2025-02-22 09:53:00If 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 part of the game. “I’m always careful,” he said, trying to soothe the atmosphere with the confidence he projected.
However, inside, his feelings were different. He understood that the situation was more complex than it appeared. Although his smile tried to hide his doubts, he knew there was something hanging in the air, a threat that could not be ignored.
Marcus took a deep breath, attempting to refocus on the meeting that was about to begin. He had to be ready to face the board and Prescott, and for that, he needed to keep his thoughts and emotions in check. With each heartbeat, he felt the urge to prepare, to fight for what he believed was right.
***
The air in Conference Room A was tense as Marcus entered. The long glass table was surrounded by familiar faces—board members, senior executives, and at the far end, Daniel Prescott, sitting arrogantly as if he owned the room. His perfectly tailored dark blue suit and smug smile made Marcus's stomach churn, even though he remained calm on the outside.
Marcus observed every detail, from the tense expressions of the board members to the way Prescott lounged back in his chair, as if all of this was a game he had already won. The tension in the room was evident, and everyone knew this meeting was not just a casual discussion. Something bigger was at stake.
He stepped further into the room, trying to project confidence amid the uncertainty clouding his mind. Each step felt heavy, but he knew he had to show strength. In his mind, he understood that everyone was waiting for direction from him, and he could not disappoint them.
Marcus shifted his gaze to Prescott, who was now watching him with a sharp look, as if waiting for the right moment to strike. In his mind, Marcus was determined not to let the man take control of the situation. He had to be ready to respond to every challenge posed, to protect the project that meant so much to the company and his team.
As he took his place at the head of the table, Marcus felt the pressure mounting. He knew that the decisions made today would have significant implications, not just for himself but for everyone who depended on him. Taking a deep breath, he began to plan his strategy, striving to stay focused on his main objective.
The room seemed to vibrate with the gathered energy, and Marcus knew this was his moment to shine. He would confront Prescott and all the challenges ahead of him, determined to uphold the integrity and success of his team. Today, he would not back down.
“Ah, Marcus,” Daniel said, leaning back in his chair. “I’m glad you could join us.”
“Mr. Prescott,” Marcus greeted, his tone polite but cold. He took his place at the head of the table, his movements deliberate and controlled. “What are we gathered for?”
Daniel exchanged glances with one of the board members, a man Marcus had always considered a spineless opportunist. “There are… concerns about your handling of the Westwood Project,” Daniel said, his words flowing with insincerity.
Marcus raised an eyebrow, responding to Daniel's statement. “Concerns?”
“Yes,” Daniel continued, now leaning forward, his elbows resting on the table. “Several discrepancies have come to light—poorly managed budget, missed deadlines, questionable vendor choices…”
A murmur rippled through the room, creating an increasingly tense atmosphere. Marcus noticed several board members avoiding his gaze, sensing their cowardice. Cowards. He realized they seemed trapped in a larger game, and now, they chose not to stand by him.
Inside, anger began to build. Marcus knew this was a critical moment to defend his position. He could not allow Daniel to sow doubt in the minds of the board. Firmly, he stared at Prescott, trying to project the calm that enveloped him.
“Every project has its challenges,” Marcus replied, his voice steady. “However, we have taken steps to address these issues. We are committed to ensuring that the budget and deadlines are met.”
He could feel skeptical glances from several board members, but Marcus would not back down. He knew that Prescott’s presence here was a threat, and he had to fight to defend his team and the project they had worked so hard on.
“If there are discrepancies, we will address them with transparency and professionalism,” he added, striving to redirect focus from the doubts planted by Prescott. “We will not let rumors and concerns hinder our progress.”
Marcus felt a newfound surge of confidence. He knew he was not alone. His team stood behind him, fighting for the same vision. He would protect them from this attack, no matter how heavy the challenges ahead. With a more assured demeanor, he prepared to face any questions that might arise, ensuring that he would not let Prescott win easily.
“And who raised these concerns?” Marcus asked, his voice calm yet sharp, creating an attentive atmosphere in the meeting room.
Daniel's smile widened. “Let’s just say I’ve been… keeping an eye on things. Evelyn and I both care about this company, you see. It’s in the best interest of her family to keep everything running smoothly.”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Latest Chapter
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
