From Scorn to Sparkling; The son-in-law's Redemption.

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Tom's meeting with the Billionaire

The cab ride felt like ages until it finally arrived at the outskirts of Flames and CO, a once esteemed place now forgotten, overrun with wildflowers and faded paintings crying out for a touch-up.

Tom hopped out of the cab to be greeted by a phalanx of security guards, towering men clad in black, all sporting shades to match. There was no need to tell him who awaited.

Brown, the quintessential billionaire with an intimidating air, made it clear through his impatience that waiting for Tate was a colossal waste of his time. He was already slipping into his bulletproof G-Wagon.

Hurrying to catch up, Tom greeted him with a gentle smile, "Greetings, Mr. Brown, My sincerest apologies for the delay."

"That's no mere inconvenience, Mr. Tom. How dare you keep me waiting?" Brown's reply was sharp, but he softened it with a grin, a tactic to sugarcoat the tension. "Let's discuss matters at my office."

"We can talk here, for now. I assure you, I have a solution to all your desires as long as our contract proceeds smoothly," Tom replied, eager not to miss this crucial opportunity.

"Then hop in, let's make a deal," Brown said, offering a glimmer of hope to Tom's bruised ego as they climbed into the car.

The ensuing conversation stretched on for hours, filled with heated debates and tense negotiations.

"I understand your points, Mr. T, but I need your daughter's hand in marriage. You don't grasp what she means to me," Brown replied.

"I'll provide all the financial support you require, lift you back up like the mighty oak I know you to be. But her hand is all I ask in return; it ensures your commitment," Brown continued, his voice striving for persuasion.

Little did he know, Tom had been anticipating this move and had set his trap. A soft grin played across his lips as his heart fluttered with the thrill of victory. First, he aimed to sound unsettling...

"I always keep business separate from pleasure, Brown," Tate replied, his tone unsettling, as if his intentions had never strayed.

Mr. Brown turned to him, uncertainty flickering in his eyes, his expression tinged with displeasure. Tom noticed the smirk and quickly shifted his tone, withdrawing his earlier words. "Rest assured, I'll take care of it," he said, his voice firmer now.

"Excellent!" Brown grinned, confident in his victory. "Send me your details via email later... I always get what I want," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in satisfaction.

With the contract nearly sealed, Tom's plan had succeeded as he desired. But a bigger challenge loomed: convincing Roselvett to comply.

Mr. Brown jumped out of the car, which now steamed with readiness to depart, Tom closed the door behind him. The convoy began to move, signalling with blinking trafficators.

A smirk played across Tom's lips as he felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Turning towards the office, Tom caught sight of Miss Rosaline, his secretary, standing a few meters away, seemingly observing everything. She greeted him, but Tom's happiness drowned out her words as he strode majestically into his office.

*********

Mr. Tom entered the boutique with an air of confidence, his eyes scanning the racks of dresses with a discerning gaze. The shop assistant approached him, eager to assist.

"Good evening, sir. How may I help you today?" she asked, her voice polite.

"I'm looking for a dress for my daughter," Mr. Tom replied, his tone decisive. "Something elegant and sophisticated, fit for a special occasion."

The shop assistant nodded, leading him to a section of the store filled with stunning evening gowns. As Mr. Tom perused the selection, his eyes fell upon a beautiful dress in a rich shade of burgundy, adorned with delicate lace and intricate beading.

"This is perfect," Mr. Tom said, his voice filled with certainty. "My daughter will look stunning in this."

The shop assistant smiled, pleased with his choice. She carefully wrapped the dress and handed it to him, along with a matching clutch.

"Your daughter is lucky to have such a thoughtful father," she remarked as Mr. Tom paid for the dress.

Mr. Tom smiled warmly, a sense of determination shining in his eyes. "I only want the best for her," he replied, before leaving the boutique with the dress in hand, his mind already thinking ahead to the next steps in his plan.

He arrives home but a shock hitted him on the face, She was out to meet her long-time boyfriend, David Lesnar, the man who swept her off her feet from a younger age without her father's knowledge.

David, a tall and striking man in his late 30's, had a tragic start in life. Born into hardship, he lost his mother during childbirth and was promptly abandoned by his father, who sought refuge in the arms of a wealthier woman, erasing any trace of his previous family.

Left with nothing but a bleak future, David was thrust into the unforgiving world of orphanages. The harsh reality of his situation hit hard as he grew up in a motherless babies' home, where neglect and poverty were constant companions.

Unaware of his parents' fate, he believed them to be deceased, leaving him with no choice but to fend for himself. Days were spent scraping by, surviving on meager meals, and clinging to odd jobs for survival. Every day was a battle for existence, with no end in sight.

However, fate intervened when Roselvett entered his life. Her kindness and generosity breathed new life into his weary soul, offering him a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. With her support, he began to rebuild himself, though the scars of his past remained etched deep within him.

The irony of it wasn't known to even Roselvett who according to him was his lifesaver and meant everything to him. But today was a different day as Roselvett had seen the need to consider Romsey as his husband in order to save her dad from the ruins he was facing, so all she went out for was to have her last close moment with David...

Daniel, I'm sorry to say this but I'm breaking up with you, Roselvett said. And with those words, Daniel's world came crashing down.

"You're breaking up with me?" David asked still unable to believe what he just heard.

"Yes, David, this relationship is over, and as I said, I'm sorry about it," Roselvett said without an ounce of emotion evident in her voice.

"I'm sorry, David, but I can't be with you anymore. I need someone who can take care of me and handle the challenges we're facing." Rose added

"What do you mean, Roselvett? I love you, and I can take care of you. Please, don't do this." Dave replied, his heart beating profusely.

"I know you love me, David, but love isn't enough. I need more than just love; I need security and stability." She said as she stood up to walk away.

David hurries towards her, "But we can work through this together. Please, don't leave me."

"I've made up my mind, David. It's time for us to move on." Rose responded defiantly.

"I can't believe this is happening. I thought we had something special." Dave said in surprise.

The words nearly sank into her but she turned to reply. "We did, David. But sometimes, things change. I have to do what's best for me."

David stood, looking at her, his mind incubating the next line of thought. "I'll always love you, Roselvett. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thank you, David. I wish you all the best too." She answered coldly, but as she opened the door, Dave falls to the ground, his hands shaking, foam rushing out of his mouth.

Rose couldn't mind, her mind was made up, she thought it was all a drama, she closed the door behind her.

*******

Back at home, Rose walks in with an unhappy gesture, her eyes meeting with her Dad's, he quickly sits up, breaking the silence and trying to embrace the moment.

"Roselvett, my dear, what's wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face.