From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 339

Chapter 339: The Name That Carries Weight

Anton stared at his own hand in disbelief. For a long moment he couldn’t quite process what had just happened. He had actually thrown a punch, at a graduation party, of all places. That alone was unthinkable for someone like him.

Anton prided himself on keeping up a gentlemanly appearance. He trained his voice to remain calm, his manner smooth, his clothes pristine. He was used to charming clients, wealthy buyers, even the occasional politician. But here, standing across from Max, he had snapped.

The humiliation he’d carried all evening, piling on top of the embarrassment from Sheri’s necklace, had finally boiled over.

And now, what unsettled him most wasn’t that he had thrown a punch, but that Max had stopped it so effortlessly.

This grip... it’s like steel. I can’t move, I can’t even twist my wrist free. Anton’s jaw clenched as he tried to pull back, but Max’s fingers didn’t so much as flinch. His hand was locked in place, as though he were a child caught in a vice. How... how the hell is Max of all people this strong?

It made no sense. Anton kept his body in top form. He trained almost obsessively, guided by his personal coach. His diet was carefully measured, his supplements timed, his sleep routine optimized. He ran laps, lifted weights, sparred in the boxing ring, and had been told more than once that he had real talent for the sport.

And yet, here he was, unable to so much as yank his fist away from Max Stern, the "dweeb" of the Stern family, the boy Anton had always dismissed.

Before Anton could think of another move, a familiar, cheerful voice cut through the tension.

"Oh, Max, you’re here! Why didn’t you come greet us?"

The moment Sheri’s voice reached him, Max released Anton’s hand and stepped back as if nothing had happened. Anton stumbled, flexing his wrist as though to prove to himself he could still move it. But his chance to retaliate was gone, because standing there now were the two star guests of the night: Sanna Curts and her daughter, Sheri.

Max straightened. He placed one hand across his chest and gave a small, formal bow. "It’s a pleasure to meet you both again," he said evenly. "And congratulations, Sheri, on graduating."

Sheri’s lips curved into a small, genuine giggle. "You don’t have to be so formal. And besides, we both graduated, didn’t we? Honestly, it’s a little embarrassing to have such a big event thrown just for me. I would’ve preferred something much more private, with people I actually know."

"Yeah," Max replied with a faint smile. "It would’ve been nice if we’d all gone out together, like one big group. But in a way... I think it would’ve just felt sad."

The words carried weight. Sheri understood what he meant. Their old lunch group, the friends who used to share a table, those bonds were fractured now. Abby was gone. Jay was gone. And the scars left behind still lingered in each of them. Sheri’s eyes softened. She hadn’t spoken to Max much since Abby’s death, but this was exactly why she’d wanted him here tonight.

Off to the side, Christopher leaned toward Anton and whispered, "Is it just me, or do they seem a lot friendlier than two people who had their engagement broken off?"

He smirked as he said it, not realizing, or perhaps realizing perfectly, that he was stoking the flames of Anton’s frustration.

Her eyes flicked back to Max, narrowing ever so slightly. "Which leaves me to ask, Max... where is your gift?"

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