2025-02-12 16:08:27Luke's sheer arrogance made Zach want to puke at his face while he gnashed his teeth. Although he was deeply worried about his sister, he refused to give them the satisfaction by going on his knees. He wouldn't ruin his dignity in such a way.
Luke’s smug grin widened as Zach stood motionless, gripping the edge of the steel table. “What’s the matter, pauper? Cat got your tongue?” Luke sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.
But Zach didn’t kneel. Instead, he straightened his spine, his gaze sharp and unwavering as it locked onto Luke. His lips pressed into a thin line, trembling slightly with the effort of containing his fury.
“I’m not kneeling,” Zach said, his voice low but steady.
Luke’s smile faltered for a moment before twisting into a smirk. “Oh? Do you think defiance makes you a hero? Let me remind you—your sister’s life is hanging by a thread, and all it takes is one phone call from me to cut it.”
Zach’s fists clenched, the veins in his arms taut as a surge of anger coursed through him. But he refused to give Luke the satisfaction of a reaction.
“Zach,” Maya interjected, stepping forward. Her tone was devoid of warmth, as though she were addressing a pesky subordinate. “Let’s stop this nonsense. You and I both know we don’t belong in the same world.”
Zach turned to her, his gaze hardening.
She continued, unfazed by his silent reproach. “I’ll make it easy for you. Take this as a business transaction.” She pulled out a sleek envelope from her purse and held it out to him. “There’s enough money in here to keep you afloat for a while. With your mother gone, you don’t need to scrape by anymore, trying to support her.”
Zach’s breath hitched, the weight of her words striking like a physical blow.
Maya’s expression remained cold, her lips curling into an impatient frown. “Frankly, you should feel relieved. This is your chance to start over. Be smart, Zach. Take the money and walk away.”
Every words Maya uttered felt like a knife twisted inside of him. It heightened gos disappointment at her. He never thought she was such a person but his mother's death has revealed her for what she truly was - selfish, greedy and callous.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the room. Then, Zach let out a dry laugh, low and humorless.
“You really think I want your money?” he asked, his voice quiet but sharp as a blade.
Maya raised an eyebrow, her confidence unwavering. “I’m offering you a lifeline, Zach. Don’t be stupid.”
Zach stepped forward, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and sorrow. “No, Maya. What you’re offering is a price for my dignity—a bribe to make me disappear so you can move on guilt-free. But here’s the thing…”
His voice grew firmer. “I don’t want your money. I don’t need your pity. And I certainly don’t want you in my life anymore.”
Maya blinked, momentarily thrown off by his resolute tone. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying,” Zach said coldly, “I agree to the divorce—not because you want it, but because I do. You’re unworthy of me. And for the first time, I see you for what you really are—a selfish, heartless woman who doesn’t deserve the love I gave you.”
Maya’s face hardened, but her lips twitched with annoyance rather than regret. “You’ll regret this,” she snapped, dropping the envelope at his feet.
“Maybe,” Zach replied, his voice steady. “But not as much as you will.”
Maya stared after Zach, stunned by his defiance. This wasn’t the man she thought she controlled—the obedient, loyal shadow of her success. Her shock quickly turned to fury, her lips twisting into a scowl.
“Is this some kind of act, Zach?” she snapped. “Who do you think you are? You’re still just a nobody!”
Luke chuckled, his tone dripping with disdain as he stepped closer. “Don’t let his little outburst fool you, Maya. He’s all bark and no bite. A man like him will always crawl back when he realizes he’s nothing without you.”
Zach turned, his cold gaze sweeping over them both. “Enjoy the illusion while it lasts,” he said quietly.
Luke scoffed, wrapping an arm possessively around Maya’s waist. “Illusion? Hardly. We’re heading to a banquet this afternoon hosted by First Star Bank—the city’s largest financial institution. Once we secure their investment, Maya’s company will expand beyond your wildest dreams.”
Maya smirked. “And you, Zach, can keep playing the role of the noble ex-husband while we rise to the top.”
Zach clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as they walked away. Their arrogance stoked a fire inside him, their cruelty pushing him to his limit. Alone in the room, he whispered to himself, “I’ll make you regret every second of this humiliation. I swear it.”
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Zach turned, expecting another insult, but instead, a strikingly beautiful woman entered, flanked by a trail of figures in dark suits and shades. Her presence was magnetic, her sharp features framed by cascading ebony hair. The men at her sides moved with precision, positioning themselves evenly along the walls, their movements crisp and disciplined.
The woman strode confidently toward Zach, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her deep emerald eyes shimmered with excitement as she stopped before him. Without hesitation, she bowed deeply.
“Master,” she said reverently, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve been searching for you for five years. Finally, I’ve found you.”
Zach’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Master? I think you have the wrong person.”
She straightened, her smile faltering at his words. “Surely you remember me? I am Laura, your loyal subject. I swore to serve you until the end of my days.”
Zach’s gaze hardened. “What is this?” Zach looked away and thought. “Did Luke send them to mess with me? I won’t fall for his games.”
Laura’s joy faded as she noticed the coldness in his eyes. “No,” she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You… you don’t remember?”
Zach crossed his arms, suspicion etched into his features. “Remember what?”
Laura took a step back, composing herself. “You are the leader of Dominion’s Shadow—the most powerful and secretive organization in the country. Five years ago, you vanished after an ambush during a mission. We’ve searched tirelessly for you ever since.”
Zach’s expression flickered with doubt, but beneath it was the seed of something else—a flicker of the truth. “Prove it,” he demanded.
Laura met his gaze with fierce determination. “I will. But first, let me protect you, as I’ve always done.”
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THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 3 ~
Zach stared at Laura, stunned. The words she had spoken were like pieces of a puzzle that didn’t fit together. Leader of a powerful organization? Dominion Shadows? It all sounded absurd. His heart weighed heavily, burdened by the loss of his adoptive mother and the constant worry for his sister’s safety. He didn’t have the time or energy for elaborate stories.“Look,” he said, his voice low and firm, “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I need to go somewhere urgently. If you think I’ll fall for this nonsense, you’re wasting your time.”Laura’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. Instead, she reached into her tailored blazer and pulled out a sleek black card. The card gleamed under the overhead light, its surface embossed with intricate golden patterns and the unmistakable emblem of First Star Bank—the most prestigious financial institution in the city.“This,” she said, holding it out to him, “is your supreme black card. It originally belonged to you.”Zach hesitated before taking the
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 4 ~
Zach stared at his hands, trembling with disbelief. The crumpled car hood bore the marks of his newfound strength. Since waking in the hospital, his body had felt different—stronger, sharper, as if some dormant power was clawing its way to the surface.“Zach!” Mary’s tearful voice snapped him out of his daze. She threw herself into his arms, her small frame trembling against his. Her sobs were muffled against his chest as she clung to him tightly.“You’re alive!” she cried, pulling back just enough to look at him. Her face lit up with joy, though fear lingered in her wide eyes. “I thought you—” Her voice cracked, and tears streamed down her cheeks.“I’m here, Mary,” Zach said softly, holding her close. “I’m not going anywhere.”Her relief was short-lived as her gaze darted toward the group of men watching them. “You—You should run! They’ll kill you. Please, don’t fight them!”Zach’s jaw clenched, his gaze shifting to the gang. The group of five men sneered, clearly unimpressed by his
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 5 ~
Zach stared at the broken men before him, his chest heaving. His hands trembled, not with fear, but with the sheer force of what he had just done. He didn’t recognize himself. How had he done this? The impossible strength, the quick reflexes—it all felt like someone else’s body.But he pushed the questions aside for now. He had to protect Mary.“Leave now,” Zach commanded, his voice low and unyielding. His piercing gaze swept over the gang, daring them to challenge him. “Or none of you will leave in one piece.”The leader, now visibly shaken but desperate to maintain control, snarled. “You think you’re untouchable, boy? Darius will hear about this.” He turned to his men. “Get him! All of you! Squash him like the bug he is!”Mary’s face went pale, and she tugged on Zach’s arm. “Zach, don’t! There are too many of them. You’ll get hurt!”Zach gently pushed her behind him, his tone steady. “Stay back, Mary. I won’t let them touch you.”The gang hesitated for a moment, eyeing Zach warily,
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 6 ~
A while later, Zach stood before the Five Star Bank, his clothes a patchwork of soot and grim of sorts thanks to the fire from the burnt house, his face smeared with exhaustion and faint hope. The murmurs of people passing by stung like needles, their eyes scanning him with disdain. Even the guards exchanged glances but made no move. This was a prestigious bank, often housing low-profile billionaires. The guards wouldn’t risk making a mistake by ejecting someone who might secretly own half the city.Zach walked to an ATM machine, clutching the black card tightly. He inserted it, his fingers trembling slightly. His real birthday—27-09-1998—replayed in his mind. He took a deep breath and entered the pin, hitting the button to check the balance.The screen blinked once, twice, and then froze entirely. The green interface flickered and vanished, replaced by a cryptic message. A loud beep echoed through the hall, turning every head towards him.“What’s going on?” murmured a customer.“Mus
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 7 ~
Zach stared at the black card in his hand, the privileges Barbara had listed replaying in his mind like a dream too grand to be true.“Unlimited access to top-tier financial management, exclusive properties, and the bank's best property for a house?” he murmured, his voice laced with disbelief. “It’s almost absurd.”Barbara handed him her sleek business card, the gold lettering on it exuding sophistication. “Mr. Zach,” she said warmly, “if you ever need anything—anything at all—please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m at your service.”He nodded, still in awe.“Oh, and one more thing,” she added. “We’re hosting a business banquet this afternoon. As one of our highest-level clients, you are not only invited but have influence over the bank’s major projects. I strongly encourage you to attend.”Zach blinked. “A banquet?”Barbara smiled. “Yes, sir. As a top-tier client, you have a say in the bank’s major investment projects happening today. Your attendance is highly valued.”Her
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 8 ~
The air in the banquet hall shifted abruptly as Maya’s assistant, Lena, who had been trailing behind them, let out an audible gasp."Lena, what is it?" Maya turned sharply, her annoyance evident.Lena hesitated for a moment before blurting out, “The Crest Villa—the most expensive villa in the city—it’s just been assigned a new owner. The new resident is moving in today!”Maya froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Crest Villa? That can’t be true!”Luke frowned. “Impossible. No one’s ever been able to meet the bank’s standards for that place.”Lena held up her phone, scrolling rapidly. “It’s all over the Internet. First Star Bank announced it officially a while ago. People are speculating who the new owner could be.”Luke and Maya exchanged a stunned glance. The villa was a legendary property, owned by the bank and symbolizing ultimate power and influence.“Who could it be?” Maya murmured, her mind already racing.Luke scoffed. “Whoever it is, they must belong to a family so influenti
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 9 ~
Laura’s response was immediate. "Right away, sir. I guess they must have offended you.""They have," Zach said, his voice tight with anger. Laura sneered. "How dare they bite the very hand that feeds them. We've given them opportunities in the past, just like First Star Bank. This is how they repay us? Nonsense.”Zach added. "I want you to also halt all business dealings with them.""I will take care of it, Master Zach," Laura confirmed. "Consider it done."Zach exhaled slowly, his grip on the phone tightening as he finished the call. He wasn’t just about to take back his dignity; he was about to make sure no one ever dared to mock him—or his family—again.He stepped back into the grand hall, the echoes of his footsteps competing with the sneers and mocking laughter that immediately greeted him. Luke, Maya, and a few others snickered, their eyes gleaming with amusement as they watched him walk in."Back so soon, Zach? Did you go to weep for a moment or call some top authority?" Maya
THE UNFORSEEN DOMINANCE OF ZACH MARLOW ~ 10 ~
Luke stood frozen, his cheek stinging where Laura’s hand had struck him. His body stiffened, humiliation creeping up his spine like a slow-burning fire. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the room—sharp, scrutinizing, waiting to see his reaction. His fists clenched at his sides, but the anger boiling in his chest was overshadowed by a rare sensation: shame.Laura stepped closer, the sharp tap of her heels against the marble floor slicing through the thick silence. The air around her was suffocating and commanding. When she spoke, her voice was deceptively calm, but every word was edged like a blade."You really think you can treat people however you want, Luke?" she asked, her tone a quiet storm. "You’ve crossed a line, and you will answer for it."Luke opened his mouth, but his voice faltered. He had never felt powerless before, never been put in his place like this. He stole a glance at the crowd, seeing the judgment in their eyes, the silent amusement on some faces. His arro
Latest Chapter
~ 92 ~
Zach stood at the back of his car, his fingers moving swiftly across his phone screen. After tossing Daniella’s backpack onto the back seat, he typed a message, his brow furrowed in thought.{Mary, I'll be away for today or a couple of days at most. Please take care, and whatever you need, you can ask Barbara.}He hit send, then slipped the phone into his pocket, glancing toward the porch. Daniella was stepping out with her mother, Lou.“So, so, so, you’ve been dodging your grandfather for years,” Lou teased, grinning slyly. “But because Zach wants to visit the village, you're running like a happy puppy?”“Mother…” Daniella whispered sharply, halting on the porch. “It’s not about Zach. I just want to help him. He’s done so much for us.”Lou’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Right. And when Grandpa begged you, you suddenly had a hundred excuses.”Daniella rolled her eyes but said nothing. As they reached the car, Zach greeted them warmly, gratefulness shining in his tired eyes."Thank yo
~ 91 ~
Yvonne’s hands trembled slightly as she took the parcel from the nurse. Her father and Ricky exchanged wary glances, their bodies tense, but Yvonne barely noticed. Her mind spun wildly, heart thudding against her chest.Slowly, she peeled away the brown wrapping. Nestled inside was a small, plain flash drive. The sight made her breath hitch. Memories rushed back—how she had handed the flash drive over, how the horrible man stabbed her, how Zach had come to save her, and how he had chased after the goons only because she begged him to retrieve it.Tears burned behind her eyes.That man didn’t just save my life... he saved this too, she thought, clutching the flash drive tightly in her palm. “He’s an angel... a real one.”A small, grateful smile unknowingly curved her lips.Chairman Weather noticed. His voice cut through the room, sharp. “What’s funny?”Yvonne looked up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, masking her emotions. “A present from an admirer.”“Really?” His tone was he
~ 90 ~
Outside the hospital, the sun cast a dull glow over the street where a line of exotic cars gleamed under the morning light. Security guards in dark suits paced near them, keeping watch. Inside the private hospital room on the top floor, the atmosphere was tense.Yvonne lay against the white pillows, her face pale but calm. Her father, Chairman Weather, stood by her bed like a storm contained in human form, his arms crossed, his brows furrowed with anger.The doctor, adjusting his glasses, bowed slightly and said with careful respect, “Sir, Miss Yvonne is stable now. She can be discharged today.”Chairman Weather gave a sharp nod, his face hardening further. His gaze then shifted to his daughter, seething.“How could you be so careless, Yvonne?” he scolded, his voice gruff. “How could you endanger yourself like this?”Without giving her a chance to answer, he spun toward Ricky, her personal guard, his glare sharpening.“And you! You are supposed to protect her with your life! Instead,
~ 89 ~
Zach stood there, hands stuffed deep in his pockets, his heart oddly restless as he watched Barbara flee through the door like a startled bird.What just happened? he wondered, frowning, his mind scrambling to process the last minute.A soft shuffle from behind him made him turn his head slightly. Mary reached downstairs, studying him with a knowing look. She feigned a little cough, a deliberate attempt to draw his attention.Zach blinked. "Uh, Mary. You're awake.""Hmm. Good morning," she replied, her voice carrying a teasing undertone as she folded her arms."Yeah, good morning," Zach muttered, scratching his head, unable to resist glancing back at the front door, half-expecting Barbara to barge back in and take back her unintended confession."Well, Barbara is gone," Mary said, struggling to suppress the mischievous smile threatening her lips.Zach nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah... she’s gone," he murmured, still lost in thought. She said "yes". Did she really mean it? His chest tigh
~88~
The hours dragged by like slow-moving clouds as Zach cultivated, seated cross-legged on the floor, palms resting on his knees, his breathing controlled and deep. Even after the poison in his system had been washed away in mere minutes, he pressed on. His body ached for restoration; his energy reserves felt hollowed out by the night's turmoil. He could feel the faint rush of new energy coursing through his veins, splashing and crashing like a roaring tide against his inner walls.When at last he opened his eyes, the dark circles beneath them had faded slightly. He heaved a breath, steady and low, before dragging himself to the bathroom. Under the steaming water of the shower, he tilted his head back, letting the rivulets wash away the weariness clinging to him like a second skin.After drying off, he made his way barefoot toward the kitchen, gulped down a glass of cold water, then turned to leave. Passing by the first room in the hallway, he noticed the door ajar. Curiosity stirred. He
~ 87 ~
Zach's steps faltered slightly as he entered the villa, a wave of dizziness clouding his vision. He instinctively reached out to the wall but missed. His body leaned dangerously forward—then firm hands caught him."Hey, are you okay?" a concerned voice asked.He blinked away the haze and straightened, forcing a smile as he recognized Barbara’s face. "Yeah," he said, though the faint spinning in his head said otherwise. "Wasn’t expecting to see my finance manager at my house past 11 p.m."Barbara rolled her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Well, I wasn't planning on staying either. Should’ve been gone hours ago, but your sister wouldn’t let me."He frowned. "Mary wouldn’t let you?""Yeah. I just put her to sleep."He blinked in disbelief. "What?""I brought her back like I said I would. Wanted to leave, but she begged me to stay. Said she felt uncomfortable being alone in such a big house—especially not knowing you’d be back tonight.""I see," Zach murmured, stepping past her,
~86 ~
The doctor cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "Is that actually yours?" he asked stiffly.Zach raised an eyebrow. "You want to find out?"The nurse, still skeptical, grabbed the payment machine. "If it's counterfeit, security will be happy to deliver you to the police."The doctor leaned in, clearly expecting the worst. "Treatment bills will be approximately ten thousand dollars."Zach inserted the card with a bored expression. "Make it fifty. Get them the best."He input his pin. The transaction processed instantly.Approved.The machine chimed brightly.Silence fell.The nurses blinked at him like he'd grown wings. The doctor paled, sweat beading on his forehead."I...I apologize, sir," he stammered. "Please forgive our...mistake.""You!" he barked at the nurses. "Apologize at once!""Sorry, sir!" the nurses chorused, heads bowed.Zach barely spared them a glance."Move them to the special wards. Get them prepped now." the doctor barked, snapping his fingers at the stun
~ 85 ~
His scream snapped the others out of their daze.“Get him!” The leader yelled.Two of them lunged forward at once.Zach ducked beneath the first swing, then drove his elbow hard into the man’s ribs. The impact sent him spinning to the pavement, wheezing.The second came with a short blade.Zach seized his arm mid-strike, twisted, and with one violent jerk, flipped him over his back. As the man hit the ground, Zach snapped the joint with ruthless precision. The crunch echoed.Two more were already coming.Zach didn’t hesitate. He grabbed one by the neck mid-charge, slammed him headfirst into a nearby brick wall. The man’s body slumped as blood sprayed down the wall in a thick line.The last attacker barely had time to shout before Zach spun, gripped his throat with both hands, and squeezed.The man struggled, legs kicking, fingers clawing at Zach’s arms, but it was no use. His gasps turned to silence, and then—nothing.The leader, still on the ground, stared wide-eyed. His last man—a y
~ 84 ~
“No…” Yvonne breathed, panic crawling up her spine.She watched in frozen horror as he raised his hand to strike.“Fine!” she shouted, her voice cracking. “I’ll get it!”She rushed back to the car, her hands trembling as she reached beneath the front passenger seat — the only place she could think of hiding it earlier. Her fingers curled around the small, black flash drive. Reluctantly, she walked back toward them, raising it up.“Hand it over,” the man ordered, eyes greedy.“Not until you let him go,” she barked, refusing to be intimidated.The leader smirked, then flicked his fingers lazily. The two men shoved Ricky down and released him.Yvonne’s eyes stayed on Ricky, making sure he was breathing, before she slowly stretched the flash drive toward the leader. He snatched it and inserted it into a portable reader clipped to his belt.She crossed her arms. “You and whoever sent you — Pablo — you’re both going down. Soon.”He looked up from the device, laughter dancing in his eyes. “
