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THE BROTHERHOOD PRESENTATION WAS over. Everyone did a great job, but after Viktor's announcement, everyone only talked about it and forgot about the other brotherhoods entirely.

     "Imagine getting picked as an underling for the Royals. Just IMAGINE the power those guys will hold," Felix tells Ari and Max.

     "This only made the freshmen students work even harder. Viktor didn't give an actual criterion, but it's obvious that the ones who make a name for themselves will have a bigger chance of getting chosen," Ari explains.

     Max then looks at Cindy and asks her, "How about you Cindy? How did you choose your underlings?"

     Cindy takes a sip of her wine before giving Max an answer. "We were more organized than the brotherhoods. When I started studying in J.S High's sister school, I didn't make a sisterhood of my own. Vixens was already created then, and they were the Duchess at that time. I became their underling during my freshmen year. The following year I became a member, and lucky for us, we won and became queens. In my third year, the leader graduated and the title was passed down to me, and that's when I decided to take ten of our greatest underlings and made them form a sisterhood of their own, which later on became the princesses. It's that simple."

     "Then why did you decide to form another sisterhood? Unlike Busters, Vixens aren't all seniors. There will still be members left even if you graduate. You could have just trained them to be members of Vixens instead of making an entirely new group for them," Ari's guest asks, surprising Max that he's also knowledgeable about the system.

     "He's an alumnus," Ari immediately answers when he noticed Max's reaction.

     "For my case, it's a very personal reason. The only thing I can say is that trust is a fragile thing, and Vixens isn't the sisterhood that I used to know anymore," Cindy answers, and the sad expression she made was enough for Max and the others to not say anything further.

     "Well, at least we know Viktor is doing it because they're all graduating. He might not want anyone else to take the name Busters. He probably wants to leave some kind of legacy behind," Ari says.

     Max looks at his friends before looking back at the students who were all happily talking with their guests, "But you know what I'm worried about the most?" he asks without looking back at them.

     Cindy and the others don't say anything and waited for Max to proceed. When Max looked back at them, he takes a deep breath and says, "Those guys are going to be trained and will act as a brotherhood, but they're basically still underlings."

      "So?" Felix asks in confusion.

     Max looks at them with a serious expression and explains further, "They're white uniforms, and what do white uniforms do to those who are ranked lower than them?"

     Their table becomes silent, but after a second, everything sinks in, and their eyes grew large from realization.

     "The White Uniform Protection Code won't work on them. They have the power to do anything they want to the students."

     "Ladies and gentlemen, let us once again welcome the outstanding brotherhoods of J.S High!" A voice suddenly announces, interrupting the important discovery that Max and the others were discussing.

     One by one the brotherhoods arrive, now wearing formal clothes as they wave to the crowd like they're celebrities. Even Jokers was with them now even though they didn't present anything. 

     Afterward, they head to their designated seats, and then a microphone stand was placed in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone falls silent as a man wearing a red suit approaches the microphone.

     "That's the club leader of Alpha Society. You should get ready too Max," Felix says, and Cindy instantly looks at him and says, "Please tell me you're in Beta."

      "You know me so well," Max answers instead, making Cindy look at Max like he was helpless.

     Alpha Society's leader started his speech strong, which is why he received applause from not only the students but the brotherhoods as well. Then it was followed by the leader of Beta Society who looked like the perfect model student. He gave an informative speech, which also received applause from the crowd.

     Max was up next. He stood up from his seat as everyone watched him approach the microphone. The students were whispering to each other, mostly because of the bloody presentation that Omega Society did earlier.

     When Max finally arrived at the middle, the first thing that he saw was none other than the brotherhoods whose tables were right at the front, giving them the best view. But Max doesn't falter. He's been giving speeches in front of presidents since he was twelve. This shouldn't be a problem.

     "Good evening," Max finally starts. "My name is Maximilian Leigh Sinclaire, a representative from the Omega Society. Our society has been looked down upon for the past years, but this year we hope to change your perspective. Like the other societies, we are nothing without the brotherhoods who we serve. Our purpose is clear, which is why I ask the brotherhoods to trust us when the time is right."

     Max pauses and looks back at their table, Felix smiling brightly and showing him two thumbs up like a supportive mom. He then looks back at the brotherhoods, his eyes automatically falling in Viktor's direction. Viktor crosses his arms and stares back at Max with his cold yet deadly gaze. It seemed like he was waiting for Max to say something that would be enough reason for him to step in and embarrass him.

      "I hope you see the Omega Society as a society you can depend on. That is all," Max finishes, cutting his speech short so Viktor wouldn't be able to say anything about it. "Thank you and enjoy the rest of the night."

     The crowd applauds him, including the brotherhoods who seemed to lowkey appreciate the words that he shared.

     Soon after that, both the brotherhoods and white uniforms continue to enjoy the night like they were normal students. Everyone was eating, dancing, and laughing with each other. Max even invited Cindy to dance with him.

     Two hours later, the famous J.S High welcome ball came to an end, and everyone started to go home. Felix and Ari take their leave first, while Max drives Cindy back to her helicopter.

     "Thank you for accompanying me tonight, Cindy. Things would have been very different if I brought someone else," Max tells Cindy as they both step out of the car.

     Cindy chuckles and pats Max's back. "I'm flattered Leigh, but I think you'd be fine even without a guest."

     Max smiles and walks Cindy to the entrance of her helicopter.

     "Well, this is goodbye. It's very difficult to meet up with you Leigh, so I'm glad we were able to share our time together like this. Maybe next time, invite me to something that doesn't involve the press. I'd love to talk more with you soon," Cindy tells him, and Max nods his head as she heads inside the helicopter.

     Max was ready to turn and leave, but Cindy calls out for him again and says, "By the way, I told you I'd help you choose right?"

     Max doesn't say anything but looks back at her with furrowed brows.

     "Jokers," she tells him with a serious tone. "Start with the Jokers. This might sound crazy, but I think they need you more than you need them."

     "What do you mean by that?" Max asks, but Cindy doesn't say anything any further as a man closes the door for her. The rotor blades start turning, and Max jogs back to his car, Étienne holding the door open for him.

     Max doesn't say anything and heads inside. He then looks out the window and watches the helicopter fly off. As Étienne takes a seat on the driver's seat, Max loosens his necktie says underneath his breath, "Jokers you say?"

     He remembers his speech earlier. He was too occupied with how Viktor was staring at him that he didn't notice the other man sitting just on the other table. His stare was intense like he wanted to settle something with Max. But more than that, he looked annoyed, as if Max was a stain in a perfectly white shirt. That man was no doubt the Jokers' leader.

     And if Cindy wants Max to start with them, then there has to be a reason for it. Max just has to believe in Cindy's advice. After all, the Hellcat has never been wrong before.

...

"Master Leigh, breakfast is ready. Sir Marcus is also waiting for you at the patio," Étienne announces from outside Max's bedroom door.

     Max takes a deep breath and stands from the floor after performing at least forty-three pushups. Even though he wanted to continue and reach a hundred, his arms felt like they were going to break. He'll just have to try again tomorrow.

     "Looks like I still need more training," Max mumbles to himself while he wipes his sweat with a clean towel.

      Étienne knocks on the door again, bothered by the fact his master isn't answering him. But just when Max was about to answer, Étienne finally opens the door without any warning. Max sighs and looks at his butler with an annoyed expression. "Do I even need a door since you're allowed to barge in anyway?" He sarcastically asks, but Étienne doesn't even look fazed as he answers back, "Then I suggest you lock them next time."

     "Well, I didn't know that someone would—" Max pauses and takes a deep breath, completely giving up and dropping his butler's brave comment.

     Max throws the towel that he used inside a basket. Étienne wasn't even told what to do as he takes a black silky robe and helps Max wear it. Right after that, Max walks out of his bedroom and heads to the patio where Marcus could be found. The patio has a perfect view of the garden. Maids were standing on the sides, and as soon as they spot Max, they bow their heads and greet him.

     "Good morning Max. Isn't it a pleasant Saturday?" Marcus asks, his eyes glued on the newspaper that he's holding.

     Maids rush to Max's side. One pours white tea in his cup, while the other hands him the same newspaper that his brother is reading.

     Max thanks the maids, but he refuses the newspaper and gently blows on the tea before drinking some.

     "The ball went well, didn't it? I personally enjoy the Welcome Ball the most since it's the only event where everyone can act civil for once," Marcus suddenly tells him.

     Max takes another sip and slowly puts the cup down, making a clinking sound as the bottom hits the saucer. "It was interesting but somewhat educational. I'm glad I was able to attend it, especially since I was with Cindy."

     The mention of Cindy makes Marcus chuckle. Without saying anything, he throws the newspaper in front of Max. Max looks down and notices that the people on the front page were none other than him and Cindy, with the headline entitled, "The most powerful heirs finally reunite."

     "It's been a while since I've seen a recent picture of you in the news. They've been using that old picture of you from three years ago. Your attendance really doubled the press this year." Marcus says as he takes his bread knife to get a scoop of butter for his toast.

     Max takes the newspaper to get a better look at the picture. "Who even reads this crap?"

     "Well, I don't know, everyone who can read? And besides, you were in the news earlier too, so it's something that the public is interested in. Sometimes I wonder how the great Maximilian even sleeps at night knowing millions of people are openly judging you just because you're a son of business tycoons." Marcus says with a sarcastic tone, making Max throw the newspaper back at him.

    Thankfully Marcus catches it, and they continue their conversation like usual.

     "So, do you have any plans today?" Marcus asks.

     Max takes a bite of his chouquette first before giving an answer. "I still have to read a few contracts. Maybe I'll visit the company after that so I could talk to the vice president regarding some of them."

     "Are you serious right now?" Marcus asks with disbelief. "You should take a break after everything that happened in J.S High. You got new friends right? Why not hang out with them?"

     "I've only been with Ari and Felix for a week. I don't know if that's enough for me to invite them out. I don't want things to be awkward between us," Max answers.

     "Then how about those heirs from Crème de la crème? You're friends with them right?" Marcus asks next, almost making Max laugh.

     "The closest person who I can even call a friend in Crème de la crème is Cindy Lin. And besides, I don't even know who the rest of the twelve members are. I only know about four, and two of them haven't even been confirmed yet."

     "Well, our leader Hans is rank 7, so now you know five," Marcus casually tells him, but Max wasn't even surprised. Considering the fact that Hans's eldest brothers were a part of it before too.

     Crème de la crème is a mysterious yet prestigious group that's known around the world. It's not really written in any rules that you're not allowed to disclose your ranks to the public, but most of the heirs would rather keep it a secret for their own safety, while some would bravely flaunt it.

     The top twelve heirs in this group hold the future of the business world, so even at a young age, they're trained to please the public and the people within the business industry. But most of the time, these twelve don't even know each other, which is strange for a lot of people.

     "Since our family hasn't officially announced it yet, people are debating on whether or not you're rank 1 or if it's Cindy. It's hard to tell since the ranks aren't always arranged by who's from the richest family. But there's this theory going on that you're not even part of rank ten and they're just using you as some kind of coverup. Try looking at the internet. There are interesting things that you'll find there," Marcus suggests, and Max immediately shakes his head to decline it.

     "I don't even look at the newspapers and watch the news anymore. Do you really expect me to search for myself on the internet?"

     "Oh come on, admit it, Max. Even once in your life you got curious and searched your name up. Everyone does it so it's nothing to be ashamed of. I do it too, and I'm not even as famous as you are." Marcus reveals, and Max just takes a sip of his tea, not admitting to the fact that he does search for himself from time to time.

     "But I'm not even sure if I'm still rank one myself," Max suddenly says as he places the cup down.

     Marcus looks at him and takes a deep breath. "It's about Viktor isn't it?" He asks his brother, and Max doesn't answer it as he slumps himself in his chair.

     "I'm pretty sure that's not the case, especially when a lot of people think he's dead. And besides, you haven't received a letter that officially states your rank changed. There's nothing for you to worry about," Marcus explains, but Max continues to stay silent as he remembers the time that he did receive a letter once.

     It was seven years ago, and the household was quiet. Max, who was only ten years old, was with an economics professor when his mother arrived with a letter. The envelope had a logo of a fleur de lis, the same symbol that could be found on his left shoulder. Max read the letter, stating that his rank changed and he officially became rank one. His mother was thrilled that she even planned a party that same day. It was only after a few weeks when Max found out that the reason why his rank changed was because Victor and the rest of this clan died due to an explosion.

     The thought of his family celebrating because of that reason made Max's stomach churn for days. There was even a time when he wanted to skin himself and remove the symbol on his arm. For some reason, Viktor's death affected him greatly, and he couldn't even remember why.

     "Well, I'm heading back to my room. Even though I want to hang out with friends like a normal teenager, I unfortunately still have to read contracts," Max says, standing from his seat to take his leave.

     "I still suggest you rest while you still can Max. What you experienced this week won't compare to what will happen to you next week. Trust me," Marcus warns, but Max ignores it and walks away.

     With his butler Étienne walking behind him, Max says with confidence, "Don't worry big brother, I'm still keeping that promise I gave you the other day. So rest assured, I'll be fine."

     It was a statement that Max wanted to hold with pride. But it only became a selfish declaration that he later on regretted.

- END -