Although Max hadn’t revealed himself as the Chairman of the Billion Bloodline group, he still carried the weight of authority. He could quietly make decisions that others would never question, all without revealing that he was the one truly in charge. The role of an "intern" was nothing more than a mask, a convenient cover that allowed him to operate from the shadows.
Because of this hidden position, Max also had complete access to the surveillance system that stretched across the building. The Fortis group had invested heavily in security, and when Max took over, he inherited not just their headquarters but their web of cameras as well. Every corner of the building could be observed, every face that entered could be watched.
It was through these very cameras that Max had seen Anton. When the call about him had been passed up the chain, Max had made his decision clear. Doing business with a person was one matter, but some grudges couldn’t be washed away with contracts or money. Anton was one of those grudges. Max hadn’t forgotten what had happened before, and for that reason, he refused to see him again. If the Stable family wanted anything, they would have to go through the Curts family instead.
Still, even after refusing him, there was a nagging thought at the back of Max’s mind. Anton wasn’t the type to simply walk away. That was why Darno had been ordered to put him in his place the first time. Max had a feeling that if Anton was willing to risk showing up again, then things might not be over so easily.
It was because of this thought that Max had been watching the cameras closely, and when Anton caused another disturbance, he acted himself.
Later that evening, Max and Sheri left the building together. They had both been labeled as "interns," and it was natural for them to end the day walking side by side. Sheri still seemed shaken, her steps slightly uneven, her eyes drifting nervously toward every passerby as though Anton might appear again from the shadows.
"Max... are you really okay?" she asked softly, her voice uncertain.
Max kept his expression calm. He didn’t tell her the truth, that he lived inside the building itself, in one of the private rooms that had belonged to Fortis before the takeover. If Sheri discovered that, then questions would follow. Why did an intern have a room? Why was he treated differently? It was easier to let her believe something else, easier to say that the Stern family name had earned him a bit of special treatment.
So instead of admitting where he lived, Max walked her to the bus stop at the edge of the business district. Once she was safe, he would leave her there, pretending to head in another direction.
"It’s fine," Max replied steadily. "You heard the order yourself, didn’t you? We had permission to move that guy by force. That’s what I did. I won’t be fired for following orders, and you’ll see me at the company tomorrow just like today."
Sheri’s lips pressed together, her eyes lowering. She raised her hand and held it up in front of her face. Even now, hours later, her fingers trembled faintly.
"Right," she whispered. "But... I still have to thank you for what you did back there. Honestly, you don’t know how scared I was. I don’t know if it’s because of what happened to Abby. One day she was always there, someone I could talk to, someone who felt constant. And then the next..."
Her voice trailed off.
"She was gone," Max finished quietly for her. His gaze hardened for just a moment, his jaw tensing. Then, more firmly, he added, "Anton won’t dare come back a third time after what happened. If he does... well, he might end up with more broken bones. And that’s if he’s lucky."
Sheri blinked, startled by the coldness in his tone. At first she thought he was joking, but when she looked at him closely, she realized he wasn’t smiling. He was deadly serious.
Up ahead, the bus stop came into view. It wasn’t the most glamorous place, just a simple bench beneath a flickering streetlamp. Normally, Sheri would have called a taxi. That had been her plan at first. But now, after everything that had happened, she couldn’t bring herself to sit alone in the back of a car with only a stranger for company. The bus stop, crowded with strangers, somehow felt safer.
"I’m just telling you to be careful, Max," Sheri said as they slowed their steps. "A lot of people know that the Stern family isn’t exactly looking out for you. Anton knows that too. If he holds a grudge, and I know he does, he might try something reckless. Something dangerous."
Max nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. She wasn’t wrong, but in his mind Anton barely registered as a threat. There were bigger dangers, dangers that had nothing to do with spoiled salesmen or broken engagements. The Stern family itself wanted him dead. The White Tiger Gang lurked close, dangerous and patient. Compared to them, Anton was nothing. Just a nuisance.
Still, he didn’t say any of this aloud. He only gave Sheri a faint smile and lifted his hand in a small wave as the bus pulled up.
"Get home safe," he said simply.
Sheri watched him for a moment, her chest tightening. Then she stepped onto the bus and sat down by the window. As the vehicle rumbled forward, she glanced back and saw Max walking away down the street, his hands shoved casually into his pockets.
’That idiot,’ she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the unease that lingered in her chest. ’He doesn’t even live in the same direction, but he still walked me all the way here... He really is a good guy. It’s such a shame that Mom hates him. But maybe... maybe she’s starting to change her mind a little.’
Max’s footsteps echoed against the pavement as he made his way back toward the Billion Bloodline building. The business district was nearly deserted now. Rows of tall corporate buildings stretched into the sky, their glass windows reflecting the glow of streetlights. At this hour, the offices were empty. Nearly everyone had already gone home, leaving the streets silent except for the occasional car that passed by.
It was because of this silence that the sound of engines roared so loudly.
Two motorcycles came tearing down the road, their wheels skidding as they swerved sharply. They screeched to a halt a few feet ahead of him. The riders were dressed head to toe in black, black jackets, black helmets, black gloves. Metal pipes glinted in their hands as they stepped off their bikes and planted themselves firmly in Max’s path.
The air felt heavier suddenly, tense with the promise of violence.
Max’s expression didn’t change. His shoulders remained relaxed, his voice calm, even as he looked at the two figures blocking his way.
"You really don’t want to do this," he said evenly. "I’m guessing you’re here for me?"
The man on the left let out a harsh laugh. "What, you think a kid like you can take the two of us on?" He slapped the pipe against the palm of his hand, testing the weight of it. Then, without warning, he swung it straight toward Max.
The attack never landed.
A sudden crack rang out as another weapon intercepted it, a baton, striking with perfect precision. The pipe shuddered from the force of the block, the attacker stumbling back in surprise.
Max turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as two familiar figures stepped out of the shadows.
"Although I could take the two of you out myself," Max said quietly, "that’s not the reason I’m not moving. It’s because these two will deal with you."
It wasn’t just Aron who had appeared, tall and sharp-eyed with his suit crisp as ever. Na was with him as well, his presence silent but firm.
And now, the two black-clad riders had no idea what they had just walked into.