Rise Of The Forsaken Son In Law

Chapter 4

The next morning, Adam woke up feeling a mix of satisfaction and nervous anticipation within of himself.

 The café’s success yesterday had lit a fire in him, and for the first time in year's, he felt like he could actually build something of his own.

 But Marcus’s parting words lingered, a reminder that he’d just scratched the surface of whatever game he’d entered. He needed to prove he was worthy, to keep this momentum going, he needed to tell the world that he wasn't an unsuccessful man, who begs his wife family for food.

As he unlocked the café and started setting up for the new day, his phone vibrated with an unknown number flashing on the screen. He hesitated, then answered without two thoughts.

“Adam Reed speaking.”

“Mr. Reed,” came Marcus’s calm, unmistakable voice. 

“I’m totally pleased with what you’ve accomplished at Rosewood Café. But if you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll need to tackle bigger challenges.”

Adam swallowed, gripping the phone tighter. “I’m ready for anything, Mr Marcus.”

“Good. Then here’s what you’re going to do.” Marcus’s tone was smooth but firm, like a teacher giving an assignment to some set of students. 

“An old manufacturing building on the east side is up for auction today. You’re going to go there, inspect it, and place a bid. It’s rundown, but in the right hands, it could become a valuable property.”

Adam felt a rush of doubt at once.

 He’d barely managed to get the café running; what did he know about bidding on industrial properties? But he pushed his doubts aside. If this was what it took, then he’d do it just to get away from all Shame and daily insult he passes through.

“Understood. I’ll go to the auction at once,” he replied.

“Good. And remember, Adam,” Marcus added with a slight edge to his voice, “don’t let anyone intimidate you or take a good advantage on you. This will be a test of your resolve. You’ll likely meet a few people who are less than pleased to see new competition.”

The line went dead before Adam could ask any questions, leaving him with a pounding heart and a mix of excitement and dread.

An hour later, Adam found himself in front of the sprawling old building Marcus had mentioned to him through the phone. With its shattered windows, crumbling walls, and graffiti-covered bricks, it looked more like an eyesore than an opportunity for him. 

But he could see potential—the kind of potential that, with a little creativity, could transform this forgotten space into something new.

The auction hall was buzzing with local businesspeople, each dressed impeccably and wearing the expressions of seasoned negotiators. 

Adam felt out of place in his suit, which, despite his best efforts, was nowhere near the polish and luxury of the tailored outfits around him.

But he lifted his chin, reminding himself of Marcus’s words: Don’t let anyone intimidate you or take advantage of you.

As soon as the auction began, Adam listened carefully, watching how the others placed their bids, noting their calculated glances and subtle shifts. The tension was thick, each person sizing up the competition with sharp, appraising looks.

When the auctioneer called out the starting bid for the manufacturing building, Adam raised his paddle to bid.

 Immediately, a murmur swept through the crowd. A few people turned to look at him, some with mild interest, others with poorly concealed amusement.

One man in particular, a tall, smug-looking figure, glanced at Adam with a smirk. He was dressed in a sleek, dark suit that screamed money, his eyes cold and assessing.

“New blood, I see,” he said quietly, just loud enough for Adam to hear. 

“You don’t look like you belong here, Mister.”

Adam ignored his statement, determined to keep his focus on the auctioneer.

The bidding quickly rose up again, and Adam was in over his head almost immediately. He watched as the numbers climbed, but he kept his hand steady, determined not to let fear take control. He knew that if he backed down now, he’d be giving up on everything he’d fought for over the weeks.

Finally, as the bidding reached a high point, Adam placed a decisive bid, his voice strong and unwavering. There was a tense silence, and he felt every eye in the room shift to him.

The smug man raised his paddle with a smirk, going over Adam’s bid. But Adam wasn’t done at this point. Heart pounding, he raised his hand again, his face a mask of determination and seriousness.

The crowd exchanged glances, whispers breaking out around him. Adam held his ground, even as his nerves threatened to betray him. He wasn’t going to lose at this point and let Marcus to shame. Even if he'd that not today.

After a few more rounds, the man with the smirk finally backed down, muttering something under his breath about “amateurs.” And with that, Adam won the bid on the place.

The auctioneer called out his number, congratulating him on the purchase. Adam’s hands shook slightly as he signed the paperwork, the reality of what he’d just done settling in. He now owned a dilapidated building—one he had no idea how to restore or repurpose. But he’d done it. He’d proven to himself, and to everyone in that room, that he was willing to go all in.

As he stepped outside, his phone rang again. It was Marcus.

“Well done, Adam,” Marcus said, his voice laced with approval.

“You stood your ground today. That’s exactly the kind of resilience I wanted to see.”

Adam let out a shaky breath, feeling the tension leave his shoulders.

 “Thank you. But what’s the next step after this? I don’t know anything about restoring a building like this.”

“That’s where your journey truly begins,” Marcus replied smoothly. 

“I’ve arranged a meeting with an architect and a project manager for tomorrow. They’re experts in revitalizing properties, and they’ll help you understand what needs to be done there.”

“Really?” Adam was surprised but grateful at same time. Marcus had thought of everything, it seemed.

“Yes,” Marcus continued. “But remember, Adam, they’ll work for you. You’re in charge now. They’ll provide guidance, but the decisions are yours to make. This project’s success or failure—rests in your hands, do you should be careful with the kind of decision you'd be making there.”

Adam nodded, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility settling over him. He wasn’t just working for himself now; he was responsible for others, for an entire project that could either elevate him or send him crashing back to the bottom.

As he hung up, he looked back at the run-down building, the dilapidated exterior now transformed in his eyes. This was more than just a mere property.

 It was a chance to build something real, something lasting. And for the first time, he felt like he was more than a shadow in someone else’s life.

But as he walked away, he didn’t notice the man from the auction—his previous competitor—watching him from across the street, a calculating expression on his face.