2025-03-07 15:08:00The 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.
“I’ll think about it,” Marcus finally said, standing up.
He felt the tension flowing between them. Although he didn’t want to acknowledge Margaret’s presence in his life, her statement hung in the air, demanding attention. He tried to calm his swirling thoughts, reflecting on what they had just discussed.
Margaret’s lips curved into a sly smile. “I knew you would see reason. But don’t take too long, Marcus. Time is not on your side.”
That smile was not reassuring, rather, it reminded him of how dangerous this situation was. He knew that Margaret wouldn’t give him time to ponder. Time was an ever-ticking enemy, and a decision needed to be made quickly.
Without another word, Marcus turned and walked out of the café, his mind racing.
As he stepped outside, the cool night air welcomed him, but Marcus’s thoughts remained focused on the looming threat. He walked quickly, trying to shake off the shadow of Margaret and her words that kept spinning in his head.
He had to consider all possibilities, and Margaret might hold the key to facing Daniel Prescott. Yet, doubt and uncertainty haunted every step he took. He was not only confronting Margaret but also the consequences of every decision made.
Walking through the quiet streets, Marcus felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Evelyn was on his mind, and he knew he had to protect her. In the darkness of the night, his resolve grew stronger. If he wanted to survive, he had to find a way to take control of this situation, even if it meant forming an uncomfortable alliance with Margaret.
The journey back to his office felt tense, every second dragging on. The burden of Margaret’s words filled his thoughts, pressing heavily on his shoulders. Although he didn’t trust the woman, the truth in her statements couldn’t be ignored. Daniel Prescott was not just another rival, he was a cunning predator always lurking, and Marcus felt like his prey.
Every streetlight he passed seemed to remind him of the lurking threat. Thoughts of Prescott continued to swirl in his mind, reminding him of all the risks associated with this meeting. Marcus tried to calm himself, but uncertainty crept in, undermining his focus.
Upon arriving at the office, the usually familiar atmosphere felt foreign. He sat at his desk, trying to concentrate on the pile of work waiting for him. Yet, his mind kept drifting back to the meeting with Margaret and the plans that needed to be made urgently.
He knew that Prescott wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. Every step Marcus took had to be calculated. Involvement with Margaret could be a way out, but it could also be a trap. He had to be strategic, looking for ways to outsmart Prescott while still protecting Evelyn.
With all his strength, Marcus tried to shake off the doubts and focus on what needed to be done. He couldn’t allow fear to take over. In this world full of intrigue, he had to be smarter and quicker than his opponents. Time was not on his side, and he had to act before it was too late.
Marcus found Richard waiting for him, his uncle’s expression always serious.
“Where have you been?” Richard asked, his voice a mix of concern and accusation.
Marcus shrugged off his coat, hanging it behind the chair. “Just taking care of some business.”
Richard frowned, arms crossed. “What kind of business?”
Marcus hesitated. He knew Richard wouldn’t approve of his meeting with Margaret, but he also knew he couldn’t keep his uncle in the dark. “I met with Margaret Moore,” he finally admitted.
Richard’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You did what?”
“She contacted me,” Marcus explained, his voice calm but firm. “She claims Daniel is a threat to her family too. She wants to form an alliance.”
Richard shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. “And you believe her?”
“I don’t trust her,” Marcus acknowledged. “But I can’t ignore the possibility that she might be telling the truth. If Prescott is as dangerous as she says, we need all the help we can get.”
Richard sighed, rubbing his face. "This is a dangerous game you're playing, Marcus. Margaret Moore is not someone you can rely on."
"I'm not relying on her," Marcus replied sharply, emphasizing the difference. "I'm using her. That's different."
Richard didn’t look convinced, but he chose not to argue further. "Just be careful," he said finally, a worried tone in his voice.
Marcus nodded, though in his heart he knew the warning was unnecessary. He was fully aware of the risks involved, and the courage to step into an uncomfortable partnership with Margaret was a decision made with careful consideration.
Richard shrugged, seemingly accepting that answer. However, Marcus felt the tension enveloping them. He knew the situation was more complicated than it appeared. Even though he was confident in his strategy, doubt still lurked in the background.
When Richard left, Marcus refocused on the tasks at his desk, but his mind remained torn between his job responsibilities and the looming threat. He had to prepare himself, finding a way to deal with Prescott before his moves went too far.
Late that night, Marcus was reviewing documents in his office when his phone vibrated. He frowned, picked it up, and saw Evelyn's name on the screen.
He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Evelyn."
Evelyn's voice sounded shaky, almost panicked. "Marcus, we need to talk."
"We have nothing to discuss," Marcus replied calmly.
"Please," Evelyn said, her tone pleading. "This isn’t about us. It’s about Daniel. He’s planning something—something dangerous."
Marcus tightened his grip on the phone. "And why should I trust you?"
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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
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
Latest Chapter
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
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
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."
