2025-03-10 06:38:00Instead 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 that I regret it. Regret all the choices I made and how it affected us."
Marcus felt the walls he had built over the years beginning to crack. He wanted to reach out to her, to tell her that he felt loss too, but the fear of deeper pain held him back. He wished there was a way to erase all that pain and start anew, but reality was not that simple.
The only thing left was silence, filling the room with tension. Marcus knew they were on the verge of something important, but he didn’t know if he was ready to move forward. In his heart, he missed Evelyn, but he also knew their journey would not be easy.
"Evelyn," he said after a long pause, his voice cold, "love isn’t enough. Not after what you did."
"I know," she said softly. "I know I can’t change the past. But I think you need to know the truth."
Marcus stood, turning away from her to look out the window. His hands clenched at his sides, his mind spinning. He wanted to hate her, to push her away and never look back. But a part of him—small but persistent—wanted to believe her.
"Why are you telling me this now?" he asked without turning around.
"Because it’s killing me," she said, her voice breaking. "And because I know I’ve lost you forever. But I needed to say it before it’s too late."
He turned to face Evelyn, his expression hard. "Too late for what?"
She hesitated for a moment, then stood, clutching her bag like a lifeline. "For everything," she said simply.
Before he could respond, the door opened again, and Richard walked in. The old man's sharp eyes moved between Marcus and Evelyn, his brow furrowing.
"Am I interrupting?" Richard asked, his tone casual but curious.
"No," Marcus said quickly, his voice tense. "Evelyn was just leaving."
Evelyn looked at Marcus one last time, her eyes pleading, as if hoping to find a glimmer of hope in his gaze. But he didn’t soften. There was something in Marcus that remained steadfast, keeping a distance between them despite the unspoken words hanging in the air.
With a heavy sigh, Evelyn nodded, realizing that this might not be the right time. She turned and walked toward the door, her steps feeling heavy. Each step seemed to add to the burden already weighing on her heart. As she passed Richard, she brushed against him without a word, as if wanting to leave all that had happened behind.
Outside, the world felt different—colder and quieter. The decisions she had made tangled in her mind, but she knew this was a step that had to be taken. In her heart, there was deep pain, but also a desire to find peace.
Marcus remained seated, feeling Evelyn’s presence fade away. He was trapped in his thoughts, wrestling with mixed emotions. While he wanted to reclaim what was lost, fear and doubt loomed over his steps. That moment, which should have been a turning point, now felt like a painful end.
Outside, the wind blew gently, carrying away hopes that had yet to be spoken. Marcus stared at the closed door, silently praying that someday they could find their way back to each other. But for now, they were separated by more than just physical distance—there were emotional walls they had to face before they could move forward.
After the door closed behind him, Richard crossed his arms and looked at Marcus. "What was that about?"
Marcus shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "Nothing important."
Richard wasn't convinced. "She looked upset. Did she tell you something I need to know?"
Marcus hesitated, then sighed. "She said she still loves me," he admitted.
Richard raised an eyebrow. "And do you believe her?"
"I don't know," Marcus said honestly. "But it doesn't matter. It doesn't change anything."
Richard walked over to the desk and leaned against it, studying his nephew carefully. "You're not as cold as you're pretending to be," he said.
Marcus shot him a sharp look. "What do you mean?"
"It means you're still hung up on her," Richard said bluntly. "And that's dangerous."
Marcus opened his mouth to argue, but Richard cut him off.
"Don't let her distract you," Richard said firmly. "You have bigger things to face now."
Marcus grimaced. "What do you mean?"
Richard hesitated, then stood tall. "There's something you need to know," he said, his tone serious.
Marcus's heart sank. "What is it?"
Richard glanced at the door, as if making sure they were alone. Then he moved closer. "I've been investigating the company's finances," he said quietly. "And I found something... concerning."
Marcus furrowed his brows. "What’s concerning?"
Richard hesitated, then said, "I think someone in the family has been stealing from us. For years."
The words hit Marcus like a punch to the gut. He stared at his uncle, his mind racing.
"Who?" he pressed.
Richard shook his head. "I don’t know yet," he admitted. "But I have my suspicions. And if I’m right..."
He fell silent, his expression grim.
"If you're right, what?" Marcus pressed.
Richard looked at him, his eyes cold. "If I'm right, then your father's death was not an accident."
The room fell silent, the weight of Richard's words hanging over them like a thick fog. Marcus felt his chest tighten, his heartbeat quickening. Every word Richard spoke shook the foundation of his beliefs, creating waves of uncertainty that threatened to shatter everything he had held true.
He stared at Richard, trying to grasp the meaning of that statement. His thoughts spun, recalling every detail he knew about his father's death. All this time, he had believed it was a tragic accident, an unexpected loss. But now, seeds of doubt began to sprout in his mind.
Richard's face remained stoic, but there was a sharpness in his gaze that made Marcus feel cornered. He knew Richard was not someone to take lightly. If there was truth behind his words, it could change everything. Grief and anger swirled within him, creating a pain that was hard to digest.
Marcus felt cold sweat trickle down his back. He struggled to contain the overflowing emotions, but the fear of the consequences of the truth grew deeper. What would happen if it were true? What if someone was hiding behind all this, waiting to be uncovered?
The room felt smaller, its walls seemingly closing in. He wanted to look away, but he was compelled to hold Richard's gaze. An intense silence filled the space, saturating every corner with unspoken tension. He knew this moment could be a turning point, but it could also destroy everything he had built.
In that silence, Marcus felt a whirlwind of emotions—anxiety, anger, and a longing for answers that could alter his life forever. Unbeknownst to him, he had stepped closer to the truth he had been avoiding.
"What are you saying, Uncle?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Richard sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I'm saying this is deeper than we think," he said. "And if we're going to investigate this, you need to be ready to fight."
Marcus nodded slowly, his mind racing with questions. But one thing was clear: this war was far from over.
It had just begun.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
