From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Bullets To Billions

No one questioned it when Dennis called for Max. Almost immediately after saying the words, Dennis had already left the room, walking off with clear purpose.

Max wanted to ask something—anything—but even he could feel it: the atmosphere wasn't right for questions.

"After you, young master," Aron said, extending a hand. "I'll be with you every step of the way."

Surprisingly, those words gave Max a small surge of confidence as he stepped through the doorway, following in the footsteps of Dennis Stern—the man who built the entire Stern Empire.

My heart's beating faster than usual. I can feel it, Max thought. Is it this body I'm in... or is it actually the pressure of being around this man?

No—it can't be because of him. I've met plenty of powerful people. Leaders of their industries, masters of their crafts... He's no different. He shouldn't be different.

As they exited the reception room, Aron paused, turned back, and closed the grand double doors behind them. He wore a wide grin.

With a soft click, the doors shut, sealing the room—and everything inside—away.

"What the hell is going on?!" Karen snapped. "Why would Father want to meet with him of all people? That useless little brat!"

"Calm down," Dave Stern said, dabbing sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. "It's been a long time since they've seen each other. You know how Father is—he does stuff like this."

"Right, right," Karen muttered, pacing. "And it's just a coincidence that he wants to talk to him privately? You know what that means—he doesn't want us knowing a damn thing about what they're discussing!"

She bit at her nail, then froze when her eyes locked onto her sister.

"Marsha, do you know anything about this? Father always tells you everything."

Marsha had her slender fingers resting near her temple, eyes calm as she answered. "I don't know anything about it. But judging by the younger ones over there... maybe they do."

Immediately, all the adults—or rather, the older ones in the room—turned their gazes toward Donto, Chad, Karen, and Cici.

All of them stiffened, looking incredibly uneasy as the attention landed squarely on them.

******

There were a few things Max noticed as he walked through the manor. One of them was the number of guards stationed throughout the halls—and the man who had joined Dennis the moment they exited the reception area.

He looked to be in his sixties—an older gentleman, thin and frail-looking. His hair was neatly parted on both sides, and he wore round glasses paired with a clean, well-fitted suit.

This is Dennis's right-hand man? Max thought. I would've expected someone who looked like they could actually protect him... but I guess since this is just a meeting with family, it's not that serious.

Still, if only they knew... if only they had the slightest idea the leader of the White Tiger Gang is currently walking around in their youngest grandson's body.

Even now, Max could hardly believe it himself.

Eventually, they reached a large set of doors with an eccentric design.

Massive golden handles shaped like lion mouths were fixed to the front, while winding patterns of red dragons curled around the outside edges of both doors.

With a push from both hands, the doors opened wide, revealing what appeared to be Dennis's main office.

The room was large and mostly empty, almost like a long walkway leading straight to a desk at the far end, positioned to face the entrance.

Behind the desk stood a massive bookshelf that stretched from floor to ceiling, packed not only with books but with extravagant ornaments and expensive-looking gifts. To the right, tall windows let natural light pour into the space.

It wasn't a shabby setup, Max had to admit. In fact, it reminded him a little of how he'd arranged his own office—just a few days ago, really—though his had been much smaller.

Dennis made his way over and sat in a huge office chair with a high back—so tall it almost made him look like he was sitting on a throne.

His assistant from earlier still stood quietly by his side.

"Take a seat, Max," Dennis said, his voice calm but commanding.

This guy would make a better mob boss than a business leader, Max thought.

Max found the situation pretty interesting. From the way Dennis was talking, he had to be referring to Max's claim of having amnesia. But Max clearly remembered Aron warning him not to bring that up with the rest of the family.

So... does Dennis not count? Max wondered. Maybe it's because of his position—being the one at the very top.