AN UNDERSTATED POWER

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Dominic stood in the middle of the room, gazing at the officials who were beginning to grow restless.

He smirked arrogantly, confident that the situation was entirely under his control.

With a casual gesture, Dominic pulled a file from under his arm and tossed it onto the table.

“Here,” he said with an air of confidence, “is concrete evidence proving Max’s guilt.”

The officials in the room exchanged glances.

Some began to move closer to examine the file’s contents, but Dominic continued speaking before anyone could open it.

“This file contains information on Max’s property holdings in Golden Hills and his financial transactions with several women.”

“I believe this is enough to open everyone’s eyes,” he added with conviction.

Dominic strolled leisurely around the room, his sharp gaze meeting each official in attendance.

He felt a wave of exhilaration within him but maintained an expression of somber seriousness and feigned compassion.

“How could Max, a former state leader, acquire dozens of properties without being involved in corruption and bribery?”

Dominic asked, his tone firm yet laced with a theatrical sadness.

“And if he wasn’t entangled with prostitutes or keeping multiple women,” Dominic continued, “why did he transfer thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars to these women on a regular basis?”

The officials began whispering among themselves.

Some appeared doubtful, while others looked confused.

Dominic stopped walking and stood in the center of the room again, observing their expressions one by one.

“I know this is hard to accept,” he said softly.

“But we must face the truth. Max, whom we regarded as a hero, is nothing more than a parasite.”

“Max deceived us all with his false image. He is not the hero we thought he was.”

“He is an enemy of the state, and he deserves both disgrace and appropriate legal punishment!” Dominic concluded.

The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air.

Dominic felt triumphant, even as he maintained his façade of feigned sorrow.

Chief Raul, however, looked increasingly angry and dissatisfied.

He recalled how Max had been treated with respect by the subordinates of the "Lord of the Abyss."

To Chief Raul, Dominic’s accusations were absurd and laughable.

But before Chief Raul could interrupt Dominic, Mr. Avo stopped him.

“Raul, don’t,” Mr. Avo said softly, gently patting Chief Raul’s shoulder.

The exchange was only audible to the two of them.

“Arguing with Dominic now is a waste of time. Someone like him won’t listen to any rebuttal,” Mr. Avo said.

Chief Raul furrowed his brows.

“But this is too much, Mr. Avo. We can’t just stay silent while Mr. Max is being slandered like this.”

Mr. Avo let out a long sigh.

“I’m angry too. But trust me, Dominic will never back down. He’s arrogant, greedy, and will only learn after hitting a wall.”

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do right now,” Mr. Avo continued, a hint of despair in his voice.

Chief Raul looked at Mr. Avo with a frustrated expression.

“So, what should we do?”

“Keep your emotions in check,” Mr. Avo replied.

“I’m growing disillusioned with Dominic and Governor Darrus myself.”

“They only care about their personal ambitions. The future of Morow State? Without Max, I’m pessimistic.”

“I’m even considering retirement and moving to another state.”

While Mr. Avo and Chief Raul spoke in hushed tones, Dominic led the group of officials to the Golden Hills community.

After a fifteen-minute drive, they arrived.

Everyone was stunned by the community’s environment.

The main road was wide enough to accommodate four buses side by side.

The scenery was breathtaking, with well-maintained infrastructure.

There were top-tier private schools from elementary to secondary levels, as well as renowned higher education institutions.

The officials exchanged bewildered glances, confusion and amazement on their faces.

One of them finally spoke in a low voice, “If this is the result of corruption, how is everything managed so well?”