From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 125

Chapter 125: PIcking A Partner

When Max walked into school the next day, his mind was a storm.

In his hand, he kept flipping Chrono’s black card over and over, the name printed across it in clean, sharp letters. Chrono.

So that’s it, Max thought. I’ve officially joined a street gang... while also building my own. Not exactly the high school experience I imagined. But right now, it’s the best shot I’ve got at surviving.

He shoved the card into his pocket and kept walking.

I can’t tell Aron. He’d lose it. He wouldn’t get why I’m doing this, wouldn’t see the bigger picture. He’d think it’s too dangerous, and he’s not wrong. But I’ve got two edges on the Rejected Corps.

One, they don’t know I’m Max Stern. Not yet. And two, I’m growing the Billion Bloodline right under their noses.

Still, one name tugged at the edge of his thoughts: Chad.

What do I even do about him? Max wondered. The Rejected Corps don’t seem too bothered. Probably because he owes money to the group above them, the Blackhounds. That’s a whole different monster.

The most frustrating part?

His crew wasn’t ready.

They weren’t even close.

For now, Max had to wait. Play the long game. Do what Chrono said. That’s why, in the middle of class, he was casually entering Chrono’s number into his phone.

Across the room, the teacher glared at him.

Look at that damn kid, the teacher fumed silently. Ever since he found out about our little secret, he’s been walking around like he owns the place. Now he’s just... on his phone. In the middle of my class.

"Donto!" the teacher suddenly snapped. "How many times have I told you, stop breathing so loudly!"

The entire class turned.

Donto blinked in confusion, pointing to himself like, Me?

He glanced around, trying to figure out what he did wrong, especially since Max was clearly on his phone, not even pretending to hide it. He’d seen Max sleep through class, text during tests, and not once had the teacher said a word.

Donto’s eyes drifted to the back corner, where Max sat calm, cool, untouchable.

It wasn’t fair, but nobody said school was.

"Alright," the teacher said, already irritated. "Who can tell me, out of the following tools, which one would be best for conduction in this scenario?"

Silence.

Not a single hand went up.

The teacher’s eye twitched.

"That’s it, Donto!" he snapped. "Stop being a distraction to the class and get out!"

"What?!" Donto shot up, confused and defensive. "I haven’t even done anything!"

"Exactly," the teacher barked. "You’ve been useless. Didn’t answer the question. Now get out!"

Donto knew there was no point arguing. With a loud sigh and an annoyed shuffle, he grabbed his bag and walked out.

Back inside the classroom, Joe was sitting near the back. He was back in school now, bandaged up but patched enough to be on his feet. He’d already said hi to Max that morning, and weirdly, he’d apologized.

Apologized for not stopping the guys who’d jumped them.

Max didn’t know how to respond to that.

If I’m going to be working with a crew like the Rejected Corps, dangerous, deep connections, real consequences, then I need backup. I need someone I can trust to contact Aron if things go south. Just in case.

Chrono did say I could bring someone I recommend, right?

But that strength also came with problems. Jay was confident, maybe too confident. The kind of guy who would act on impulse if he thought something was wrong. He also had a strict moral compass, the kind that didn’t bend easily.

Jay’s out, Max decided. It’s not worth the risk.

And Joe? He looked over at the bandaged student.

No... not him either. He’s already been hurt by Dud. Throwing him into a gang like the Rejected Corps would be too much, too soon. Sure, he’s getting stronger, and it might be good experience, but not now. Not like this.

Steven’s strong. Reliable. Grateful. He actually listens. Since I put him in charge of the gym network, he’s been working hard to get things running. But... could he even pass as a high school student?

Unlikely. _{freewebnσvel.cѳm}