I'm not the Son-in-law

Chapter 9: "Is justice only for the rich?"

Marcus Xu took a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of frustration raging within him. He leaned his head against the car window, his gaze fixed on the parking lot.

"Don't get too close to the window; they might see your face," Philip Cheng cautioned as he eased the car out of the parking lot.

Marcus ignored Philip as he watched Reyster stroll inside, accompanied by Miguel Xu, opening doors and bowing deferentially.

"That bastard. What have I ever done to him?" Marcus muttered under his breath. Try as he might, he couldn't fathom why Reyster was tormenting him and his brother.

From Marcus's perspective, there was no justification for Reyster's actions.

"I let go of my ex for him. I didn't sue him, and I've been keeping quiet for three years. But why? Why does a bastard like him keep messing with our lives?" Marcus seethed with frustration.

"You don't need to waste your energy trying to figure it out," Philip interjected.

"What do you mean?" Marcus asked, turning his attention to Philip.

"He has money and status. He can play whatever twisted games he wants," Philip explained matter-of-factly.

"Games? This is just a game to him? What kind of bullshit is that?" Marcus exclaimed, incredulous.

"Marcus Xu. Reyster is just a young upstart in this industry. There are far worse psychos out there, especially once you keep doubling as Gregory William," Philip warned.

"This isn't the end of it?" Marcus's eyes widened in disbelief, realizing that Philip expected him to continue playing the role of the William family's son-in-law.

"Until we find Sir Greg, we hope you—" Philip began, but Marcus cut him off abruptly.

"No," Marcus said firmly.

"What? If you want me to help you get back at Reyster for what he did, you should keep doing what I say," Philip insisted, his attention divided between Marcus and the road, prompting him to pull the car over to the side.

"No. I can take care of that on my own," Marcus stated, his resolve unwavering.

"Even if Reyster Sebastian is a rookie, he still holds more power than you. He's CEO Jeyster’s son and vice chairman's nephew. I heard he'll soon become the COO of Jaypark Steel Co. too! I don't think you can deal with him on your own. You're just a tiny insect he can toy with," Philip cautioned, but Marcus remained resolute.

"I know that. I understand the gap in our statuses, but no. I won't continue anymore. I'm done with this son-in-law role," Marcus declared firmly, shaking his head.

“Are you sure?” Philip's jaw dropped.

"Yes.” he sighed. “I've signed a nondisclosure agreement, so rest assured this will remain a secret. But don't you ever take away what you've already given to me."

"I won't. But I can't understand," Philip replied, perplexed by Marcus's sudden change of heart. "Just a moment ago, you were seething in anger. Did you suddenly realize you can't win?"

"No. I still want to make him pay. I still want to beat his face. But I know my reality…” Marcus confessed, clenching his fist tightly as he trembled.

"What is it?" Philip asked.

"I don't want to be involved with you and with these disgusting people. It's not like you'll do me a favor for free. I might end up buried under even more problems if I do that," Marcus stated firmly.

Recalling the elation on Reyster's and those wealthy men's faces as they tormented his brother, he couldn't forgive them. It was evident that they could act with impunity because of their wealth and influence.

Marcus knew he didn't have the means to protect himself from people like them. It was infuriating, but it was his reality.

"That's wise of you to distance yourself. Justice isn't for everyone." Philip acknowledged, respecting Marcus for his realization in such moments.

"I know that. So I'm sorry for letting you down. It's not like I'm the only one who can take on this role. Thank you for the contract, and I'll make sure to rise in popularity," Marcus said with determination.

"That's right. It's a bit of a hassle finding someone new to hire, but you're not irreplaceable," Philip agreed, nodding. Then he asked curiously, "So, what are you going to do?"

Marcus took a deep breath before replying, "I'll ask my brother to quit his job. There's nothing more important than his safety. I'll take over earning money. I have been burdening him. I'm so stupid."

Philip frowned, as that wasn't the answer he was expecting. He tilted his head and asked, "So you're just going to let Reyster go?"

"No, never," Marcus declared, gritting his teeth. "I can make him pay later. I have to become stronger. Once I become a superstar, I'll put him in his place."

Philip Cheng snorted, then returned his attention to the road, chuckling. "How sure are you? Do you really think you'll become successful?"

"I am. I will make it happen," Marcus affirmed, glaring ahead at the road as he contemplated the long journey ahead. "Revenge is meant to destroy the one who wronged me. It's not meant to ruin me. I'll get stronger, and Reyster will see that his money won't save him from misery."

“What an impossible dream.” Philip snorted. He dropped Marcus off at the hotel, bidding him a final goodbye.

"So, this is the last time we'll be seeing each other," Philip remarked.

"I'm under Magic Entertainment, so you'll still see me," Marcus reminded him confidently.

"I'm Philip Cheng. It's rare for trainees to see me. Become big first," Philip said with a smile.

"That's what I'm saying," Marcus replied confidently. "See you when I'm big and strong."

"Fine. Bye," Philip said. He left right away and Marcus entered the hotel with a dark expression.

Meanwhile, inside the hotel, Miguel Xu was anxiously waiting for him.

"Miguel," Marcus called out.

"What is it? What other trouble have you gotten into?" Miguel asked, grabbing Marcus' shoulder and shaking him anxiously.

"Miguel, quit your job," Marcus said sternly.

"Are you kidding me?" Miguel retorted, scowling as he met his brother's gaze.

He had rushed back to the hotel, worried that his younger brother was in another mess, only to become frustrated when he realized Marcus was pulling another prank.

"Don't look at me like that. Quit your job now," Marcus demanded.

"Are you crazy? We're not silver spoons who can quit our jobs whenever we want," Miguel exclaimed, irritated by his brother's nonsense.

"I saw you being beaten by Reyster and his friends at the golf course! Why do you have to endure that? Quit this bullshit!" Marcus yelled, causing everyone in the lobby to gaze at them.

Panicked, Miguel dragged Marcus outside, and they continued their conversation in the hotel's yard.

"How did you know?" Miguel asked, noticing Marcus' clothes and assuming he had been at the same golf course a while ago. "Since when are you working at the golf course?" he inquired.

"I already quit after seeing you bow your head as if it were the old century. Why did you let them bully you? You should have just quit! Don't let them look down on you!" Marcus exclaimed.

"I can't quit. It's our bills that are stopping me from quitting. How do you think we can eat and put a roof over our heads if I don't work?" Miguel reasoned, pacing back and forth with sweat pouring down his face.

"I will," Marcus declared firmly.

"What?" Miguel froze, taken aback by his brother's sudden determination.

"I will work, so quit your job. This isn't the only place you can work. While you're unemployed, I'll take care of our needs," Marcus declared confidently, but Miguel's expression didn't show signs of conviction.

"What? You? How? Do you have a stable job?" Miguel asked skeptically.

"I just signed a contract with Magic Entertainment. I can ask for part-time work from them too. So please, quit," Marcus explained.

"What? Magic Entertainment?" Miguel snorted. "It was just yesterday you met the person from the William Group, and you're telling me you already signed a contract? Signing a contract is a long process! You've been scammed, Marcus. How many times do I have to tell you to grow up?" Miguel exclaimed in frustration.

"This is not a scam. When will you trust me? I can support you too," Marcus insisted.

"When? Are you asking me when? When can you show me that you can?" Miguel yelled back. "It's already embarrassing enough that you saw me bow down to those disgusting rich people, but what else can we do? It's the only thing that puts food on our table!"

"Miguel, please. Believe me," Marcus pleaded, feeling tired of arguing. He walked away from his brother for a moment to calm down before returning to continue. "Migs, Miguel. If you want to see me grow up, quit your job. I promise you, this time I'm the one who will bring money to us."

Marcus looked at his brother with sincerity, but Miguel didn't receive it well. Miguel continued to be skeptical, regarding Marcus as the one who wasn't facing their reality.

Placing his hands on Marcus' shoulders again, he said, "I... I don't want you to feel guilty about this, but I haven't finished paying off the loan I took to admit you to Larvo. Please, if you can't help me, just please stay still and don't make any more trouble."

"You took a loan?" Marcus asked, shocked.

"W-well, how else could we afford Larvo's tuition? I didn't tell you this because I'm not requiring you to pay this at all. I thought it was an investment but—" Miguel let out a long, tired sigh before continuing. "Just forget what you saw today. I can't afford to quit."

"No, Miguel. I'm serious. Quit now!" Marcus said with a shaking voice, feeling desperate to convince his brother. Then he had an idea. "Let's go to Magic Entertainment. Quit your job if I can prove to you that it's not a scam and that it's legit."

Miguel sighed again, reluctantly agreeing. "Sure. But don't cry if it's really a scam."