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.
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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
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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
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THE SON IN LAW WANTS HIS REVENGE Chapter 10
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Chapter 103
The Last Loose EndDespite Gregory’s arrest, James couldn’t shake the feeling that something was unfinished. He sat in his office at Maple Group, fingers steepled as he studied the documents Victor had placed in front of him.“All of Gregory’s accounts have been frozen,” Victor reported. “The properties under his name are being seized. His investors have pulled out. On paper, he’s done.”James barely nodded. “And off paper?”Victor hesitated. “There’s one thing we haven’t accounted for—his offshore connections. Before his arrest, he made a large transfer to an unnamed entity. We don’t know where it went.”James’s jaw tightened. “Whoever received that money is still out there.”Victor sighed. “I’ve got people digging. But there’s something else you should see.”He pushed a file forward.James opened it. The first page was a printed email—one that had been sent from Gregory’s encrypted account just hours before his arrest.James’s eyes darkened as he read the message:“If you’re reading
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James’s grip on his phone tightened as he reread the threat. A slow, dangerous smirk curled at the corner of his lips, but Pamela knew better—it wasn’t amusement. It was fury.Gregory Shaw had just crossed a line he could never come back from.Pamela’s pulse quickened. “James, what do we do?”James exhaled slowly, his gaze like ice. “We make him regret ever sending this message.”He immediately called Victor.“We have a problem,” James said, his voice controlled but lethal. “Gregory just sent a threat. He’s desperate. That makes him reckless.”Victor cursed. “He wouldn’t dare—”“He would,” James cut in. “And I need every possible angle covered. Track his movements, monitor his calls. If he so much as breathes near Pamela or Emily, I want to know before he even makes a move.”Pamela straightened at the mention of her daughter. “James, do you think he’ll target Emily?”James met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “Gregory’s losing everything. He’ll go after what he thinks will hurt me
Chapter 100
The tension in the room was thick as James turned the flash drive over in his hands. The weight of the evidence it contained was undeniable. This wasn’t just a business war anymore—this was a complete takedown.Pamela watched him carefully. “What’s the plan?”James glanced at Mr. Carter, his expression unreadable. “We verify everything first. If Gregory has ties to bribery and offshore fraud, we’re not just exposing a businessman—we’re dragging government officials into this.”Mr. Carter nodded. “I understand. But I promise you, everything on that drive is real.”James stood, his movements precise. “Then we’ll find out soon enough.” He turned to Pamela. “I need Victor on this. If there’s a single hole in this information, Gregory will exploit it.”Pamela nodded, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll have him start analyzing it immediately.”James looked back at Carter. “You know Gregory. The moment he suspects a threat, he eliminates it. Are you ready for what happens when this goes pu
Chapter 99
Pamela’s pulse quickened as Gregory Shaw continued his speech, his tone dripping with confidence.“In times of uncertainty, leadership must be willing to adapt,” Gregory said smoothly. “That’s why I am extending an offer of strategic partnership to Maple Group—one that will ensure long-term stability and prosperity.”Pamela scoffed. “He’s making it sound like you need him.”James didn’t react, his gaze locked on the screen.Gregory’s smirk deepened. “It’s no secret that Maple Group has faced significant challenges in recent months. Market volatility, increased competition… But with the right allies, these obstacles become opportunities.” He paused, letting his words sink in before delivering his final blow. “That is why I am confident that James Walker will make the right choice for his company, his employees, and his future.”The press erupted into a flurry of questions, but Gregory simply nodded, his message clear: The ball was now in James’s court.Pamela clenched her fists. “He’s
Chapter 98
The following morning, Pamela arrived at Maple Group’s headquarters earlier than expected. She had spent most of the night thinking about everything she had learned the day before, her mind spinning with strategies, risks, and possibilities.Now, as she stepped into the sleek lobby, she felt different—more determined, more confident.“Mrs. Walker,” the receptionist greeted her with a polite smile. “Mr. Walker mentioned you’d be coming in today.”Pamela nodded. “Is he in his office?”“Yes, but he’s in a meeting right now.”Pamela thanked her and headed to James’s office anyway, figuring she’d wait. But as she reached the door, she heard voices inside—one of them sharp, unfamiliar.“I don’t care what it takes, Walker. Our deal stands, or you’ll regret it.”Pamela froze. The tone was threatening, laced with arrogance.James’s response was calm, but firm. “You overestimate your leverage. If you think threats will change my stance, you’re mistaken.”A pause. Then the other man scoffed. “We
Chapter 97
Pamela sat in James’s office, flipping through the reports with intense focus. Numbers, market trends, financial statements—it was a lot to take in, but she wasn’t about to back down. She had asked for this, and she intended to prove she could handle it.The door opened, and Victor strolled in without knocking. “Still here? Thought you’d run off after one meeting.”Pamela smirked without looking up. “Disappointed?”Victor chuckled, taking a seat across from her. “Actually, I’m impressed. James doesn’t let just anyone touch these reports.” He glanced at James, who was reviewing his own documents. “Guess that means you’re really serious about learning the ropes.”“I am.” Pamela tapped her pen against the page. “And since you’re here, maybe you can help me with something.”Victor raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What’s got you stumped?”She pointed to a section on international expansion. “I get the overall strategy, but what’s the real risk here? The numbers look good, but something feels off.”
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The next morning, Pamela stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out the crisp blazer James had left for her. It wasn’t overly formal, but it was a step above her usual attire—something that fit the role she was stepping into today.Her reflection stared back at her, filled with both anticipation and nerves. Today, she would walk into Maple Group not as James’s wife, but as someone determined to understand his world.A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. “Pamela?” James’s deep voice carried through the room.She turned, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’m ready.”James leaned against the doorframe, his gaze sweeping over her. “You look the part.”“Let’s see if I can act the part.”His smirk was both amused and approving. “You’ll do fine. Just pay attention and don’t let Victor intimidate you.”Pamela chuckled. “I think I can handle Victor.”James extended a hand, and she took it without hesitation. “Then let’s get to work.”—Stepping into Maple Group’s headquarters
Chapter 95
Pamela stood by the window, staring at the city skyline bathed in the soft glow of twilight. The once-familiar view felt different now. Perhaps it was because she was different. She had spent so long doubting, hesitating, and letting others’ voices drown out her own. But tonight, she had made her choice—one she should have made long ago.James entered the room, his presence commanding yet calm. He had just finished a meeting, the remnants of a long day evident in the faint exhaustion around his eyes. But when he saw her, something softened in his expression.Pamela turned to face him, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress. “James…” she began, her voice quieter than she intended.He tilted his head slightly, waiting.She took a deep breath, gathering the courage that had eluded her for so long. “I never told you how much I admire you. I should have—” Her voice faltered, but she pushed forward. “I should have stood by you more. Instead, I let my doubts get in the way. I
