2025-02-19 06:52:00Evelyn, on the other hand, seemed trapped in tension. Her fingers tightly clutched the edge of her napkin, and Marcus could see she was struggling with swirling emotions. Although she avoided Marcus's gaze, there was something in her expression that couldn't be hidden. Regret? Guilt? Those questions spun in Marcus's mind, but he didn't want to get caught in doubt.
Daniel Prescott, sitting at the head of the table, leaned back casually, a cynical smile gracing his face. In the tense atmosphere, his comments only fueled the fire of discomfort.
"How bold of you to come, Carter. But I suppose you've always had a flair for the dramatic," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Marcus wasn't surprised by the jab; he had faced Daniel many times before. Instead, he stepped forward, asserting his presence in the uncomfortable dining room. His gaze locked onto Daniel's, challenging and confident.
"And you, Prescott, have always had a knack for belittling others. It's a dangerous habit," he replied, his voice firm and clear.
The dining room felt increasingly cramped. All eyes turned toward them, creating an atmosphere that grew more tense. Marcus could feel the simmering tension between them, and he knew it was the right moment not to back down. Daniel was someone who always tried to dominate, and Marcus was determined not to let himself be intimidated.
Daniel raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by Marcus's boldness. However, his smile remained, though this time it carried a hint of uncertainty. Marcus knew Daniel was used to control and power, and his presence there tonight was a threat to everything Daniel had built.
As Marcus stood there, facing Daniel directly, he felt as though all the pent-up tension within him was about to explode. He wasn't just fighting for himself, but for the truth that had long been buried. With each passing second, his confidence grew stronger, dispelling the doubts that had haunted him.
The room seemed to hold its breath. Evelyn's eyes darted between the two men, her discomfort palpable. Margaret shifted uncomfortably in her seat, while Evelyn's father cleared his throat, trying to break the tension.
"Shall we sit down? Dinner is getting cold," he said, gesturing to the empty chairs.
The meal itself was a masterpiece—tempting roast lamb served with soft buttered potatoes and a selection of wines that cost more than most people's rent. Each dish looked perfect, arranged with a high level of attention to detail. The mouthwatering aroma filled the room, creating an illusion of luxury that was supposed to be soothing. Yet, for all the extravagance, the atmosphere was anything but pleasant.
The opulent dining room, with its sparkling crystal chandeliers and dark-colored walls, felt oppressive. Laughter that should have flowed softly sounded forced, and the smiles on the guests' faces appeared strained. Unspoken tension hung in the air, making every bite feel heavy, as if they were all consuming the same lies.
Despite being surrounded by extraordinary dishes, Marcus felt a dissonance between the beauty of the food and the darkness enveloping the moment. He couldn't enjoy the rich flavors, couldn't divert his attention from the discomfort flowing between them. Every time he glanced at Daniel, sitting there with his cynical grin, his disgust deepened.
Meanwhile, Evelyn sat stiffly, her fingers still gripping the edge of her napkin. She seemed trapped in her own thoughts, perhaps longing for the moments when such an atmosphere could be enjoyed without threatening shadows. Marcus felt his heart sink, trying not to let the mood disturb his resolve. Tonight, he had to find a way to turn the tide, to make this moment mean more than just a glamorous dinner party.
Around him, the clinking of cutlery couldn't mask the hidden whispers. Marcus knew that behind the apparent beauty, there was a truth that needed to be uncovered. With every bite he took, he wouldn't let arrogance and pretense dictate the night. He would fight for the truth, no matter how costly the food or how elegant the setting.
Marcus sat across from Evelyn, trying to keep his expression calm even as turmoil brewed inside him. He observed Evelyn, who looked tense, her eyes occasionally flicking toward him but never lingering. There was something unspoken between them, a tension that filled the room more than the food served.
Richard, always the diplomat in difficult situations, tried to keep the conversation flowing. He asked polite questions, making small talk about the weather and recent news, as if nothing were amiss. Yet beneath the surface, Marcus could feel the weight of every gaze fixed on him, every comment whispered among the other guests.
His gaze shifted to Daniel, who sat relaxed but with a smirk. Daniel clearly enjoyed this situation, as if viewing Marcus as a challenge to be subdued. Marcus felt his blood boil, but he knew tonight was not about letting emotions run wild. He had to stay focused, trying not to be provoked by the psychological games being played.
The atmosphere in the dining room became increasingly suffocating. Although the food on the table looked tempting, its deliciousness was overshadowed by the tension flowing between them. Each bite tasted bitter, each sip of wine seemed to remind Marcus of the secrets yet to be uncovered. He knew that behind the seemingly friendly smiles, there was helplessness and pretense enveloping the entire gathering.
Tonight, Marcus was not only fighting Daniel but also struggling against the deep-rooted injustice. With strong determination, he tried to hold himself together, preparing for the moment when he could reveal everything that had been buried. He would not allow this unpleasant atmosphere to defeat his courage. Tonight, he would take steps to change everything.
Daniel, of course, couldn't resist provoking Marcus.
In a light but belittling tone, he began, “So, Marcus, how’s business… lately? Still chasing crumbs, or have you moved on to something more valuable?”
The comment hung in the air, creating an increasingly palpable tension. Marcus felt his blood boiling, but he tried to remain calm. Daniel's cynical smile reflected arrogance and pride, as if he were savoring every moment of this uncomfortable situation.
Although Marcus knew this was an attempt to provoke him, he tried not to get caught up in the game. Around them, curious glances from Evelyn's family and other guests shifted toward them, waiting for a reaction. The atmosphere grew tenser, with each passing second reinforcing the feeling that everyone at the table was participating in a larger drama.
Marcus stared at Daniel, trying to ignore the obvious jab. He knew that whatever he did, Daniel would continue to try to bring him down. However, the pressure within him could not be ignored. In the forced calm, he felt the urge to retaliate, to push back and express what was truly on his mind.
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Poor Son-in-law 11
The dishes on the table, which were supposed to be the center of attention, seemed increasingly meaningless. All the luxury and beauty of the food ceased to matter when faced with the arrogance and pretense surrounding them. Marcus felt more and more alienated, trapped in a game he did not want to play, but he knew that tonight was an opportunity to change everything.Marcus took a deliberate sip of his wine. “Business is thriving, thanks for asking. Although I hear you've experienced some… setbacks recently.”Daniel's smile dimmed for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “Setbacks are part of the game, Carter. Something you’d know if you played at my level.”“Oh, I’m playing,” Marcus replied smoothly. “I just don’t think we’re still in the same league.”The tension in the room escalated, creating an atmosphere that became
Poor Son-in-law 12
Marcus's gaze hardened, signaling an unwavering resolve. His voice was calm yet firm, cutting through the tension that enveloped the room.“He will regret ever crossing me.”His words echoed around the table laden with food, serving as a warning to all who heard them. There was no room left for lies or pretense; tonight was about facing the truth.Behind them, the sound of the front door slamming reverberated through the night, intensifying the situation. Evelyn's voice called out, filled with desperation and tremors.“Marcus, wait!”There was a mix of worry and hope in her tone, as if she were struggling to pull him back from a deep abyss. But Marcus did not stop. He didn’t even glance back, as if each step was a march toward freedom from the chains that had bound him for so long.With each steady stride, Marcus felt a weight lift.
Poor Son-in-law 13
If Prescott was here, it meant there was a deeper agenda, and he had to be ready to protect his team and the project that was so important to them.With every step he took, Marcus tried to ease the tension within himself. He knew this was the moment he had to show strength and leadership. In his heart, he was determined not to let Prescott dominate the situation. He would fight, no matter how difficult it was.“Is there anything else?” Marcus asked, his tone calm but sharp, creating an atmosphere of attentiveness in the meeting room.Claire hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Just… be careful, Mr. Carter. Something feels off.” Her voice carried genuine concern, reflecting her sharp instincts.Marcus glanced at her sharply, feeling the tension flowing between them. His lips curved into a small knowing smile, as if he realized that this uncertainty was
Poor Son-in-law 1
The night was heavy with anticipation. Marcus Carter walked down the dimly lit street, a bouquet of white lilies held firmly in his hand. The flowers were Evelyn's favorite—soft, elegant, and timeless, just like the love he thought they shared. He adjusted the collar of his overcoat as a chill breeze swept past, but his mind wasn’t on the cold. Tonight was their anniversary. He glanced at his watch—8:45 PM. He was late. Work had dragged on longer than he'd planned, but he was certain Evelyn would understand. She always did. Or at least, she used to. The golden light spilling from the windows of their house was warm and inviting, and for a moment, Marcus allowed himself to imagine her reaction. She’d scold him for being late, of course, but then she’d smile—soft and forgiving. They’d toast to another year together, another year of promises. But as he stepped through the front door, something was… off.The house was eerily quiet, too quiet for a night meant for celebration. The fain
Poor Son-in-law 2
The restaurant was perfect—modern yet intimate, with soft amber lights casting a warm glow over every polished surface. The kind of place where the waiters wore sharp suits, the cutlery gleamed like silver mirrors, and the wine list was thicker than the menu. Evelyn ran her fingers over the rim of her wine glass, letting the faint hum of conversation around her settle like a comforting backdrop.Daniel sat across from her, his presence as commanding as ever. His tailored navy-blue suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, and his sharp jawline tensed slightly as he inspected the wine in his glass. He exuded confidence, the kind of man who knew he was the center of attention without even trying. Evelyn hated how much she craved that confidence. It wasn’t love, not really, but Daniel filled a void she couldn’t bear to face. After all, it was easier to drown in someone else’s ambition than to confront the ruins of her own choices.“Evelyn.” His voice cut through her thoughts, smooth bu
Poor Son-in-law 3
The door creaked open as Marcus stepped into the house that no longer felt like home. The weight of the evening clung to his shoulders, heavier than the coat he had draped over his arm. The faint scent of Evelyn’s expensive perfume lingered in the air, a sharp reminder of the life he was about to leave behind. The living room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls, but the silence was deafening.He exhaled slowly, taking in the surroundings. The place was spotless, as always, every cushion perfectly arranged, every trinket in its place. Evelyn had always been meticulous about appearances. But to Marcus, it all felt hollow now.He walked toward the staircase, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet, and paused at the base. For the first time in years, he felt like a stranger in his own house. The memories came flooding back—laughter, arguments, stolen moments of tenderness—but those felt like they belonged to someone else, someone he no longer recognized.He clenched his
Poor Son-in-law 4
The morning air was crisp, carrying with it a faint scent of rain from the night before. Marcus stood at the edge of the curb, his suitcase by his side, watching the empty road in front of him. The house behind him still loomed, its cold, pristine walls a reminder of everything he had just walked away from. He exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the chilly air, and glanced down at his phone.The call with his uncle from the night before still rang in his ears. "Tell me everything," Richard had said, his voice laced with both concern and authority. And Marcus had told him—everything about Evelyn, the betrayal, the humiliation. He had laid it bare, and Richard had listened in silence, only speaking at the end to say, "I'll take care of it. Be ready in the morning."Marcus didn't know what "take care of it" meant, but he trusted his uncle. Richard Carter was a man of his word. A man of power. And as much as Marcus had tried to distance himself from the Carter family over the years, dee
Poor Son-in-law 5
The driveway leading up to the Carter estate was a long stretch of cobblestone surrounded by towering oaks. The winter air was crisp, and the faint gray clouds above hinted at an oncoming storm. Marcus slowed the car as the grand, Victorian-style mansion came into view. It had been years since he’d last set foot here, and yet the sight of it still stirred something in him—nostalgia? Bitterness? He wasn’t sure.He parked near the front steps, taking a moment to steady himself. The past few months had been nothing short of chaos, and now, standing here again, he felt like a man teetering on the edge of two worlds. One was his past—the ghost of the man he used to be, broken and humiliated. The other was his future, the man he was becoming: calculated, focused, and unrelenting.As he stepped out of the car, the front door opened. Richard Carter, his uncle, stood tall in the doorway, his sharp features softened slightly by a welcoming smile.“Marcus,” Richard greeted, his voice firm but wa
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13
If Prescott was here, it meant there was a deeper agenda, and he had to be ready to protect his team and the project that was so important to them.With every step he took, Marcus tried to ease the tension within himself. He knew this was the moment he had to show strength and leadership. In his heart, he was determined not to let Prescott dominate the situation. He would fight, no matter how difficult it was.“Is there anything else?” Marcus asked, his tone calm but sharp, creating an atmosphere of attentiveness in the meeting room.Claire hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Just… be careful, Mr. Carter. Something feels off.” Her voice carried genuine concern, reflecting her sharp instincts.Marcus glanced at her sharply, feeling the tension flowing between them. His lips curved into a small knowing smile, as if he realized that this uncertainty was
12
Marcus's gaze hardened, signaling an unwavering resolve. His voice was calm yet firm, cutting through the tension that enveloped the room.“He will regret ever crossing me.”His words echoed around the table laden with food, serving as a warning to all who heard them. There was no room left for lies or pretense; tonight was about facing the truth.Behind them, the sound of the front door slamming reverberated through the night, intensifying the situation. Evelyn's voice called out, filled with desperation and tremors.“Marcus, wait!”There was a mix of worry and hope in her tone, as if she were struggling to pull him back from a deep abyss. But Marcus did not stop. He didn’t even glance back, as if each step was a march toward freedom from the chains that had bound him for so long.With each steady stride, Marcus felt a weight lift.
11
The dishes on the table, which were supposed to be the center of attention, seemed increasingly meaningless. All the luxury and beauty of the food ceased to matter when faced with the arrogance and pretense surrounding them. Marcus felt more and more alienated, trapped in a game he did not want to play, but he knew that tonight was an opportunity to change everything.Marcus took a deliberate sip of his wine. “Business is thriving, thanks for asking. Although I hear you've experienced some… setbacks recently.”Daniel's smile dimmed for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “Setbacks are part of the game, Carter. Something you’d know if you played at my level.”“Oh, I’m playing,” Marcus replied smoothly. “I just don’t think we’re still in the same league.”The tension in the room escalated, creating an atmosphere that became
10
Evelyn, on the other hand, seemed trapped in tension. Her fingers tightly clutched the edge of her napkin, and Marcus could see she was struggling with swirling emotions. Although she avoided Marcus's gaze, there was something in her expression that couldn't be hidden. Regret? Guilt? Those questions spun in Marcus's mind, but he didn't want to get caught in doubt.Daniel Prescott, sitting at the head of the table, leaned back casually, a cynical smile gracing his face. In the tense atmosphere, his comments only fueled the fire of discomfort."How bold of you to come, Carter. But I suppose you've always had a flair for the dramatic," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Marcus wasn't surprised by the jab; he had faced Daniel many times before. Instead, he stepped forward, asserting his presence in the uncomfortable dining room. His gaze locked onto Daniel's, challenging and confident."And you, P
9
Marcus walked slowly toward the marble staircase, feeling each step echo in the quiet night. Around the mansion, old trees towered high, their branches dancing in the wind, as if holding deep secrets. The atmosphere grew tenser as they approached the main door, made of dark wood with intricate carvings.When Marcus knocked, the sound resonated throughout the area, adding to the palpable tension. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with white hair standing in the doorway. Her face showed surprise and a hint of fear upon seeing the two men before her. However, she quickly welcomed them inside, giving a brief glimpse into the dark, cold room.Inside, the ambiance changed drastically. Flickering lights on the ceiling created moving shadows on the walls. Antique furniture cluttered the room, every corner filled with items that seemed like buried memories. Marcus and Richard exchanged glances, sensing the unspoken tension between them.As they explored the
8
The announcement came during the morning meeting. Marcus walked into the conference room with the same measured stride he always carried, his confidence unshaken. But this time, the air around him felt heavier. Charged. Anticipatory.The director waited until everyone was seated before clearing his throat, commanding silence. Evelyn sat two seats away from Marcus, her fingers nervously tapping the armrest of her chair. She’d barely slept the night before, her thoughts consumed by the strange shift in Marcus’s demeanor and the director’s cryptic hints about “a new opportunity.” Now, her stomach churned with unease.“I have some exciting news to share,” the director began, his voice calm but firm. “As you all know, we’re restructuring to better align with the company’s growth. And with that comes new leadership opportunities.”Evelyn’s heart sank. She already knew where this was going.The director turned to Marcus, smiling warmly. “I’m pleased to announce that Marcus Carter has been ch
7
Marcus adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit as he stepped into the large conference room. The air was crisp with the faint smell of coffee and fresh paper, and the hum of muffled conversations filled the space. He scanned the room with calm precision, his eyes landing on her. Evelyn.She was seated near the far end of the long mahogany table, her posture as poised as ever, one manicured hand resting on the armrest of her chair. Her expression was unreadable, but Marcus caught the slightest twitch of her lips when their eyes met. She didn’t smile. Neither did he.Instead, he moved with deliberate steps toward his seat, directly across from her. His confidence wasn’t forced anymore—it came naturally now, as if he had been born for moments like this. Evelyn could feel it. The Marcus she had once known—the quiet, soft-spoken man who avoided confrontation—was gone. Replaced by someone sharper. Someone unpredictable.“Morning,” Marcus said casually as he pulled out his chair, his voice s
6
The office building of Prescott Industries loomed in front of him like a fortress. Its sleek glass facade reflected the pale morning light, sharp and unyielding, much like the people who worked inside. Marcus stood across the street, his hands buried in the pockets of his tailored coat, observing the flow of employees filing into the building. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.This was it. The first step.He adjusted the tie around his neck, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It had taken months of planning, connections, and careful maneuvering, but he was finally here. Not as Marcus Carter, the man Evelyn had cast aside, but as someone entirely new.Inside that building, they wouldn’t see the broken man they thought they’d destroyed. They’d see someone confident, capable, and untouchable. They’d see someone they underestimated—and that was exactly what he wanted.Marcus walked through the revolving doors, his polished shoes clicking against the pristine marble f
5
The driveway leading up to the Carter estate was a long stretch of cobblestone surrounded by towering oaks. The winter air was crisp, and the faint gray clouds above hinted at an oncoming storm. Marcus slowed the car as the grand, Victorian-style mansion came into view. It had been years since he’d last set foot here, and yet the sight of it still stirred something in him—nostalgia? Bitterness? He wasn’t sure.He parked near the front steps, taking a moment to steady himself. The past few months had been nothing short of chaos, and now, standing here again, he felt like a man teetering on the edge of two worlds. One was his past—the ghost of the man he used to be, broken and humiliated. The other was his future, the man he was becoming: calculated, focused, and unrelenting.As he stepped out of the car, the front door opened. Richard Carter, his uncle, stood tall in the doorway, his sharp features softened slightly by a welcoming smile.“Marcus,” Richard greeted, his voice firm but wa
