2025-02-23 09:54:00Marcus tightened his grip around his pen. “That’s very considerate of you.”
“Considerate,” Daniel repeated with a mocking tone, his voice condescending. “But this isn’t personal, Marcus. It’s purely professional. The board has decided to launch an internal investigation into your handling of this project.”
“That’s unnecessary,” Marcus replied smoothly, his gaze locked on Daniel.
Daniel looked startled, clearly caught off guard by Marcus's confidence. “Excuse me?”
“I said,” Marcus repeated, his voice firmer now, “it’s unnecessary. Because I’ve already conducted a review of the Westwood Project myself.” He reached for his briefcase and pulled out a thick folder, placing it on the table with a satisfying thud. “Every budget allocation, every vendor contract, every deadline adjustment—it's all here. It has been audited and documented thoroughly.”
The room fell silent. Daniel's smile faded.
“Next,” Marcus continued, his voice like steel, “the delays you mentioned? They were caused by supply chain issues created by one of your vendors, Mr. Prescott.”
Daniel’s face darkened. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“It’s all in the report,” Marcus said, his tone calmly unsettling. He slid the folder across the table toward the board members. “Feel free to review it yourself.”
For a moment, no one spoke. Daniel's arrogant facade began to crack, but he was not ready to concede. “Even if that’s true,” he said, trying to regain control of the conversation, “it doesn’t change the fact that your leadership has been called into question.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges, Mr. Prescott. It’s about confronting them head-on and finding solutions. Something you clearly wouldn’t understand.”
Board members exchanged glances. Some even nodded in agreement. Marcus had just turned the tables, and Daniel knew it.
But Marcus was not finished.
“There’s one more thing,” he said, his tone growing colder. “During my review, I found something… interesting.” He reached for his briefcase again and pulled out another document. “A series of payments made to a company named Prescott Solutions. Does that sound familiar, Mr. Prescott?”
Daniel’s face went pale.
“Those payments,” Marcus continued, his voice dripping with disdain, “were made using funds allocated for the Westwood Project. Care to explain how your consulting firm ended up on our vendor list?”
The room erupted into whispers. Daniel stammered, his confidence shattered. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Save it,” Marcus said sharply, his patience finally wearing thin. He stood, towering over the table. “You think you can come in here, tarnish my name, and steal from this company without anyone noticing. But you underestimated me.”
Daniel’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, but no words came out.
Marcus turned to the board. “I trust you will handle this matter appropriately,” he said, his tone leaving no room for debate.
The board chair nodded, his expression grim. “We will launch a full investigation into Mr. Prescott’s transactions immediately.”
“Good,” Marcus said, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. He gathered his briefcase and headed for the door, his steps steady and confident. However, before he exited, he paused for one last parting shot.
“Oh, and Daniel? Say hello to Evelyn for me.”
That statement hung in the air, creating a profound silence in the conference room. Marcus could feel Prescott’s sharp glare, the man’s face suddenly paling. He knew his words had shaken the calm Prescott had built.
With a single motion, Marcus opened the door and stepped out, leaving the tension behind him. He would not let Prescott's threat disrupt his focus. Today, he had shown strength and courage, and he was determined to continue his fight for his team and the project they cherished.
As he walked further away, Marcus felt positive energy flowing within him. He knew that while challenges would always exist, he had taken the right steps to protect the future of the company and the people who depended on him. With renewed determination, he continued on, ready to face whatever would come next.
Marcus's office was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the city outside. He stood by the window, gazing at the vast horizon. The earlier victory should have felt satisfying, but instead, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
There was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” he said without turning.
Claire stepped in hesitantly. “Mr. Carter, there’s something you need to see.”
Marcus turned to look at her, his brow furrowed. “What is it?”
She handed him a tablet, her expression anxious. “It’s a series of emails. I found them while reviewing the Westwood Project files.”
Marcus took the tablet and scanned the screen. His eyes narrowed as he read. The emails were between Daniel Prescott and… Margaret Moore. Evelyn’s mother.
“Payments to Prescott Solutions?” Claire said quietly. “It seems Mrs. Moore approved them.”
Marcus's grip on the tablet tightened. So, Margaret was involved too. Of course, she had always disliked him, never considering him good enough for Evelyn. But to stoop this low...
“Thank you, Claire,” he said, his voice calm despite the storm raging inside him.
Claire hesitated. “Are you okay, Mr. Carter?”
He forced a small, reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine.”
She nodded and left, closing the door behind her.
Marcus placed the tablet on his desk and sat in his chair, his mind spinning. Margaret Moore. Daniel Prescott. Evelyn. They were all involved in this mess. And now, he had the evidence he needed to bring them down.
But as he leaned back in his chair, a troubling thought crossed his mind. If Margaret and Daniel were working together, what else were they hiding?
His phone vibrated on the desk, pulling him from his thoughts. It was a text message from an unknown number.
“You’re getting closer, Marcus. Back off, or you will regret it.”
Marcus stared at the screen, his jaw tightening. Whoever sent that message clearly didn’t know him well.
Because Marcus Carter does not back down.
He leaned forward, his gaze hardening once again. This isn’t over. Not yet.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Poor Son-in-law 15
Marcus stared at the screen, his jaw tightening. Whoever sent that message clearly didn’t know him well. The text on the screen contained a subtle threat, trying to undermine his confidence and instill fear.However, Marcus Carter would not back down. With a fiery determination within him, he closed the messaging app and turned his attention to the window, gazing outside. He knew that the challenges he faced were not just from Prescott, but also from the uncertainty surrounding the project he cared deeply about.With each passing second, his resolve strengthened. He would not let anyone, no matter how powerful or influential, stand in his way. He had fought too hard and invested too much to give up now.Taking a deep breath, Marcus recalled the goals and vision he wanted to achieve. All the hard work of his team, all the hopes they had invested, would not go to waste. He would protect them and what they had built t
Poor Son-in-law 16
Marcus’s tone was like steel, sharp and unwavering. Every word that left his lips was filled with disbelief and disappointment. He could not hide the deep pain, as if every word was a reminder of an unhealed wound.Evelyn stood there, looking shocked, her eyes wide. She knew her presence would trigger this reaction, but there was no way to change the situation. Guilt and regret weighed on her, yet she was determined to face the consequences of her decision.As he looked at Evelyn, Marcus felt the walls he had built to protect himself begin to crack. He struggled to maintain distance, but deep inside, there was a small hope that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back. For now, though, he could only stand at the threshold of a decision that would determine the course of their lives.Evelyn shifted in place, her hands gripping the straps of her bag as if it were a lifeline. Her expression showed doubt, but
Poor Son-in-law 17
Marcus leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the edge of the table. The dim light in his study illuminated the papers in front of him, documents scattered like puzzle pieces waiting to be completed. Soft shadows danced on the wall, reflecting the storm brewing in his mind.Each tap of his fingers created a rhythm that heightened the tension in the room. He felt trapped between responsibility and his emotions, struggling to maintain focus amid the chaos in his heart. Each sheet of paper reminded him of the decisions he had to make, and how difficult it was to move forward.The dim light created a gloomy atmosphere, adding weight to the feelings already present. Outside the window, rain began to fall, creating a soft sound that contrasted with the unrest within him. Marcus knew he had to confront Evelyn, but the uncertainty of how to do so made him hesitate.He gazed at the documents as if searching for answ
Poor Son-in-law 18
The study was filled with the aroma of paper and ink, and the atmosphere felt tense. Marcus knew that his uncle was not just here to check in but also to investigate the true state of affairs. Richard would not let his nephew hide behind a stack of documents without trying to understand what was going on in his heart and mind.As he stared at the scattered papers, Marcus felt the weight growing heavier. He knew he had to choose his words carefully, but the feelings of frustration and a longing to share what was inside him intensified. In this situation, he wanted to open up, but the fear of his uncle's reaction made him hesitant to fully reveal himself.Richard stood tall, waiting patiently, as if he knew that Marcus would speak when the time was right. In the silence enveloping them, Marcus felt the urge to express everything that had been troubling his mind, but he had to find the courage to do so."What's going on, Un
Poor Son-in-law 19
Night had fallen heavily over the city, the dim streetlights casting long, distorted shadows along the narrow alley. Marcus Carter stood by the window of his dimly lit apartment, his usually steady hands clenched into fists as he gazed at the world below. The cold glass beneath his palm seemed to seep into his skin, but it was not enough to calm the storm raging within him.Outside, the cacophony of traffic and the footsteps of passersby felt trivial compared to the emotional turmoil he was experiencing. Every passing second intensified the tension in Marcus's heart. He knew the decision he had to make would not only affect him but also those around him. The Moore family secret that had been hidden for so long was beginning to unravel, and the burning sense of justice within him was becoming harder to contain.In the silence of the night, Marcus's thoughts drifted back to Evelyn, the one who always made him feel both awake and submerged. He
Poor Son-in-law 20
In Marcus’s mind, various questions surfaced. Why had she returned? What did she want to say after so long apart? Every second felt heavy, as if time slowed, waiting for answers that never came.Outside, the wind blew fiercely, adding to the tense atmosphere. Marcus felt the cold attacking, but his heart was turbulent. Inside the room, piles of papers and documents lay scattered, waiting for attention that never came. Yet now, his focus was entirely on Evelyn.The decision he had to make felt increasingly urgent. In this silent yet meaningful moment, Marcus knew that everything was about to change. His pause at the threshold was not just a physical action; it was a symbol of everything that would happen next. As Evelyn stepped forward, the outside world seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of them and the tension that filled the air."I know." Her voice was soft, almost vulnerable. She stepped forward, and for a
Poor Son-in-law 21
The room felt increasingly cramped, and a sense of nostalgia warmed the otherwise tense atmosphere. Evelyn knew that beneath his tough exterior, Marcus harbored deep emotions, even as he tried to shut them away.She wanted to explore further, to remind Marcus of the beautiful moments they had shared, but the fear of rejection held her back. In the hanging silence, they stood facing each other, trapped in uncertainty, each struggling to find a way out of the darkness that had engulfed their relationship."I know you're hurting," she said, her voice slightly breaking. "And I know... I know I hurt you. I made mistakes, Marcus. I realize that now. I just... I thought maybe, after everything, we could try—""Stop." His voice was sharper this time, cutting through the tension like a knife. He took a step back, creating space between them. "Don't do this. Don't come here and act like you suddenly care."
Poor Son-in-law 22
The soft hum of the city echoed outside as Marcus Carter leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers interlocked beneath his chin. The office lights cast a gentle glow on his sharp features, the tension in his jaw betraying the calm he was desperately trying to maintain. He had spent the last two years rebuilding himself, brick by brick, after Evelyn left his life. However, he did not anticipate the storm that would follow her departure.Every corner of this room reminded him of the beautiful moments they once shared. The photos on the walls, the neatly arranged books, even the strong aroma of coffee—all brought back painful memories. He remembered how Evelyn would sit on the sofa, laughing freely, sharing stories about her day. Now, all of that felt like an illusion, an ungraspable memory.Marcus struggled to forget, but Evelyn's shadow always haunted him. He recalled her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about their
Latest Chapter
31
Instead of happiness or relief, Marcus felt a confusing mix of emotions. There was pain flowing within him, recalling everything that had happened. Every good and bad memory flashed through his mind, creating a storm of feelings that was hard to capture.Evelyn, with hopeful eyes, appeared vulnerable in this moment. He sensed the tension in the air, as if every heartbeat counted down the time before something significant would happen. Marcus struggled to find the right words, caught between the desire to move forward and the fear of potential heartbreak again.He wanted to respond to Evelyn's confession, but the words seemed to escape him. All his dreams of hearing that confession now felt like a burden weighing on his mind. He had spent years longing for Evelyn’s presence, but in this moment, he felt trapped in doubt.Evelyn continued, "I don’t expect you to forgive me just like that. I just want you to know
30
However, as he stared at the door, a faint smile crossed his lips. This war was far from over—but he was not afraid.He was ready.Marcus turned away from the door and walked toward the window of his study. The dim afternoon sunlight pierced through the glass, painting the room in hues of gold and amber. For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the tranquility, the calm before another storm.The bustling city view below gave a sense of peace, even as various strategies and potential next steps swirled in his mind. He knew time wouldn’t stand still, and every moment that passed was an opportunity to prepare for new challenges.A wave of relief flowed through him, but a sense of vigilance still enveloped his thoughts. Every decision made had to be carefully considered, and he wouldn’t let this calm make him complacent.As the sunlight began to fade, Marcus return
29
Richard turned, his expression unreadable. "You’ve started, then?"Marcus shrugged off his jacket and placed it on the back of his chair. "If you’re asking whether I’ve attacked Prescott Enterprises, the answer is yes," Marcus said bluntly, sitting at his desk.He looked at his uncle seriously, feeling the weight of responsibility grow heavier. Every step he took now had consequences, and he knew this battle would not be easy.Richard nodded, realizing Marcus's decision was a bold move. "Alright. We need to ensure we have all the necessary information to proceed."Marcus opened his desk drawer and pulled out several documents. "I’ve gathered data on Prescott and the people around him. There’s plenty to exploit."Richard approached, examining the documents. The serious expression on his face indicated that he understood the significance of this moment
28
Marcus stared at the message on his phone, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip on the device.Unknown Number. *[You can't trust anyone, Marcus. Not even those closest to you.]*The words hit him like a hammer. A wave of anxiety washed over his mind. Who sent this message? What did it mean? He felt trapped in a game far larger than himself.Marcus felt tension in his neck, and his mind began racing. He couldn't let this uncertainty take control. Carefully, he started considering who might be enemies around him. Daniel was clearly a threat, but who else could be involved?He tried to recall his last conversations with friends and colleagues. Were there any signs that they couldn't be trusted? Paranoia began to creep in, and he knew he had to be cautious.Marcus shifted his gaze from the phone and looked around the room, feeling an urgent need to secure the place. He wou
27
"Because I'm telling the truth," Evelyn said desperately. "I know you have no reason to believe me, but you need to listen. Daniel is not who you think he is. He… he’s not just targeting your business, Marcus. He’s targeting you."Marcus's heart raced in his chest, although he kept his voice steady. "What do you mean?""He's planning to hurt you," Evelyn said, her voice almost a whisper. "Physically. I heard him talking to someone last night. He… he’s angry, Marcus. He feels you’ve humiliated him, and he wants revenge."Before Marcus could respond, the call suddenly dropped. He pulled the phone from his ear, frowning as he tried to call back, but there was no answer. A sense of discomfort enveloped him, making him restless.He stood and began pacing his office, each step filled with anxiety. Thoughts of Evelyn kept swirling in his mind. He knew all too well that
26
The fact that Daniel Prescott was a real threat only emphasized the urgency of their meeting. Without a doubt, Marcus knew that Prescott wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. If Margaret had information that could help him, he would be foolish to dismiss it.He studied Margaret’s expression, searching for signs of honesty behind her calm demeanor. Despite the tension, Marcus couldn’t overlook the potential benefits of this collaboration. Leveraging Margaret’s strengths and information could be a strategically smart move, even if it meant entrusting part of himself to this enigmatic woman.With his decision becoming clearer, Marcus felt compelled to explore this possibility. He knew that every step had to be taken carefully. The choice to work together could lead them both down a dangerous path, but if it was the only way to protect Evelyn and confront Prescott, then he had to be prepared to face the risks.
25
Marcus stepped toward the corner of the street, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the cold concrete floor. He took a deep breath, trying to capture the fresh night air, even though a hint of worry lingered in his heart.This city, usually bustling, now felt quiet, as if waiting for something unexpected. He looked around, ensuring no one was watching him. Despite the risks of this meeting, he felt it was the right step.In the pocket of his coat, his hand brushed against a note he had written earlier. The information was invaluable and could change everything. Marcus knew that if he failed tonight, the consequences could be severe.He felt his heartbeat quicken as their eyes met. The woman had a mixed expression, as if waiting and worried at the same time. He stepped inside, taking in the warm and intimate atmosphere of the café, a stark contrast to the darkness outside. Soft lights cast a warm glow, creating a
24
Richard looked at him for a moment before speaking. “You need to decide, Marcus. Are you fighting for revenge, or are you fighting to protect what’s yours? Because those are two very different battles.”For a moment, Marcus said nothing, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. He respected his uncle’s wisdom, but the thought of Prescott and Evelyn together ignited a fire he couldn’t extinguish.One side of him urged immediate action, to retaliate against all the pain caused. Yet the other side recognized that revenge would only add to the chaos, ruining everything he had built. He knew he had to find balance—a way to protect what was precious without getting trapped in a cycle of hatred.The tension deepened, and Marcus felt the weight of the decision pressing on him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his swirling thoughts. He needed to think clearly and plan his next moves care
23
Each second felt like it slowed down, and Marcus felt an overwhelming wave of emotion. The beautiful memories with Evelyn, the moments when they dreamed about the future together, now loomed in a dark light. He felt as if he had been betrayed not just by Evelyn, but also by the world he believed in.In the silence of the room, Marcus struggled to maintain his composure. The pain stung, reminding him of all he had sacrificed. He remembered how hard he fought to move on after Evelyn's departure. Now, hearing that she was involved with Prescott made everything feel futile.His colleagues' eyes were on him, filled with attention and concern. They sensed the tension hanging in the air. Marcus knew he had to regain control of the situation. He couldn't let his emotions take over; he had to act wisely.He looked at Richard, trying to suppress the anger bubbling within him. Deep down, he was determined to find the truth. He coul
