My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich

Chapter 8: Claiming His Birthrights

The next day, Max stood at the entrance of the Silver Crescent Clan estate, again but this time it looked different from the last time he was bought here. The mansion loomed before him, a blend of stone and glass shining in the morning sun. He took a deep breath, feeling both excitement and anxiety twist in his stomach. This was his family.

A familiar butler that was known as the person that he meant the first time he was bought here, so he opened the door. “Welcome, Master Max. Please follow me. Sir.”

Max nodded and stepped inside. The foyer was grand, filled with portraits of stern ancestors. Some seemed to watch him, judging him.

“Here we are,” the butler said, leading him into a large hall. Family members gathered, their chatter fading as they turned to face him.

A few faces showed curiosity, but many were cold. Max felt their eyes assessing him, their whispers sharp.

“Is that him?” a woman whispered.

“Looks like a nobody,” a man muttered.

Max squared his shoulders, pushing back the urge to shrink. He had to remind himself he belonged here, despite the weight of their stares.

“Master Max!” The butler called again. “This is Lord Harold Price, the patriarch of the Silver Crescent clan.”

An older man stepped forward, silver hair framing a face that commanded respect. “So, you’re the Lost Young Master,” he said, his voice low but firm.

“So I was told…Sir, so I guess…Yes, sir,” Max replied, trying to sound confident.

“Tell me what you know about your past,” Harold pressed, his eyes sharp.

“Not much,Sir,” Max admitted. “I grew up in foster care. I learned about the Silver Crescent clan only recently.”

Harold studied him closely. “That’s not enough. You need to understand your position here.”

Marcus Thorn, the clan’s assistant commander, stood beside Harold. He had seen Max at the clan’s business estate before when he filled him in on little important details of who he is, he was also the one that handed to Max that limitless green card. “Show me your birthmark,” he said.

Max hesitated but rolled up his sleeve, revealing the mark on his forearm. Marcus leaned in, examining it closely.

“Very well,” Marcus said, stepping back.

“You have the mark. You are who you say you are.” Harold added with a thick smirk.

A mix of relief and anxiety flooded through Max. He was accepted, but not entirely.

“You will have a room here,” Harold continued. “Or a penthouse if you prefer solitude. We want you to be comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Max replied, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and unease.

“Next, we’ll take you to Silver Crescent Ledge two Industries,” Harold said. “It’s time you learn about the family business.”

Max was still in shock because it never gets old, this new identity and all is a bit enough to take in. So followed Harold and Marcus down a long corridor. The walls were lined with more portraits, but now the air felt different—charged with ambition and purpose.

They entered a sleek office building connected to the estate. Employees hurried past, their expressions focused. The buzz of productivity filled the air.

“Welcome to Silver Crescent Industries,” Harold announced, his voice booming. “We’re a powerful force in the market.”

Max felt pride swell within him. This was the heart of the clan’s influence.

“Now,” Harold said, “let me introduce you to your foster brother.”

A tall handsome man in his mid-thirties stepped forward. His name was Lenox Hills. He crossed his arms, a sneer forming on his lips. “So, you’re the one,” he said, his voice laced with disdain.

Max met his glare. “Yeah, that’s me.”

Lenox’s disdain was palpable. “You think you belong here? You don’t know the first thing about leading.”

“I’m here to learn,” Max replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

Lenox laughed, a sharp sound that cut through the room. “Learn? You’ll be a joke. You think just because of a birthmark you’ll fit in? This isn’t a game.”

Max felt a rush of frustration. “I didn’t ask to be here. I just want to understand my place.”

Lenox stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. “You’ll never earn their respect. They’ll always see you as an outsider.”

The realization hit Max hard. This family, his family, was not ready to accept him. He was a stranger among them, thrust into a world he didn’t understand.

“I’ll prove you wrong,” Max declared, forcing confidence into his voice.

Lenox smirked, stepping back with a mocking expression. “Good luck with that.”

Harold watched the exchange, concern flickering in his eyes. “This is a time for unity. We need to focus on the future, not infighting.”

Lenox rolled his eyes. “The future? You mean letting him take the lead? What a joke.”

Max felt the tension crackle between them. He was surprised to find himself in a position he never thought he’d be in—a member of a powerful clan. But it was clear that acceptance would not come easily.

“Max will be announced as the new leader soon or should I say CEO?,” Marcus said with a frown, his voice firm. “He deserves a chance.”

“Chance?” Lenox spat. “You think he can handle it? I’m the interim leader, and I know what it takes. He’s nothing.”

Max felt a chill run through him. The stakes were high, and Lenox’s words echoed in his mind. Could he really handle the pressure?

“I’m ready for the responsibility,” Max declared, forcing confidence into his voice.

“Ready?” Lenox sneered. “You won’t last a week. I’ll make sure of it.”

Max took a deep breath, holding back his anger. “You don’t know me. You don’t know what I’m capable of.”

Lenox stepped closer, his expression darkening. “I know you’re nothing without your birthright. You’ll always be in my shadow.”

Max clenched his fists. “I’ll find my own way. I won’t be your pawn.”

Harold intervened, his tone sharp. “Enough. We’re family, and we need to act like it.”

Lenox stepped back, crossing his arms defiantly. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Max turned to Harold, a hint of desperation in his voice. “What if I can’t do this?”

Harold placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “You’ll learn. We all have to start somewhere. Trust in yourself.”

Max nodded, though doubt lingered in his mind. He had to prove himself, but the path ahead felt daunting.

As they moved deeper into the office, Max’s heart raced. He felt like he was stepping into a storm, with Lenox’s animosity looming over him like a dark cloud.

“Stay focused, Max,” he whispered to himself. “You can do this.”

But as he walked forward, a question lingered in his mind: would he be strong enough to stand against Lenox and claim his place in the Silver Crescent clan?