From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35 - The Power Rangers Fall

At the Stern Manor, Dennis was seated at his desk, going through a stack of files. He personally read each one, sometimes signing them at the bottom with a wet signature. Others, he tore apart and tossed aside without hesitation.

Most chairmen of large corporations wouldn't bother handling things so directly, but Dennis was different. He wanted to know every single moving part.

"It appears I've just received some news, sir," Fred said, standing by his side and slipping his phone back into his pocket.

"News important enough to interrupt me in the middle of all this?" Dennis asked, rubbing his tired eyes. "I need a break anyway, but I hope it's something pleasant."

"Pleasant? I'm not so sure about that," Fred replied. "But it's certainly interesting. It's about Max Stern. It seems... he's decided to use the money."

Dennis froze.

Now that was interesting.

Out of all the heirs, Max had always stood out, for the simple reason that he was the only one who hadn't touched the money... until now.

However, when Dennis had previously tried to look into Max's behavior, why he hadn't used the money, he came up empty. There was no grand scheme, no elaborate plan. If anything, Dennis had been disappointed.

Still, because of the unique situation within the Stern family, Dennis had instructed Fred to monitor any movements closely. And now that there was movement, he was expecting something big.

"I've sent the corresponding information to your tablet. Make of it what you will," Fred said.

Sitting at the corner of Dennis's desk was a sleek tablet. He didn't always use it, but for things like email or keeping updated on key reports, it came in handy. Situations like this were exactly why he kept it nearby.

Opening the file Fred had sent, Dennis scrolled through the digital contract. His expression barely changed, except for a single, curious raise of the eyebrow.

"You're right," Dennis finally said. "This is interesting... and it makes absolutely no sense. Buying into a restaurant, and not even the whole thing, just a small percentage? I've tried to piece together how he could possibly use this to his advantage, what kind of angle he's playing, but nothing adds up."

Dennis rubbed his temples, then scratched the back of his head as he thought it through a little more.

"Keep tracking his financial movements," he finally said. "If he's started spending now, it likely means he's planning to spend a lot more soon."

His voice dropped slightly as he leaned back in his chair.

"But if this is part of some grand ambition... I don't see it going anywhere. He won't become a true heir like this, he'll get eaten alive by the people around him. Frankly, it's disappointing."

****

The rain had cleared up, leaving behind the damp smell of the streets as the trio wandered aimlessly, debating how to spend the rest of their weekend. They tossed around ideas. maybe the arcade, a visit to the pool hall, or something totally different.

As they walked, Joe's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and nearly dropped it.

Ko glanced over. "What's up? Your mom text you to come home and scrub the floors or something?"

Joe quickly flipped the phone back around, forcing a weak smile. "Ah, no, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Trying to play it off, he pocketed the phone and added, "Actually, how about we all head home, get changed out of these suits, and meet back up at the arcade? Feels kinda stuffy walking around like this. And honestly... a little depressing." _{frёewebnoѵēl.com}

Ko eyed Joe for a second, rubbing his chin like he was deep in thought.

"Yeah," he finally said, nodding. "That actually sounds like a good idea."

[Get The Power Rangers to split up.]

At first, Joe had been confused. He thought it was about the actual TV show. How am I supposed to break up the Power Rangers? he'd wondered. Aren't they, like, all about unity?

But then he saw the sender: Max.

He's talking about us. Him, Ko, and Mo—the little crew of bullies. The "Power Rangers."

[If you do, I'll add an extra $100 this month.]

He wanted us to split up... Joe thought, staring at his phone, a strange chill running down his spine. Why do I have this bad feeling? Did I just do something incredibly stupid?

But then he shook it off. Still, it was a hundred bucks just for saying a few words. It's not my fault, right? I just said we should go home and get changed.