2024-10-29 00:31:01James tried to process the shock as he faced Victor in the grand, opulent office.
“So… you’re telling me my father, the man who couldn’t afford hospital bills, was secretly a billionaire?” James’s voice was thick with disbelief.
Victor nodded, his gaze steady. “Not just a billionaire, James. He built Maple Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the country. And as of today, it’s all yours.”
James laughed bitterly. “This feels like some kind of joke. Why would he keep this hidden from us?”
Victor’s expression softened. “David was a man of many secrets, but he wanted you to inherit everything once you were ready. Today is that day.”
James shook his head, struggling to understand. “So… my sister? Her medical expenses?”
Victor leaned forward. “Taken care of. A private team is with her as we speak.”
James exhaled slowly, relief flooding him. “Thank you… I mean, thank you for everything. But I just… I don’t understand why my father would let us live like that.”
Victor studied him for a moment. “Maybe he wanted you to grow strong without relying on wealth. Whatever the reason, he trusted you with this.”
James blinked, still trying to absorb the news. “And the money… you said there was an account?”
Victor handed him a sleek tablet. “Check it yourself.”
James entered his details, his breath catching as the balance popped up. “$160 million…”
“Consider it a start,” Victor said calmly.
“A start?” James’s voice was barely a whisper. He shook his head, forcing himself back to the present. “Thank you, Victor. I mean it. This changes… everything.”
Victor gave a slight smile. “It’s your legacy, James. Make the most of it.”
At the hospital, James sat beside Emily’s bed, watching her as she lay asleep, a peaceful contrast to the pain that had haunted her.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more before,” he murmured, gently squeezing her hand. “But from now on, everything will be different. I’ll protect you, Emily. I swear.”
He thought back to the accident, his chest tightening with anger. He now knew who was behind it—Tom Mason, the wealthy playboy who’d walked away scot-free.
James clenched his fists. “I won’t let him get away with it,” he muttered. “He’s going to pay for what he did to you.”
The memory of Victor’s words echoed in his mind: Tom Mason might be powerful, but he’s not invincible.
“Not anymore,” James vowed under his breath. He knew what he had to do.
Just then, his phone buzzed. He frowned, surprised to see a voice message from Pamela.
“Hey… I transferred fifty thousand to your account. Don’t ask why. Just… use it for whatever you need,” she said, her tone unexpectedly gentle.
James couldn’t help but smile. Pamela, who always seemed distant, had gone out of her way to help. Maybe there was still some kindness in her after all.
An idea formed. “Time to show some appreciation.”
He found himself at the city’s most luxurious jewelry store, eyes fixed on a dazzling necklace in the display case.
The sales assistant beamed. “This is ‘Eternal Love.’ One of a kind. $800,000.”
Without a second thought, James nodded. “I’ll take it.”
As he arrived home, a black Mercedes parked out front caught his eye. His stomach twisted when he recognized it.
“Tom,” he muttered, a surge of anger rising within him.
Taking a steadying breath, he clenched his fists. It’s time to settle things, once and for all.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 3
James paused in the doorway, taking in the sight before him. Tom sat on the leather couch, laughing and talking with his in-laws, a glass of expensive wine in hand and a smug grin plastered on his face. James’s jaw tightened.Helen glanced up, her eyes narrowing. “Look who finally decided to join us,” she sneered. “James, maybe take some notes from Tom here on how to be a real provider.”George chuckled. “Maybe if you learned to be a man, we wouldn’t have to entertain better options for Pamela.”James ignored them, his gaze fixed on Tom. “Interesting choice of company, Tom.”Tom raised his glass, feigning surprise. “James! Always a pleasure.”“Is it?” James replied, his tone ice-cold. His eyes flicked to the lavish gifts spread across the table: vintage wine, a designer handbag, and a diamond necklace.Helen clapped her hands. “Oh, look at what Tom brought! Real gifts, not the cheap things you get for Pamela.”Tom leaned toward Pamela, placing the necklace in her lap. “This would look
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 4
James’s voice was ice-cold, each word clipped with barely contained fury. “You think $3,000 will cover what you did to my sister, Tom?”Tom gave a smug shrug, slipping a wad of cash out of his wallet and tossing it onto the table. “It’s more than you’ve ever seen, James. Take it or leave it.”Helen laughed, picking up the cash. “Honestly, James, maybe spend this on something useful. Like… makeup for me.”The comment hung in the air, and James felt his anger boiling over. He looked around at their smug, indifferent faces, something inside him snapping. Without a word, he grabbed the expensive bottle of wine from the table, his grip firm.Before Tom could react, James swung, smashing the bottle against the side of Tom’s head. Glass shattered, and Tom slumped back, a stunned expression replacing his arrogant smirk.Helen gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “James! Have you lost your mind?”But James ignored her, his eyes blazing as he grabbed another bottle, letting the moment settle.
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 5
James couldn’t help but smirk as he read through the high school reunion chat on his phone. The messages from Luke Hunter, flaunting his “success” and throwing jabs about James’s past poverty, were nothing short of juvenile. The insults piled up, old accusations resurfacing, and his former classmates joined in, laughing at his expense.Same old Luke, James thought, feeling a familiar anger simmer inside him. Memories of high school came flooding back—the day Luke had framed him for theft, the shame he endured, the way everyone had turned on him. But today, he wasn’t that powerless teenager anymore. He was ready to respond… in his own way.James opened his banking app, set up a string of transfers, each accompanied by a custom message, and began sending money into the group chat.A notification appeared in the chat:James Smith sent $50“Luke is a dumbass.”Within seconds, another:James Smith sent $100“Luke is a coward.”The chat exploded with curiosity and laughter as each new trans
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 6
Luke’s voice echoed across the lobby of Maple Properties as he strode toward James, his expression smug with exaggerated authority. “James! Didn’t expect to see you here so soon. Or did you come to beg for a real job?”James looked up from his phone, his calm demeanor only fueling Luke’s ire. He chose silence, watching as Luke’s eyes narrowed, irate.“Silent, huh? Figures.” Luke turned to the security guards and barked, “Get this guy a mop and bucket. He’s perfect for the toilets.”The security captain, a wiry man with a barely concealed smirk, jumped in. “You heard the man, James. Time to clean up after the real employees.” He chuckled, elbowing his fellow guards, who joined in the mockery.Luke stepped closer, his voice low but full of venom. “You think you can embarrass me in front of everyone, and I’ll just let it slide? No chance. You’re going to remember your place, pauper.”James stood his ground, his calm gaze never leaving Luke. If only you knew, he thought, swallowing the ur
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 7
The dim light of the restroom flickered above as James stood cornered by two security guards, their sneers making it clear they relished this moment.“Guess you didn’t think you’d end up back here, did you, ‘Mr. Carter’?” one guard jeered, pushing him toward the stalls. “Still pretending to be someone important?”James remained silent, his gaze steady despite the humiliation. Let them think they have the upper hand, he told himself. Their time will come.Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He managed to pull it out, seeing Alexis Lane’s name flash across the screen. But before he could answer, the guard nearest him snatched the phone.“Well, well, what’s this? Ms. Lane is calling you? Trying to get help, huh?” The guard laughed and answered the call, pressing the speaker button.“Hello, James?” Alexis’s voice was sharp, laced with authority. “Where are you?”“Oh, James is a little busy right now,” the guard sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. “Why don’t you mind your bu
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 8
James strode down the hallway of Maple Properties, his steps quick and resolute, the echo of Ray and the guards’ humiliation still lingering in his mind. Alexis walked beside him, her demeanor professional and respectful, an evident contrast to the earlier mockery he had faced.She gestured toward a set of polished mahogany doors. “Mr. Carter, here’s your office,” she said, opening the door to reveal a spacious, luxurious workspace with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline.James took in the opulent setting—a modern desk, state-of-the-art equipment, and plush leather seating arranged around a glass coffee table. He turned to Alexis, his expression calm but curious. “Quite the upgrade from the construction site, don’t you think?”She managed a smile, an acknowledgment of his past. “I’m genuinely sorry for how you were treated earlier. It was inexcusable.”James gave her a curt nod. “I appreciate your support, Alexis. And I’ll need it, especially as we investigate Ray’s
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 9
James stood his ground, his gaze unwavering as Dr. Robert Blake smirked, eyes gleaming with arrogant malice. “You think you can record me and get away with it, Carter?” Robert sneered, signaling to the guards. “Take his phone. I want it destroyed.”The three guards advanced, each grabbing for his arms. James twisted, dodging their reach as he held his phone high. “This recording will be heard,” he said, his voice firm. “And everyone will know what you’ve done to Emily.”Robert laughed, a cruel sound. “You’re playing with fire, James. I could have you and your family blacklisted from every medical institution in the state.”A murmur went through the crowd of patients and visitors gathering in the corridor, their expressions shifting from confusion to outrage as they took in the scene.“This is terrible! They shouldn’t treat her like this!” someone whispered.But Robert’s gaze turned icy, and with a swift glare, he silenced the bystanders. “If any of you interfere, I’ll make sure you re
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 10
The corridor was silent save for the harsh, echoing sound of Richard’s strikes against Todd’s legs. Each brutal blow resonated with sickening cracks, and Todd’s screams filled the air as his bones shattered. His once-arrogant demeanor was gone, replaced by bloodied, broken agony. James watched without flinching, feeling a strange satisfaction at the justice unfolding before him.Laura, Todd’s mother, lunged forward, her face twisted with rage. “You monster!” she screamed, her voice raw with fury. “You can’t do this to my son!”Richard turned calmly and, without hesitation, kicked her back with a force that sent her sprawling to the ground. He took a step forward, towering over her. “I suggest you stay silent,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “Or you’ll find yourself joining him.”Laura’s face paled, and she crawled backward, too terrified to speak. Henry, Todd’s father, stood frozen, his eyes wide with fear as he realized the danger of crossing James and his powerful allies.Dr.
Latest Chapter
Chapter 77
James stood in his office, his fingers drumming lightly on the polished surface of his desk. The weight of everything that had transpired in the last few weeks pressed on him, but he couldn’t afford to falter now. Garth was finished, his influence shattered, but Brandon still had one more move left.Victor entered the office, his expression unreadable as he set a file down in front of James.“It’s just as we suspected,” Victor said. “Brandon had a contingency plan. Even with Garth out of the picture, he’s been working behind the scenes to rebuild his influence. And now…” He exhaled sharply. “He’s gone international.”James’s jaw clenched. He had anticipated Brandon wouldn’t go down easily, but to think he was expanding his reach beyond their immediate battlefield—it was a move that could prolong their war.“What’s his angle?” James asked, flipping open the file.Victor leaned against the desk. “He’s securing investments from foreign backers, people who don’t care about his past failur
Chapter 76
The media erupted with praise for James, hailing him as a mastermind who had dismantled one of the most corrupt business empires in the country. Headlines praised his strategic brilliance, and social media buzzed with admiration for how he had exposed Brandon Holt’s criminal activities.Pamela watched the news unfold from their living room, her gaze flickering between the television screen and James, who sat across from her, calmly scrolling through his phone. He looked unbothered by the storm he had created, as if this was just another day for him.“You don’t seem surprised by any of this,” she remarked, tilting her head.James smirked, setting his phone down. “I expected it. Brandon dug his own grave the moment he underestimated me.”Pamela studied him for a moment. The man she had once thought of as a pushover had become an unstoppable force. And yet, even with all the power and recognition he now held, he still carried himself with the same quiet confidence.“Are you happy?” she a
Chapter 75
James stood at the center of the chaos, his sharp eyes scanning the aftermath of Garth’s downfall. The entire city had witnessed the exposure of Garth’s criminal dealings money laundering, illegal contracts, and bribery schemes, all meticulously revealed through James’s strategic moves. Garth had fallen from grace, his empire collapsing overnight.Pamela clutched James’s hand, her fingers trembling. The memories of her abduction were still fresh, the fear lingering in her eyes, but she had never felt safer than she did now, standing beside him. “You really planned everything, didn’t you?” she whispered, admiration creeping into her tone.James’s lips curled into a small, knowing smirk. “I told you, Pamela. I protect what’s mine.”The press had been relentless in their coverage of Garth’s fall, and with Victor’s influence, the authorities had moved swiftly. By now, Garth was facing multiple charges, his allies abandoning him one by one. He was done. But James knew better than to celebr
Chapter 74
James crouched behind the SUV, his sharp eyes scanning the armed men who had just arrived. The air was thick with tension, the sound of boots crunching against gravel as Brandon’s men fanned out, surrounding the area. Their guns were drawn, but James remained still, calculating.Victor had already driven off with Pamela, taking the back road out of the farmhouse. That was the only thing James needed to be sure of her safety. Now, all that was left was dealing with the men in front of him.A familiar voice cut through the night.“James.”James turned his head slightly, spotting a man stepping forward from the group. He was tall, well-dressed despite the dirt road, and carried himself with the confidence of someone who believed he was untouchable.It was Carter Langley, one of Brandon’s top enforcers.“You should’ve stayed out of this,” Carter said, shaking his head. “You just don’t know when to quit.”James smirked. “And you don’t know when you’re being used as cannon fodder.”Carter’s
Chapter 73
The night air was crisp as James led Pamela out of the farmhouse, his grip on her hand firm but gentle. The weight of the moment still pressed down on him, but the immediate danger had passed. Garth was subdued, tied up under Victor’s watchful eye, and backup was on its way. Yet James knew better than to relax.This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.Pamela was quiet as they walked toward the waiting SUV, her hand still in his. James glanced down at her, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of injury. She had been through hell, and yet, she was holding herself together. That strength of hers—it was something he admired more than she would ever know.“You’re safe now,” James murmured, his voice rough with emotion.Pamela exhaled slowly, then looked up at him. “I knew you’d come,” she whispered.A ghost of a smile flickered across James’s lips. “You’re stuck with me, remember?”Despite the adrenaline still pumping through her veins, Pamela let out a small, breathy laugh. But before eithe
Chapter 72
The farmhouse loomed in front of them like a fortress, isolated from the world by its distance from civilization. James’s instincts screamed that they were walking into a trap, but he couldn’t afford hesitation. Pamela was inside, and every second counted.Victor motioned for silence as they crouched behind a thick hedge, just outside the line of sight of the farmhouse’s lone guard. The men on the inside wouldn’t be expecting them yet. The element of surprise was their best weapon.“We’ll split into two teams,” Victor whispered, his voice low but firm. “I’ll take the back. You go in through the front.”James glanced over at Victor, his face set in determination. “No, we go together. We clear every room. We’re not taking any chances.”Victor didn’t argue. He knew James wasn’t going to let anything stand in his way, not with Pamela’s life hanging in the balance.James adjusted the gun holstered at his side, then checked the tactical earpiece in his ear. It was connected to the team they
Chapter 71
Garth, desperate and cornered by the mounting pressure from both James and his dwindling resources, decides to take drastic action. In the dead of night, he orchestrates a daring plan to kidnap Pamela. He believes that by taking her, he can force James to make a devastating choice, either give up his empire or watch his wife suffer.Pamela is taken from their home by a group of Garth’s hired men. James, who is out on business, arrives to find her missing, with a chilling note left behind demanding James’s compliance. The note threatens Pamela’s life if James doesn’t meet Garth’s terms.James immediately contacts Victor for help. The two begin working together, leveraging their combined resources and connections to trace Pamela’s whereabouts.The morning sun cast a soft glow over the Maple estate, but inside, all was far from peaceful. James had just finished a high-level meeting with his board when his phone buzzed incessantly on the desk. His eyes scanned the room for Victor, who was
Chapter 70
The Maple Group boardroom buzzed with anticipation. James stood at the head of the table, a series of documents and digital files projected on the large screen behind him. Pamela sat to the side, her gaze steady on her husband. She had come to admire his meticulous planning and unyielding determination.“This,” James began, pointing to a highlighted section of a document, “is the beginning of the end for Brandon Holt.”The room quieted, the gravity of his statement settling over the board members. James had spent months collecting evidence of Brandon’s illicit activities: embezzlement, fraudulent contracts, bribery, and even involvement in a smuggling ring. The sheer weight of the proof was staggering.“Today, we release the first wave,” James said.With a nod to Victor, his trusted advisor, James watched as the files were uploaded onto various secure platforms, simultaneously reaching key media outlets, government agencies, and business networks.The response was immediate. Within ho
Chapter 69
The tension in the air was suffocating. Pamela sat in her living room, her heart pounding as she stared at the extra security team James had stationed around their home. Emily sat beside her, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing outside.James had left early that morning, his face grim but determined. Pamela could still hear his parting words echoing in her mind.“Stay inside. Don’t go anywhere unless I call you. Trust me, Pamela. I’ll handle this.”But she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were spiraling out of control. Brandon’s desperation made him unpredictable, and the idea of him targeting her or Emily filled her with dread.As the hours dragged on, Pamela tried to distract herself, but her mind kept wandering to James. How much longer could he carry this burden? How far would Brandon go to take him down?Meanwhile, at Holt Industries, chaos reigned. Brandon paced his office, his phone pressed to his ear as he shouted into the receiver.“You said you had a plan! Where ar
