THE DESPISED SON-IN-LAW { RISE TO POWER}

chapter six

Rebuilding

Daniel entered the office feeling the cool breezes of the morning air. He felt a sense of belonging for the first time in many years. The system’s tasks had gradually transformed him into a confident, focused individual. His new Strategic Insight and Networking Bonus made him stand out in ways he never thought possible.

Upon arriving at his desk, his colleagues gave him curious and surprised looks. Daniel, the previously ignored and reserved worker, started accepting tasks that others didn't want. More impressively, he excelled at them.

“Daniel, can you review the Johnson report? It’s a mess,” one of his colleagues asked hesitantly.

“Sure,” Daniel replied, his tone steady. He wasn’t afraid of challenges anymore.

The system had given Daniel the tools to succeed, and he wasn’t wasting them. By midday, he had not only fixed the Johnson report but had also streamlined the process for future reports, earning praise from the department head.

From his office window, Andrew's boss observed with a furrowed brow. It wasn't logical. A few weeks ago, Daniel was barely getting by, wrestling with deadlines and frequently saying sorry for his errors. Now, he was outperforming seasoned employees.

Andrew sat back in his seat, his thoughts moving quickly. "He whispered to himself “something was not right.”

In another part of the city, Sarah enjoyed a latte at a café with a friend. Sarah was preoccupied while her friend talked endlessly about her boyfriend.

“The other day I saw Daniel looking confident, well-dressed, and capturing attention in a way I never imagined. It was a sharp difference from the man you had abandoned.”

"Sarah, are you paying any attention at all?" her friend asked while snapping her fingers.

"Apologies, could you repeat that?” Sarah replied, forcing a smile.

“I said, you seem distracted. Is everything okay?”

Sarah hesitated. “It’s... complicated. I ran into Daniel recently, and he’s... different.”

Her friend raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

“Just... better,” Sarah admitted reluctantly. “He’s not the same man I left.”

Her friend leaned closer. “Are you regretting it?”

“No!” Sarah snapped, but her voice wavered. Deep down, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

Back at the office, Daniel was finishing a presentation for a major client. He had stayed late to perfect it, knowing how important it was for the company.

Just as he was getting ready to go, Andrew showed up at the entrance.

"Working late, I see," Andrew commented, his tone relaxed yet his gaze intense.

Daniel turned around, making eye contact with him. "I am simply checking to ensure that everything is prepared for the meeting tomorrow."

Andrew entered the room with his hands tucked in his pockets. "You've been performing admirably in recent times.” Surprisingly well.”

“Thanks,” Daniel replied, keeping his expression neutral.

Andrew’s lips curled into a thin smile. “I trust you're not crossing boundaries, Daniel. Keep in mind, there is a thin line separating ambition and arrogance.

Daniel felt a hint of rage but maintained a calm tone. "I am simply carrying out my responsibilities."

Andrew gazed at him a little longer before turning around and walking away.

As the door closed, the system’s screen appeared in Daniel’s mind.

“Warning: Andrew suspects your progress. Task: Protect your position. Reward: Enhanced Strategy.”

Daniel leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. He had to be careful. Andrew wasn’t the type to let anyone threaten his authority.

The next day, Daniel presented his work to the client. The room was filled with executives, including Andrew, who sat at the head of the table, watching intently.

Daniel’s presentation was flawless. He spoke with confidence, addressing every question with precision. When he completed his task, the customer was enthusiastically nodding in agreement.

One of the executives clapped and commented, "That was impressive." "We are interested in proceeding with your proposal.”

As the meeting ended, Andrew approached Daniel, his smile forced. “Well done, Daniel. Keep this up, and you might just find yourself with more responsibility around here.”

Daniel knew better than to trust the compliment. Andrew’s eyes betrayed his true feelings—resentment and unease.

Sarah’s Growing Guilt

That evening, Sarah found herself scrolling through Daniel’s social media profile. She didn’t know why she was doing it, but she couldn’t help herself.

She saw photos of him at professional events, looking sharp and confident. Comments from colleagues praised his recent achievements.

“What are you doing, Sarah?” she whispered to herself.

She closed the app, but her thoughts lingered on Daniel. She had always believed he would never amount to much, but now she wasn’t so sure

As Daniel left the office that night, the system gave him a new task:

“Uncover Andrew’s secret. Reward: Network Expansion.”

Daniel frowned. “Andrew’s secret?” he muttered.

The system provided no further explanation, but Daniel’s instincts told him that whatever Andrew was hiding could be the key to his next move.

He made the choice to begin by closely observing Andrew, taking note of his routines and the individuals he engaged with. Not long passed before he observed something strange - Andrew regularly had meetings with a man who didn't appear to be an employee of the company.

One evening, Daniel followed them discreetly to a nearby restaurant. Seated at a nearby table, he attentively listened to their discussion.

"The man whispered that everything was in order”. “But we need to move quickly. If anyone finds out, it’s over.”

Andrew nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it under control.”

Daniel’s Strategic Insight kicked in, piecing together fragments of their conversation. Whatever they were planning, it wasn’t above board.

As Daniel left the restaurant, the system flashed a new message:

“Task Progress: 50%. Continue investigation for full reward.”

Daniel’s lips curled into a determined smile. He wasn’t just rebuilding his life—he was taking control of it. And Andrew, the man who once humiliated him, was about to face the consequences.