Chapter 6

The following morning, Brian arrived at the office once again, much earlier than previously. He was resolved to handle the matter and guarantee a seamless transition in the aftermath of the dissolved partnership.

Brian called up Ms. Anderson, who was already at her desk, busy checking several paperworks.

"Ms. Anderson," Brian continued, "I need you to release an official statement regarding the change of ownership of the company."

Ms. Anderson glanced up, her gaze serious and attentive. "Of course, Mr. Stone. Is there a particular message or phrasing you'd want to include?"

Brian nodded attentively. "Yes, I want the message to be brief and clear. It should indicate the change of ownership, with my name as Mr. Stone, and nothing more. My identity must stay private for now."

Ms. Anderson immediately nodded her head as she answered, "Understood, Mr. Stone. I'll write the statement properly and ensure it's circulated through the necessary channels."

Brian admired her efficiency and devotion. "Thank you, Ms. Anderson. Please make it as quick as possible, and let me know once it's been published."

As Ms. Anderson began to work writing the statement, Brian couldn't help but feel a feeling of relaxation. The decision to keep his name secret from the public was a deliberate one, aimed to preserve stability inside the corporation and limit any possible problem. With the statement in progress, he intended to negotiate the difficult aspects of his new job while ensuring that the company continued to prosper.

Brian shifted his focus to another topic. He leaned over and said to Ms. Anderson, "I'd want you to create another press statement for the company as well. We're going to ask contractors to submit proposals for the development of a large-scale estate project in the city."

Ms. Anderson nodded, taking note of his instructions. "Certainly, Mr. Stone. Do you have any special specifications or needs you'd want to put in the announcement?"

Brian sat back in his chair, pondering the idea he had in mind. "I want this to be a meaningful project, one that will leave an impact. The estate should provide contemporary conveniences and a very comfortable living experience. I'll leave the technical specifications to the specialists, but it should be stunning."

Ms. Anderson scribbled down everything he said. "Understood, Mr. Stone. We'll look for the project that stands out and is properly planned."

As Brian watched Ms. Anderson work, he couldn't help but ponder on his goals. Real estate had been a passion of his for some time, and he realized the potential for success in the area.

But beyond making more money, he wanted to include his wife, Julie, in this venture. He thought it may be a chance for her to develop something and establish a legacy for herself.

He thought to himself, he would make sure to persuade Julie to convince her grandma to enable her create the proposal for the project.

Brian was well aware that the Davis family had a great interest in real estate, and this may be a means to improve the family's position in the business world while also making Julie her grandmother's favorite.

As Ms. Anderson continued to work on the announcement, Brian's head hummed with thoughts and possibilities. He was determined to make this huge project a reality and guarantee that it represented the beginning of a new chapter in both his business and personal life.

After confirming the arrangements with Ms. Anderson, Brian left the office and went back home. He made sure to continue with his normal life as the black sheep of the family, particularly in the presence of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Joy. They all shared the same home, and Brian didn't want to create any suspicion.

Upon reaching home, Brian immediately started to work. He had to do all the domestic work at home so as to avoid being insulted by his mother in-law.

He started by organizing the living room and cleaning up, but he knew he couldn't stop there. He went on to wash the clothes, humming a melody to himself as he worked.

As Brian was in the midst of cleaning some dishes, Mrs. Joy entered the kitchen and looked around. Her glance landed upon him, and she examined him with a contemptuous glare. She couldn't resist the urge to insult him.

"Brian, what are you doing here?" she sneered. "Shouldn't you be out there, struggling to make a living?"

Brian held his calm, a slight smirk flickering at the corners of his lips. He understood that his actual identity was still a mystery to Mrs. Joy, and he wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible. "Just helping out with some chores, mother," he said respectfully.

"Don't you dare call me mother!" She shouted.

Mrs. Joy, evidently disappointed by his remark, went a step further. "Well, since you're so anxious to be of help, why don't you cook a meal for me? I am very hungry."

Brian nodded, not allowing the slur to disturb him. "Of course, Mrs. Joy. I'll get right on it."

As he started to cook a meal for her, Brian couldn't help but grin inside. He had successfully disguised his actual identity, and Mrs.

Joy remained blind to the fact that he was now a man of enormous status and fortune. It was a secret he meant to keep until the moment was ripe to expose the truth to everyone.

Mrs. Joy sat down at the dining table, eating the food Brian had prepared for her. She was in the midst of enjoying her meal when the persistent ringing of her phone disturbed the moment. Irritated, she took up the phone without seeing the caller ID.

"What is it?" she yelled into the phone, only to hear the voice of a family member on the other end hastily notifying her of a family meeting at her mother's home, Mrs. Claire. The tone of the caller's voice made it apparent that this was no ordinary family meeting.

Mrs. Joy's face paled as she listened to what the person kept saying, her appetite evaporating abruptly. She understood that whenever her mother calls for a family meeting, it was always something important.

Without wasting more time, she sprang up from the dining table, her eyes flashing toward Brian. "Brian, get ready," she instructed hastily. "We need to head over to my mother's house immediately."

Brian, surprised by the rapid change in plans, nodded quickly. He watched as Mrs. Joy took the car keys from her purse and flung them in his way. "You'll be driving," she said, her tone leaving no space for argument.

Brian caught the car keys, his fingers curling around them firmly. He gazed out the window at the car parked in the driveway.

It was a mid-priced sedan, something far different from the luxury cars he had fantasized of having. But even this regular car created a certain charm for him. He had always wished to own a car of his own.

Suppressing a tinge of annoyance at being assigned as the driver, Brian said calmly, "Of course, Mrs. Joy. I'll get the car ready right away."

As Mrs. Joy started packing some of her things and making plans for their departure, Brian couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment at being made the driver.

However, he knew better than to show any annoyance on his face. He understood that maintaining the appearance of a dutiful son-in-law was crucial for the time being, especially until the right moment to reveal his true identity arrived.

As Brian prepared to drive Mrs. Joy to her mother's house, he received a message from his wife, Julie. He glanced at his phone and saw her message:

Julie: Heading to Grandma's house. Are you coming too?

Brian smiled as he quickly replied, not wanting to keep his wife waiting:

Brian: Yes, I'll meet you there. See you soon.

With a sigh, Brian headed to the car, the keys jingling in his hand. He opened the door and took a moment to appreciate the simple pleasure of sitting behind the wheel.

Soon Mrs Joy joined him carrying several bags. As he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, he couldn't help but think about the irony of the situation.

Just when he had acquired immense wealth and power, he found himself driving a middle-priced car for his mother-in-law. It was a reminder that he was playing a dangerous and delicate game.

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