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 dreams. Yet, all of that shattered when they both found themselves caught in an unavoidable storm of conflict. Her departure left a deep wound, and even though he tried to move on, the pain loomed over every step he took.

“Sir, the meeting is about to begin,” Claire, his assistant, said as she peeked into the room. Her voice was steady and professional, but even she couldn’t hide a slight tremor in her tone. She knew Marcus hated interruptions, especially when he was deep in thought.

Marcus exhaled, standing quickly but purposefully. “I’ll be there shortly,” he replied, his voice low but firm.

He felt the tension inside him, struggling to shift his focus away from the sudden memories of Evelyn. With quick steps, he walked to the meeting table, trying to ignore the swirl of thoughts in his mind. Each step felt heavy, as if he were carrying an invisible burden.

As the door closed behind him, he took a brief moment to collect his thoughts. The name that had been echoing in his mind over the past week lingered: Daniel Prescott. The man was an arrogant businessman hungry for power and had been making waves in the corporate world. However, it wasn’t Prescott’s rising influence that worried Marcus—it was the whispers he had heard about Prescott’s personal connections.

The connection in question was not just about business, but an unsettling relationship with Evelyn. Rumors circulating among colleagues and on social media suggested that Prescott had approached Evelyn, offering enticing job opportunities. Marcus felt a heat rise in his chest at the thought of that man circling around the woman who had once been his entire world.

With thoughts swirling, Marcus felt uncertainty envelop him. He not only had to confront his feelings for Evelyn, but also the threat that Prescott posed. The man was not just a business rival; he was a symbol of everything Marcus was trying to avoid—uncertainty, pain, and the possibility of loss.

Marcus stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the towering skyscrapers. This city, once vibrant and full of potential, now seemed like a confusing maze. Every corner held painful memories. He recalled the times when he and Evelyn planned their future, dreams that now felt so distant.

He knew that Prescott was a real threat, and he had to prepare. Yet, the emotional pain weighing on his heart made him hesitant to act. Should he protect what remained of his relationship with Evelyn, or would he let himself get caught up in a dangerous power game?

Marcus did not let fear overtake him. He had to do something—confront Prescott, find out what was really going on, and determine his next steps. In that moment, he felt there was something larger at play than just business; this was a fight for his heart and future.

With one last look at his reflection in the glass window, Marcus straightened his tie and walked toward the conference room.

The room was already full when he entered, his presence immediately drawing attention. Richard Carter, his uncle, stood at the head of the table, his expression as serious as ever.

“Ah, Marcus,” Richard said, his tone warm yet firm. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

Marcus gave a brief nod and stepped forward, feeling the hopeful and skeptical gazes of his colleagues. He knew his presence here was not just to participate in the meeting; it was a crucial moment to assert his position within the company.

Marcus took a seat next to his uncle. “I apologize. I needed a moment to prepare.”

Richard gave him an understanding look but said nothing further. Instead, he redirected his attention back to the group. “Let’s get straight to the point. Prescott Enterprises is moving to acquire several properties that directly compete with our interests. If we don’t act now, they’ll undermine everything we’ve built.”

Marcus’s muscles tensed. “What do we know about Daniel Prescott himself?”

“I’ve done some digging,” Richard said, leaning forward. His voice lowered, his words deliberate. “He’s ruthless, ambitious, and doesn’t play by the rules. But there’s more. I believe he’s... connected to Evelyn.”

The room fell silent. The atmosphere grew tense, and all eyes turned to Marcus. He felt his heart race, blood rushing in his ears. The information hit him like a blow, unearthing all the anxiety he had tried to hide.

Marcus’s gaze darkened, his fingers clenching beneath the table. “Connected how?” he asked, his voice cold and sharp, holding back the emotions threatening to spill over. He knew this was a critical moment—a decision that would impact not only his career but also the relationship he had fought to maintain.

Richard observed Marcus, aware of how deep his feelings ran.

Richard hesitated, his gaze meeting Marcus's. "She is... his new partner."

The words hung in the air like a dagger, piercing directly into Marcus's heart. Thoughts spun in his mind, the image of Evelyn's betrayal replaying vividly. He thought he had buried those emotions—anger, pain, and the lingering sense of betrayal—but now they surged back with full force.