From Bullets To Billions

Chapter 6 - The Family Dog

In Maxʼs previous life, it wasnʼt as if he hadnʼt experienced luxury. Starting from the bottom, he had managed to build one of the largest gangs in the city. With that success came certain privileges and riches, placing him among the wealthiest men he knew. Yet, now standing in front of the Stern family mansion, he felt utterly insignificant in comparison.

His jaw nearly dropped as he gazed at the sprawling estate, which stretched endlessly to his left and right. The grandeur before him was unlike anything heʼd ever witnessed. This was genuine, mind-boggling wealth, on a level he hadnʼt imagined was even possible.

”Remember what I told you,” Aron said firmly, watching Max closely.

”Right,” Max replied distractedly, moving to open the enormous mansion door.

Instantly, Aron reached out and tightly grabbed Maxʼs wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

ʼWhat the heck? That was quick, and his grip is unbelievably strong!ʼ Max thought, masking the pain and surprise behind a strained smile.

”What are you doing?” Max slowly asked through gritted teeth.

”I should be asking you that,” Aron whispered harshly. ”Did I not instruct you to be on your absolute best behavior?”

Confusion clouded Maxʼs mind as he wondered what heʼd done wrong. Aron looked angry, almost as if he might strike Max.

”Youʼre a member of the Stern Family,” Aron explained quietly but fiercely. ”Do you think a Stern family member would open doors themselves? If anyone sees you behaving so casually, theyʼll exploit it to their advantage.” Aron paused, his voice lowering to a regretful mumble, ”Just like they did before...”

Max caught the quiet remark clearly and understood there was deep history behind it.

ʼDamn, these rich people are insane. They canʼt even open their own doors? This is an entirely different world,ʼ Max thought bitterly, stepping aside to allow Aron to lead.

With composure, Aron smoothly pushed open the grand doors, revealing an enormous hallway. Majestic staircases spiraled elegantly upward on both sides, leading to the second floor. Expensive paintings lined the walls, each worth more than several houses. Max couldnʼt help but marvel at the absurdity of the lavish decorations.

ʼI wonder how much blood wouldʼve spilled back home just to possess one of these paintings. Here, theyʼre casually displayed everywhere,ʼ Max reflected grimly.

As they entered, Max quickly noticed numerous suited guards positioned strategically throughout the estate. Security was clearly a top priority, making the mansion appear nearly impregnable—even to his former White Tiger gang. He doubted any group could breach these grounds easily.

Through large windows, Max observed numerous luxury vehicles arriving via another entrance. Behind the mansion, decorations and tables were set up in the vast gardens, clearly prepared for some grand celebration. Yet Aron guided him toward the mansionʼs front, away from the arriving guests.

Eventually, Aron opened another set of ornate doors, revealing an extravagant reception room beneath an enormous chandelier. The opulence of the space was staggering, with plush couches, exquisite furniture, and tasteful decor fit for royalty. Maxʼs attention quickly shifted from the room to its occupants. All the Stern family heirs mentioned earlier were gathered here, seemingly awaiting his arrival.

”Looks like you managed to arrive on time. Impressive,” remarked a woman seated prominently across the room. Pearls adorned her neck, her blonde hair styled meticulously, though clearly enhanced by cosmetic procedures. Her patronizing tone immediately identified her as Aunt Karen.

Ignoring the insult, Max silently moved towards his cousins seated nearby, intending to blend with the younger crowd. However, a sharp voice halted his steps abruptly.

”Max, where do you think youʼre going?” The voice belonged to a stern woman, Masha Stern, the familyʼs oldest aunt. Her short grey hair framed a severe expression behind round glasses, and she wore numerous heavy rings.

”Do you have no manners? You must greet each elder properly. Just because your parents are gone doesnʼt mean youʼre free to act uncivilized,” she sneered cruelly.

Instantly, Maxʼs heart raced, and anger surged within him. He clutched his chest momentarily, stunned by his physical reaction.

ʼWhatʼs happening? Is this body reacting instinctively to her insults about his parents?ʼ Max wondered furiously.

Though they werenʼt his own parents, the cruelty resonated deeply. Swallowing his pride, Max turned slowly, approaching Masha and bowing his head respectfully.

”Itʼs an honor to be here,” Max said stiffly, internally cringing. ʼIf my old gang saw me bowing to these rich snobs, theyʼd never stop laughing.ʼ

Max proceeded methodically, bowing to each elder—Dave, Randy, and finally Karen, who smirked cruelly.

”Perhaps one day, when youʼve developed half a brain, youʼll understand half of what we discuss. You hardly deserve our family name,” Karen mocked openly.

Max kept silent, biting his tongue as he walked away toward his cousins.

ʼJust how much did this poor kid suffer from his familyʼs insults? His life must have been awful,ʼ Max thought sympathetically.

Reaching the younger group, Max noticed they glanced briefly before resuming their own conversations, blatantly ignoring him. He slumped onto a nearby sofa, relieved to escape direct ridicule. Aron stood silently behind him, observing everything carefully.

As Max listened in, their conversations quickly grated on his nerves. They spoke only of their personal achievements and lavish expenditures, competing for attention.

Eventually, Chad, a pompous-looking cousin with short dyed grey hair and sunglasses indoors, shook his empty wine glass exaggeratedly.

”Hey, Maxxy!” Chad called condescendingly. ”Fetch us some wine from the kitchen. Youʼre good at tasks like that, right?”

Maxʼs eyes narrowed dangerously. ʼMaxxy? Who does this brat think heʼs talking to?ʼ

He was about to respond harshly when Aron quickly placed firm hands on his shoulders.

”Iʼll fetch it,” Aron stated calmly, attempting to defuse the situation. As he stepped forward, another cousin spoke sharply.

”Did you not hear Chad, Aron?” Donto, muscular and intimidating, stared fiercely at Max.

Donto was muscular and over six foot tall. He was intimidating to say the least. It was no wonder he was considered the athletic member of the family. ”Chad asked Max to get us the wine, not you. Are you going to disobey an order from the Stern family? If a dog is no longer loyal, then they deserve to become nothing but a stray.”

Immediately hearing these words Max shot up from his seat, both of his hands balled up into fists.