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, deep down, he knew there was no escaping it forever.
The sound of engines broke his thoughts. Marcus looked up to see a line of sleek black cars turning the corner and heading toward him. The convoy moved with precision, the vehicles gleaming under the weak morning sun. At the front was a black SUV, its tinted windows hiding the occupants inside.
As the cars pulled up in front of him, the SUV's door opened, and Richard stepped out.
Richard Carter was a man who commanded attention. Even in his late fifties, he carried himself with a confidence that bordered on intimidating. His tailored navy suit fit him perfectly, and the silver in his hair only added to his air of authority. He approached Marcus with measured steps, his gaze sharp and appraising.
"Marcus," Richard said, his voice steady but warm. "It's been a long time."
"Uncle," Marcus replied, nodding respectfully. His tone was formal, though there was a hint of unease in his posture.
Richard's eyes flicked to the suitcase at Marcus's feet. "I see you're ready."
Marcus shrugged. "Not much to take. I'm leaving everything else behind."
Richard's lips tightened into a thin line. "Good. You don't need any of it. Come, get in the car. We have much to discuss."
Without waiting for a response, Richard turned and gestured toward the SUV. Marcus hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the house one last time. Then, with a sigh, he picked up his suitcase and followed his uncle.
The ride was silent at first. The interior of the SUV was luxurious, the leather seats soft and the atmosphere quiet save for the hum of the engine. Marcus sat stiffly, his hands resting on his lap, while Richard sat across from him, studying him carefully.
"You've changed," Richard said finally, breaking the silence. "There's something different about you."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
Richard leaned back, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "You used to be... softer. More forgiving. But now, I see something else in you. Anger. Determination." He paused, then added, "That's good. You'll need it."
Marcus frowned. "Need it for what?"
Richard's expression grew serious. "Marcus, do you know why I've come for you? Why I'm here now, after all this time?"
Marcus shook his head. "I assumed it had something to do with family obligations. Or maybe you just couldn't resist meddling."
Richard chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "It's more than that. Marcus, you are a Carter. And whether you like it or not, that name carries weight. Power. Influence. For years, I've respected your decision to live your own life, to keep your distance from the family. But now... now, I need you to come back."
Marcus's brow furrowed. "Why now? What's changed?"
Richard leaned forward, his voice lowering. "The family business has grown. The Carter Group is bigger than ever, but it's also under threat—from competitors, from internal dissent. I need someone I can trust to stand by my side. Someone who can carry the legacy forward."
Marcus shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "You're asking me to come back after all these years? After I've built a life for myself? You think I can just step into this... role you've created for me?"
"I'm not asking," Richard said firmly. "I'm telling you. You belong with us, Marcus. You've wasted enough time. It's time to take your place."
Marcus's jaw tightened. He looked out the window, watching the city blur past. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts. He had spent years trying to escape the shadow of the Carter name, to carve out his own identity. But now, after everything that had happened—after Evelyn, after losing everything—maybe it was time to stop running.
"What if I say no?" Marcus asked quietly, his tone challenging.
Richard's gaze didn't waver. "You won't."
Marcus turned back to face him, their eyes locking. There was a long moment of silence, the air between them heavy with unspoken tension. Finally, Marcus sighed and leaned back in his seat.
"Fine," he said. "I'll hear you out. But I'm not promising anything."
Richard's expression softened slightly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "That's all I ask."
The SUV pulled into a grand estate on the outskirts of the city. The gates opened smoothly, revealing a sprawling mansion surrounded by manicured gardens and fountains. Marcus couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort as they drove up the long driveway. This world—the world of wealth and privilege—was one he had tried so hard to leave behind.
Inside, the mansion was just as opulent as he remembered. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and artwork that probably cost more than his entire salary from the last five years. Richard led him to a private study, the walls lined with books and the scent of old leather filling the air.
"Sit," Richard said, gesturing to a chair. Marcus obeyed, sinking into the plush seat.
Richard poured himself a glass of whiskey and offered one to Marcus, who declined. He took a sip before speaking.
"You'll need to start fresh," Richard said. "A new direction, a new purpose. And I think I know just the place for you to begin."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "And where's that?"
Richard set his glass down and leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "The company where Evelyn works. Prescott Enterprises."
Marcus froze, his heart skipping a beat. "You want me to—what? Spy on her? Take her down?"
Richard shook his head. "I want you to show her—and everyone else—who you really are. You've been knocked down, Marcus. But now, it's time to rise."
Marcus's hands clenched into fists. The thought of facing Evelyn again, of stepping into her world, filled him with equal parts dread and determination. He didn't know if he could do it—if he could stomach the thought of seeing her with Daniel Prescott, the man she had chosen over him. But at the same time, the idea of reclaiming his power, of proving himself, was too tempting to ignore.
"I'll think about it," Marcus said finally, his voice steady.
Richard nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's all I ask."
Later that night, Marcus stood by the window of the guest room, staring out at the darkened estate. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, his emotions a tangled mess. He had no idea what the future held, but one thing was certain: he couldn't go back to the man he used to be.
He pulled out his phone and stared at the screen for a moment before dialing a number. It rang twice before a familiar voice answered.
"Hello?" Evelyn's voice was soft, almost hesitant.
Marcus's grip on the phone tightened. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "We need to talk."
The line went silent for a moment before Evelyn replied, her tone wary. "Marcus, what is this about?"
"You'll see," he said, and then hung up.
As he set the phone down, a small, bitter smile crossed his lips. This wasn't just about Evelyn. It wasn't just about revenge. This was about him—about reclaiming his life, his identity, his power.
And he wasn't going to stop until he had it all.
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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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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
Poor Son-in-law 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.
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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