CHAPTER 272: THE WEIGHT BEHIND THE SMILE

Wolf had discovered the truth for himself, Max was none other than Max Stern, a member of the infamous Stern family.

For the longest time, Wolf had been curious about Max. So curious, in fact, that he’d even gone as far as to tap into his connections within the White Tiger Gang, hoping to dig up something, anything, about the guy. But no matter how deep he reached, no matter who he asked, he had no luck whatsoever.

It didn’t make sense. How could someone be so protected, so wealthy, that even the White Tiger, an organization that prided itself on having eyes everywhere, refused to pass along information? It was maddening. But now, with everything laid bare, it all finally made sense to him.

The strangest part? Wolf had only found out by accident.

It all began when he and the rest of the Pit had taken Chad to their base of operations. It was a direct order from Aron, don’t let the guy out of their sight. At the time, Wolf had no clue who Chad really was, other than the fact he was VIP staff at the Black Hounds event.

Still, Wolf knew what the Black Hounds were about. He’d heard the whispers, the rumors about those secret underground fights. So he figured Chad was probably just another rich snob with a taste for bloodsport. But even then, he couldn’t piece together what the actual connection was.

And then it happened, without even needing to lift a finger, it was Chad Smith himself who spilled the truth. Hoping to wriggle his way out of the situation, Chad had revealed his identity, unaware of just how explosive his words would be.

The moment Wolf heard the name, a thousand questions rushed through his head, but only one made it out.

"Wait," Wolf said, narrowing his eyes, "do you know Max personally then?"

So many things were racing through Chad’s mind all at once, but unfortunately, he was never the best when it came to reading a situation, let alone navigating one like this.

When he had seen Max earlier, wearing the same uniform as him, one that belonged to the Bloodline group, he’d jumped to the most obvious conclusion in his head. If they wore the same uniform, then surely... they had to be from the same organization, right?

So now, with Max nowhere in sight and the pressure mounting, Chad believed he only had one real card left to play.

"Of course, me and Max are cousins!" Chad blurted out in a rush. "We’re from the same family, I swear! Just tell me what you need, I can help! I promise, I can talk to someone and sort this all out!"

The words left his mouth before he even had time to think them through. But in his panicked mind, it made perfect sense. He’d seen the way the Bloodline group had dealt with the Black Hounds before. The way they held themselves, the strength they displayed, it wasn’t just for show.

Maybe Max had brought the Bloodline along as protection. That thought alone made Chad wonder how powerful this group actually was. He didn’t know the full scale of the organization, but based on what he had seen, they were strong enough to take on at least one Black Hounds faction without breaking a sweat.

And right now, Chad needed that kind of protection more than anything else. With his pockets empty, a debt still looming over him, and his safety at stake, he didn’t have many options left.

For Wolf, everything clicked in that moment.

Chad didn’t seem like he was lying. In fact, his desperation only made the truth easier to believe. And with the way things lined up, Max’s mysterious background, his untouchable status, the Bloodline uniform, it was all coming together now.

Wolf finally knew who Max truly was.

"I already told you, it’s difficult to meet the leader right now," Wolf said, turning back toward Chad with a pointed look. "So just keep your mouth shut while you’re here. We’ll feed you at least, but if you start getting noisy, we’ll have to gag you. And right now, the only thing we’ve got to shove in your mouth are the smelly socks from the guys standing around you."

The threat wasn’t empty, and Chad could tell. The look on Wolf’s face wasn’t a bluff, it was boredom mixed with authority. He meant every word.

With that warning delivered, Wolf turned and walked away, trusting his crew to keep a close watch on their guest. As he moved through the base, his mind began to whirl.

Max... being part of the Stern family really does make a lot of sense, Wolf thought to himself. But then... why would someone like that need to create his own group? Why not just hire a few professional guards to look after him at school?

With that kind of money, he could’ve paid his way out of any situation. Even the trouble he got into with the Rejected Corps, he could’ve just thrown around the family name, and they probably would’ve backed off. At least... I think they would have.

It didn’t sit right with him. The whole thing felt off.

It’s almost like... Max wants to build his own gang, Wolf thought, frowning. But why? Why go through all that effort when you already have so much power and wealth at your fingertips?

Back in the makeshift holding room, Chad was dealing with thoughts of his own. He was seated awkwardly, surrounded by strangers, with no clear idea of what was going to happen next.

What am I supposed to say when I meet the leader of this Bloodline group? he wondered. How do I explain everything?

He had messed up, badly. And now, he needed to find a way to get back on Max’s good side, assuming that was even possible. But the biggest problem of all?

He still had no access to any money.

And without that, Chad knew he had absolutely nothing to offer.

Max wouldn’t deal with me directly... he can’t, Chad thought, his fingers twitching nervously against his knees. If he tried to get rid of me, the family would hear about it. And if Grandfather found out, Max would end up on his bad side...

That alone was enough to buy Chad a sliver of hope.

I just need to talk to Max, clear the air, sort all of this out before I meet the leader of the Bloodline group. That’s my only shot.

Not long after Chad had settled into his anxious spiral of thoughts, Wolf received a call that pulled him away. He didn’t say much about it, only that he needed to go. Still, he trusted his people enough to watch over Chad in the meantime.

And why wouldn’t he? Chad wasn’t a threat. He had nowhere to run, no real fighting ability to speak of. Whatever Wolf was being called to handle, it was more important than babysitting someone who had already tied his own hands behind his back, metaphorically speaking.

Meanwhile, back in the metal container, Abby’s voice broke the silence.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked, her eyes narrowing just a little.

Wolf paused for a beat before answering. "I don’t think it’s really my place to say," he replied. "If Max hasn’t told you, then there’s a reason."

Abby opened her mouth to argue, but the look on Wolf’s face made her stop. It wasn’t cold or dismissive, it was firm, serious.

"But," he added, softening slightly, "considering everything you’ve been dragged into, I do think you deserve to know the truth. So the next time you see him..."

He looked her straight in the eye.

"Ask him."