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 floor of the Prescott Industries lobby. The air inside was cold, sterile, and buzzing with the hum of activity. Employees rushed past him, clutching files and coffee cups, barely sparing him a glance.

Perfect.

He approached the front desk, where a young receptionist greeted him with a polite smile.

“Good morning. How can I help you?” she asked, her tone brisk but professional.

“Good morning,” Marcus replied smoothly, his voice calm and measured. “I’m here to meet Mr. Grant. I believe he’s expecting me.”

The receptionist’s fingers flew across her keyboard, her eyes scanning the screen in front of her. “Ah, yes. Mr. Grant mentioned you’d be starting today. Welcome to Prescott Industries, Mr. Reeves.”

“Thank you,” Marcus said, inclining his head slightly. The name felt foreign in his mouth—Ethan Reeves—but it was a necessary part of the plan. Marcus Carter had no place here, not yet.

“Take the elevator to the 22nd floor,” the receptionist continued, gesturing toward the bank of elevators. “Someone will meet you there to show you around.”

Marcus nodded, offering her a polite smile before heading toward the elevators. As the doors slid shut behind him, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirrored walls. His dark suit was impeccably tailored, his hair styled neatly, and his expression calm yet unreadable. Even he barely recognized the man staring back at him.

The 22nd floor was a hive of activity. The open office space buzzed with the sounds of phones ringing, keyboards clacking, and voices murmuring over hushed conversations. Marcus stepped out of the elevator, his eyes scanning the room with quiet curiosity.

“Mr. Reeves?” A voice interrupted his thoughts, and Marcus turned to see a middle-aged man with a friendly smile approaching him. “I’m Jonathan Grant. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, Mr. Grant,” Marcus replied, shaking the man’s hand firmly.

“Please, call me Jonathan,” the man said, gesturing for Marcus to follow him. “Let me show you around before we get started.”

As Jonathan led him through the office, Marcus paid close attention to every detail—the layout, the staff, the subtle hierarchy in their interactions. He asked polite questions, careful not to seem too curious, while cataloging everything in his mind.

“And this,” Jonathan said, stopping in front of a set of glass doors, “is the executive wing. You probably won’t be spending much time here, but it’s good to know your way around.”

Marcus nodded, his gaze lingering on the sleek, modern decor. He knew exactly who worked in this part of the building—Daniel Prescott, Evelyn Moore, and the rest of the senior leadership team. The thought of being so close to them sent a ripple of satisfaction through him.

As they turned to leave, the sound of heels clicking against the floor caught his attention. Marcus froze for a fraction of a second before turning his head, and there she was.

Evelyn.

She was as striking as ever, her sharp features softened slightly by a touch of makeup, her dark hair pulled into a sleek bun. She walked with an air of confidence, her tailored blazer and pencil skirt emphasizing her commanding presence. But there was something else there, too—something Marcus hadn’t noticed before. A tension in her shoulders, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

For a brief moment, their eyes met. Evelyn’s steps faltered, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied him. Marcus felt his pulse quicken, but he kept his expression neutral, offering her a polite nod before looking away.

“Do you know her?” Jonathan asked, lowering his voice as they continued walking.

“No,” Marcus lied smoothly. “Should I?”

Jonathan chuckled. “That’s Evelyn Moore, our COO. She’s… well, let’s just say she’s not someone you want to get on the wrong side of.”

Marcus’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Evelyn watched the man disappear down the hallway, a strange unease settling in her chest. There was something familiar about him—something she couldn’t quite place. Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought. She didn’t have time for distractions.

Returning to her office, Evelyn closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment. The weight of the past few months pressed heavily on her. Daniel had been pushing her harder than ever, the company’s rapid expansion leaving little room for error. And then there was Margaret, her mother, whose endless criticisms rang in her ears even now.

“Focus, Evelyn,” she muttered to herself, straightening up and moving to her desk.

But even as she buried herself in work, the image of the man lingered in the back of her mind.

By midday, Marcus was already making an impression. His sharp mind and calm demeanor quickly caught the attention of his colleagues, and Jonathan seemed genuinely impressed with his work.

“You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Ethan,” Jonathan said during a brief meeting in his office. “I can see why Mr. Prescott was eager to bring you on board.”

Marcus raised an eyebrow, inwardly amused. Daniel had no idea who he’d just let into his company, but the irony wasn’t lost on him.

“Thank you, Jonathan,” Marcus replied. “I appreciate the opportunity.”

As the day progressed, Marcus continued to observe and adapt, carefully building his facade. He avoided drawing too much attention to himself but made sure to leave a lasting impression on those he interacted with. He was playing the long game, and every move mattered.

By the end of the day, Marcus found himself in the break room, sipping a cup of coffee as he reviewed the notes he’d taken. He was so focused that he didn’t notice the figure approaching him until it was too late.

“Mr. Reeves, isn’t it?”

Marcus looked up, his expression calm as he met the gaze of the man standing before him. It was Daniel Prescott.

“Yes,” Marcus replied, setting his cup down and extending a hand. “And you must be Mr. Prescott. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Daniel shook his hand, his grip firm but slightly condescending. “I’ve heard good things about you already. Let’s hope you live up to the expectations.”

Marcus smiled politely. “I’ll do my best.”

As Daniel walked away, Marcus’s smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. He knew this was only the beginning, but he was ready.

Turning his attention back to his notes, he added one last line: Get closer to Evelyn. The cracks are already starting to show.

And with that, Marcus left the break room, his mind racing with possibilities.