AN UNDERSTATED POWER

0014

Darrus grinned slyly.

"I recently discovered that Max owns several properties in Golden Hills, the most luxurious neighborhood in Morow State.”

“I don’t think those properties are just ordinary residences. From what I’ve found, his has dozens of mistresses living there."

“We also confirmed that Max had been transferring thousands if not millions of dollars to his mistresses.”

Dominic remained silent for a moment, pondering Darrus’s words. 

"If that’s true, then Max’s good reputation is all a facade. We can easily defeat him."

Darrus nodded as he adjusted his seat, his eyes gleaming with cunning.

"I have a good idea. You should invite some government officials to join you in inspecting Max’s properties."

Dominic frowned, turning his cup in his hands.

"That means I take them to the Golden Hills properties and make them uncover crimes Max has been hiding all along."

Dominic started to smirk, a sign he was beginning to grasp the plan.

"Exactly! Use the opportunity to expose who Max really is." Darrus continued.

"You reveal evidence of his luxurious lifestyle-his mistresses, embezzlement, and even corruption.”

“If this gets exposed to the public, Max will never recover. His name will forever be associated with scandal and disgrace!”

Dominic set his cup down and leaned back in his chair.

"You’re right. That’s a brilliant idea. This way, I can show everyone that I’m a transparent and firm leader.”

“They’ll see that I’m not afraid to uncover the truth, even if it involves my predecessor."

Darrus nodded in satisfaction.

"Exactly. And this is also your chance to strengthen your position.”

“Those who might still be loyal to Max will lose their faith in him. Instead, they’ll start seeing you as the more capable leader."

Dominic chuckled, then burst into laughter.

"Max must be crying now, sitting in that prison cell, lamenting his fate.”

“He probably still thinks he’s important, but in reality, he’s already insignificant."

Darrus joined in with hearty laughter.

"Exactly!”

Their laughter filled the room.

Meanwhile, Max’s condition in prison was a stark contrast to what Dominic and Darrus imagined.

Max woke up from a peaceful sleep.

A guard entered, carrying a basin of warm water and a clean white towel.

"Good morning, Mr. Max," the guard greeted politely.

"We brought this for you to wash your face."

Max raised his eyebrows briefly, a bit surprised, but then smiled faintly.

"Thank you. It’s not really necessary, but I appreciate it."

The guard simply nodded respectfully before placing the basin on a small table in the corner of the cell.

After freshening up, the cell door slowly opened.

Chief Raul stood at the doorway, wearing his neatly pressed uniform.

"Good morning, Mr. Max," he said in a calm yet respectful voice.

"Breakfast is ready. Please enjoy it."

Without saying much, he rose from his seat, adjusted his sleeves, and stepped out of the cell.

Max arrived at a small dining room set up like a fine restaurant.

A large wooden table in the center of the room was adorned with a pristine white tablecloth and a vase of fresh flowers.

On the table, a variety of French-style dishes were laid out: buttered toast with jam, Parisian cheese, tender ham, fried eggs, sausages, fresh orange juice, and a steaming cup of black coffee.

A chef in a crisp uniform stood at the end of the table, smiling proudly.

Chief Raul stood beside the chef, stepping forward to introduce him to Max.

"Mr. Max, this is the best chef in Morow State," Chief Raul said.

"He prepared all of this for you."

Max glanced at the table with a neutral expression, then shifted his gaze to Chief Raul and the chef.

"You really didn’t have to go to such trouble. I’m not picky about food. Whatever is available is fine,” said Max.

Chief Raul offered a small smile, bowing slightly.

"My apologies, Mr. Max. This is a gesture of our respect. You deserve the best."

Max said nothing more, simply sitting down and quietly beginning to eat the meal.

Amid the tranquil dining atmosphere, Chief Raul’s phone rang.

He answered it immediately, his face turning serious as he listened to the voice on the other end.

It was Dominic, speaking in a tone of arrogance and overconfidence.

"Chief Raul, I’ll be leading an inspection of the properties in Golden Hills today," Dominic declared, his tone exaggerated as if issuing an order.

“As the Chief of Police, you must attend.”

"I’ll expose Max’s corruption scandal and his mistresses kept there," Dominic continued.

Chief Raul gripped the phone tightly.

His face remained impassive though he struggled to contain his anger.

After the call ended, Chief Raul placed the phone on the table and glanced at Max.

"Is there a problem?"

Max asked calmly before taking another sip of his coffee.

Chief Raul took a deep breath before finally asking in a cautious tone.

"Mr. Max, do you… do you own properties in Golden Hills?"

Max slowly set his cup down.

"Yes.”

Chief Raul seemed even more uneasy but pressed on.

"Are there… are there women living there? I mean, do you have… relationships with them?"

“Of course, I take care of those women,” Max replied calmly.

“W-What?” Chief Raul stammered nervously.