2024-10-29 00:33:04Luke’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 urge to retaliate. But he’d learned patience—today wasn’t the time.
Satisfied with his performance, Luke snickered. “Good talk, James. Now get to work,” he jeered, turning on his heel and striding away with the security captain trailing behind, still laughing.
The tables will turn, James thought, watching Luke disappear around the corner. But before he could react, he saw a familiar figure swaggering toward him: Ray Walters, the foreman who had once bullied him at the construction site.
Ray’s laugh was loud and grating as he sauntered over, crossing his arms with a smirk. “Well, look who’s back,” he sneered. “Thought you left Maple Properties for good, huh? Or were you just too broke to stay away?”
James kept his gaze steady, letting Ray’s taunts wash over him. “I’m here for business, Ray. Not for whatever you think you’re doing.”
Ray scoffed. “Business? You mean the business of scrubbing toilets?” He turned to the guards. “Make sure you show him to the dirtiest ones.”
One of the guards chuckled, nodding enthusiastically. “Got it, Ray. We’ll make sure he gets to work.”
James clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. “Ray, you’re lucky I’m giving you a chance. You really don’t want to push me today.”
Ray threw his head back, laughing. “Push you? What, you’re gonna report me?” He leaned in, smirking. “My cousin’s in finance here. I’ve got immunity, James. You wouldn’t last a second.”
James’s voice was calm but laced with warning. “Keep pushing, Ray, and I promise you’ll regret it.”
Ray waved his hand dismissively. “Whatever, big talker. Guards, take him to the restrooms. Let’s see if his pride is still intact after he’s done licking the floors clean.”
The guards moved in, each gripping one of James’s arms as they began dragging him toward the restroom. He didn’t resist, though his voice was cold. “You’re all making a big mistake. I’d think twice before following orders so blindly.”
The guards exchanged a smirk, ignoring his warning as they hauled him down the hall. James focused on calming himself, the humiliation burning but kept in check. I’ll remember every one of these faces, he thought, committing each sneer and smirk to memory.
Just then, the soft ding of the elevator echoed down the hall, and the crowd near the entrance parted as a poised, elegant woman in a crisp black suit stepped out, flanked by a group of executives. Her heels clicked purposefully against the marble as she surveyed the lobby, exuding an air of command that silenced the guards and everyone else nearby. Her eyes scanned the room, finally landing on James and the guards escorting him.
She raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me,” she said, her voice carrying a calm authority that turned heads. “What exactly is going on here?”
Ray stepped forward with a smug smile. “Just showing this guy his new role here, Ms. Lane. Nothing to worry about.”
Her gaze narrowed. “And who authorized you to do that?”
Ray faltered for a second but forced a smile. “We’re just keeping things orderly. This guy’s not exactly executive material.”
The woman’s expression didn’t change as she surveyed the scene. Then, she turned to the group of executives behind her. “Have any of you seen Mr. Carter yet?”
There was a collective intake of breath as murmurs passed through the group. James watched with interest as confusion spread among the staff, realizing that the title she’d used was his own.
Ray, looking increasingly uncomfortable, tried to laugh it off. “Mr. Carter? Uh, we… haven’t had the pleasure yet. Probably stuck in traffic or something.”
The woman’s gaze shifted back to James, her eyes appraising. “It seems he’s already here,” she said quietly, her lips curving into a slight smile. “Mr. Carter, I presume?”
A stunned silence followed her words. The guards froze, their grips loosening on James’s arms. Ray paled, his expression twisting from shock to fear. James stood straighter, feeling the weight of the title finally settle.
“Yes, that’s correct,” James replied calmly, his voice steady. “I’m James Carter. And I’m here to take over as CEO.”
The silence that followed was thick with tension. Ray stammered, his bravado crumbling. “But… you… you can’t be—”
James cut him off, his tone now cold and authoritative. “I think I can, Ray. And as of today, your position and actions are under review. You’ll answer for every word you’ve spoken and every order you’ve given.”
Ray looked desperate, his once smug demeanor shattered. “Mr. Carter, I— I didn’t know…”
James shook his head, his gaze unyielding. “You thought you could treat people however you wanted, but that ends now. This is my company, and there will be consequences.”
The security captain shuffled forward, his voice a nervous whisper. “Mr. Carter, I’m… I’m so sorry. We didn’t mean—”
“Save your apologies,” James said, dismissing him. “I have no use for insincere remorse.”
Turning back to Alexis Lane, James nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Lane. Shall we proceed to the meeting room? I’d like to get started.”
Alexis gave him an approving smile. “Absolutely, Mr. Carter. I’ll escort you personally.”
With a final glance at the chastened group, James walked toward the elevators, Alexis by his side. The sound of whispers filled the room as employees and executives alike tried to process what had just happened.
As the elevator doors closed, Alexis looked over at him, a hint of admiration in her gaze. “Quite the entrance, Mr. Carter. You certainly know how to command a room.”
James chuckled, exhaling a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Thank you, Ms. Lane. It’s good to finally be in a position to set things right.”
She nodded, her eyes serious. “I have no doubt you’ll bring significant change to Maple Properties. And you’ve already made quite an impression.”
James gave a slight smile. “Today was just the beginning.”
As the elevator ascended, James felt a sense of satisfaction settle within him. The long road from humiliation to empowerment had brought him to this moment. He was no longer the struggling, overlooked man from his past. He was now James Carter—CEO, and more than capable of reclaiming the respect he deserved.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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.
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 11
As James stood by Emily’s bedside, Michael Grant’s words echoed in his mind. “Victor Hill and Maple Group have a significant stake in this hospital. In a way, Mr. Carter, you’re effectively one of its owners.” James was still absorbing the weight of this revelation. His inheritance had afforded him much more than financial security—it had granted him influence, real power to protect and defend those he cared about.He thanked Michael once more for his support and headed out of the hospital, feeling an immense sense of relief. Emily would receive the best care available, and those who had dared mistreat her now understood just how deeply connected he was.Outside, Richard offered him a ride. “Allow me, Mr. Carter. I insist.”James smiled, but he shook his head. “Thanks, Richard, but I need some time to think. I’ll make my own way there.”The crisp night air felt grounding as he walked away from the hospital, his mind still turning over the events of the day. Just then, his phone buzzed
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 12
He nodded, after reading the text he received knowing fully well that he got covered. He patiently waited for the party to begin, his attention was caught by the menu on the table. He took the menu on the table and looked for what drink to take, he got interrupted by a waiter. “Hi sir! What would you like to have? The waiter asked politely, He said with a welcoming smile, “A glass of cocktail will be nice.” “Alright coming right up!, the waiter said, leaving James to get his order.. The lady and her men noticed what had happened and she decided to do something stupid. She went straight to the waiter and she said “Hi, are you the waiter? She asked in pretense. “Yes ma’am. Do you need anything? He asked politely. “Yeah, I need a glass of water. Can you make that available? She said “Sure ma’am! I will be right back. He turned away, leaving her with the drink he was about to serve to james. The lady named Tasha has a plan in mind and that’s to poison James's drink. She
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 13
“Hey, let me be.” Tasha said, struggling to break free from Victor’s grasp. “No, we won’t let you go, you must tell us who sent you,”James said, piercing into Tasha’s eyes. “I won’t reveal her identity, no matter what,”Tasha said, her face set in a determined expression. “Oh, I see you’re stubborn and not easily swayed.”James said, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with Tasha. “Don’t worry, I will handle your case”. Tasha spat in Victor’s face, and before James could even react, Victor unleashed a powerful punch, striking Tasha’s jaw with a loud crack. Her nose bled and she crumpled to the ground, feeling dazed and weak. “Hey Victor, why did you do that?.”James said looking at victor with a furious face. “She spat on me. How dare she do that?” Victor answered James as he picked up a bottle and smashed it against the wall. “Calm down buddy! Anger won’t solve anything here.” James told Victor in a calm tone. Tasha was on the ground gasping for air. She was in pain an
THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 14
James was in shock after he found out the confession Tasha made. He planned to investigate the case knowing why his mother-in- law did that .“James, so what are we going to do?” Victor asked James, looking so worried.“We will investigate this case” James said, adjusting the table opposite to where Tasha sat.“Can’t we just confront her and report her to the police?” Victor asked him as he walked over to where James was. “No! I must have my evidence, I must teach that old lady a lesson." James whispered to Victor's ears.“Alright. I got your back buddy.” Victor said as they gave each other a fist bump. “And what will we do to her?” James said, as he turned to tasha.“Please, let me go! I already gave you what you wanted,”Tasha pleaded.James nodded his head in disapproval to what she said. “Not yet, you will be of help to us. Your mission hasn't been completed.” James said to her.“What mission? What else do you seek for?” Tasha asked James in a low tone barely audible. James smil
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
