THE VENGEFUL SON-IN-LAW

CHAPTER 7

Jessica was assigned to accompany him back to the city, and she provided a detailed report to the elite Club about everything that had transpired.

With the deeds transferring Patrick Mann's shares to Harvey in his possession, he felt a surge of confidence as he prepared to return to the city. However, he was uncertain about his initial course of action. He couldn't help but ponder how Lana, with her resourcefulness, would have effortlessly navigated the situation.

Doubts lingered in his mind regarding Jessica's trustworthiness. While she seldom deviated from matters strictly related to business, he couldn't shake the feeling that her loyalty lay primarily with the elite Club. Lana, on the other hand, was an enigma.

In less than an hour, their arrival in the city was imminent. Contemplating his next move, he weighed the options of visiting the Darby family or the Crawford family first. Anticipation coursed through his veins as he imagined the shock on their faces. News would undoubtedly spread like wildfire: Harvey Price, the sole heir of Anthony Price, had returned to exact retribution for the injustices inflicted upon him—and he would show no mercy.

No one granted him that privilege; they all observed and mocked him while fate ruthlessly dealt with him. However, there was one person who stood out: Madam Valerie, his former nanny.

She always took him in whenever he faced difficulties with the Darby family. The last time he checked on her, she was gravely ill. In the midst of his scheming, he had forgotten to arrange the best medical care for her. Margaret and Serena refused to lend him money for her treatment, but now he was determined to make it right, if it wasn't too late.

Lost in his thoughts, he failed to realize their location. "We have arrived," Jessica called his attention.

They disembarked from the private jet, the Summer Breeze, the long-awaited moment finally at hand. The prestigious Club had an impressive convoy of cars awaiting their arrival.

As they made their way through the city, onlookers stopped and stared, rolling down their windows to catch a glimpse of the occupants. The suspense in the air fueled whispers and curiosity.

Harvey had successfully captured their attention. Upon reaching their destination, everyone stood up, their agitation palpable, ready to confront the fool who dared disturb their peace. 

"Does he even know whose house this is?" they murmured.

He patiently awaited for a minute, until one of his guards graciously stepped out to open the door for him. With an air of sophistication, Harvey emerged, adorned in the most exquisite attire. The onlookers couldn't believe their eyes, and Margaret was nearly on the verge of a heart attack.

Richard and Serena exchanged glances, their expressions distant as Serena quickly distanced herself from Richard. Harvey approached them, and Margaret struggled to maintain her composure, knowing that this was just the beginning.

"Well, well, it seems you all have gathered here. Richard, be a dear and spare me the trouble of visiting your parents. Kindly convey my message to them," he said, his arrogance oozing from every word.

He handed each of them copies of the deed, solidifying his position as the largest shareholder of Price Crawford Industries.

Margaret erupted in fury, her voice trembling with rage. "Listen, you despicable person! I did not enter into any business agreement with you, and I refuse to tolerate this. I will contact Patrick to resolve this absurdity."

She hurriedly reached for her cell phone, only to find that Patrick's number was unavailable. Her hands shook as she clutched the device.

"I don't need to stick around for you to confirm your doubts. Richard, get your belongings out of my company. And tell your parents that I'm coming for everything that rightfully belongs to my father. Oh, and a word of advice: start looking for new properties because I will reclaim my house. Serena, let's find a way to work together, with me as your boss, at least for now," he sneered, leaving with an evil smirk.

Serena's gaze locked onto Jessica, her mind swirling with curiosity. Her stomach turned, threatening to empty its contents.

"This is far from over, Harvey. I am Margaret Crawford, and no one pulls one over me," she threatened.

"Oh please, Margaret, and come to The Office to retrieve your cheque. You know, the same one you gave me to stay away when you casted me out. You might just need it more than me because once I'm done with you, you'll crawl back to the slums whence you came," he taunted.

"This is war, Margaret, and I am ready to use every weapon in my arsenal to take you down."

Richard and Serena stood frozen, their faces filled with shame. The news of the encounter spread like wildfire: "Harvey Price taking on Margaret Crawford, the new owner of both Price and Crawford Industries." He became the talk of the town, gracing magazine covers and making headlines.

Everything fell into place even more perfectly than he had anticipated. Margaret was completely caught off guard, leaving her with no immediate recourse. And despite still being legally married to Serena, he discovered that news of her relationship with Richard had become public shortly after his disappearance.

He would be dishonest if he claimed not to have expected such behavior from Serena. The following morning, after attending to some essential matters, he was in his condominium when a bodyguard requested permission to admit a guest. Since he wasn't anticipating anyone, he checked the camera feed—it was Halle.

Although he may have just declared war on the Crawfords, Halle was not an adversary. Thus, he granted permission for her to be escorted in. As soon as he opened the door, she rushed into his arms, exuding joy at the sight of him alive and well.

She believed her mother had sent him to the farthest corners of the Earth, a place where he would never be discovered. Despite the chaos in her life, this was one thing that brought her immense joy.

However, it didn't deter her from inquiring about how he managed to acquire the Industries. Harvey skillfully evaded the conversation, but he couldn't help but notice Halle's pallor and frailty.

Halle had always exuded a radiant glow, but now it seemed to have faded, replaced by sorrow and turmoil. "What's troubling you, Halle? I can sense that something isn't right," he expressed with genuine concern. Yet, she insisted it was nothing.

"I owe you an apology for what my mother and sister did. I was just as involved as they were because I didn't stop them and acted like a coward," she confessed, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face.

"Hey, Haley, it's all in the past. Look at me, I came out unscathed," he reassured her, gently placing her head on his broad shoulders and planting a kiss on her forehead. As she stared into his deep blue eyes, she couldn't resist stealing a kiss from him, which he reciprocated momentarily before snapping out of it.

"What the heck are you doing, Harvey?" he muttered, gripping her firmly to keep her from getting any closer.

"Halle, I appreciate you coming here, but I think it's time for you to leave," he politely stated.

Halle's heart sank with shame as she threw herself at him, yet his reaction left her utterly bewildered. Determined, she rose to her feet and headed towards the door, only to collide abruptly with Jessica.

Jessica sauntered in with an air of unwavering confidence, as if she owned the entire building. Halle couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy upon witnessing Jessica's entrance into the living room.

Despite Jessica's lack of entitlement to Harvey's personal life, the piercing gaze she directed at him spoke volumes. He felt a profound sense of foolishness, realizing the consequences of getting entangled with another Crawford, reminiscent of the past.

While Halle may not be Serena, it did not alter the circumstances. It was imperative for Harvey to acknowledge that he was still married to her sister.

 Serena might not have a problem fucking his cousin, but he knew he was better than that. He turned to Jessica, his eyes filled with curiosity, and asked her purpose for being there. Jessica held a few messages from the elite group, signaling that it was time to initiate the next stage of their plan.