"If you want Morow State to fall apart, go ahead with your foolish plans!"

With those words, Mr. Avo turned and marched out of the room with determined steps, followed by Manager Nelson, who appeared anxious.

Inside the room, the atmosphere remained tense.

Yet, Darrus and Seraphina were stubborn, refusing to believe that Morow State would fail without Max.

"He’s just exaggerating," Darrus muttered, attempting to ease the tension.

Dominic stepped forward, his smile brimming with confidence.

"Morow State doesn’t need Max. I’ll prove that I’m more than capable of replacing him."

"Once I take over and deliver better results, no one will dare question my decisions."

Hearing Dominic’s words, Darrus smiled with satisfaction. 

"That’s what I want to hear. I look forward to that day, Dominic."

"With your expertise and connections, we’ll elevate Morow State to greater heights," Darrus added.

Seraphina, standing beside Dominic, looked at him with admiration and deep affection.

To her, Dominic was a strong, visionary leader.

She could hardly wait for the moment when Dominic would prove himself as the best successor, silencing everyone with his accomplishments.

***

Later that evening, Chief Raul finally escorted Max to the foothills of Mount Arleth, the area closest to the border and usually the most tumultuous.

In this region, battles between Morow State and external forces were almost unavoidable each night.

The sound of intense gunfire often filled the air.

And even though the residents at the mountain’s base knew Max was watching over the border, they remained restless with anxiety.

The constant chaos beyond the border disrupted their sleep, leaving them uneasy every night.

When they arrived, Chief Raul stepped out of the car and opened the door for Max.

Chief Raul had brought along several subordinates to accompany Max, all of them remaining vigilant, keeping a close watch on their surroundings.

They were prepared for anything, aware of how dangerous this area could be after dark.

But as soon as they stepped out of the car, they immediately sensed something unusual.

The town at the mountain’s base, typically rife with tension and unease, was unusually calm and peaceful that evening.

There was no sound of gunfire, no signs of danger-a stark contrast to the battles that usually raged beyond the border.

Chief Raul paused for a moment, trying to process the situation.

If Mr. Avo were there, he would undoubtedly know the reason for this calm-news of Max’s arrival had already spread, instilling fear in external forces.

They had chosen to retreat, too afraid to approach the border.

However, Mr. Avo was absent, and Chief Raul’s understanding of the situation was limited.

Chief Raul and his subordinates exchanged glances, confusion evident on their faces.

"Why is it so quiet tonight?"

One subordinate asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"There’s usually constant gunfire beyond the border."

"This… this isn’t normal," another subordinate added. h

His eyes scanning the surroundings, ensuring nothing suspicious was amiss.

"It’s like… like no one dares to make a move!"