THE VENGEFUL SON-IN-LAW

CHAPTER 8

"That's absolutely brilliant, Richard! Oh my goodness, we must inform Mum about this immediately," exclaimed Serena, her excitement evident in her voice. 

Richard had devised a cunning plan that he believed would give them a significant advantage in the ongoing race against Harvey. It was years ago when Richard accidentally overheard his father and Anthony Price discussing Anthony's secret child from a previous relationship.

Being young and unable to take on the responsibility of raising a child, Anthony had chosen to abandon both the child and the mother. However, when he achieved financial success, he attempted to reconnect with them, only to be met with rejection. Richard had carefully guarded this secret, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal it. And now, he felt that the time was ripe.

The revelation of Harvey having an older brother would undoubtedly turn his world upside down. Serena and Richard believed it was crucial to reach out to him first, to subtly influence his thoughts and turn him against Harvey. 

"He possessed the rights to everything, just as Harvey did. It's a well-devised plan, but its success hinges on flawless execution. The ensuing conflict between them will divert Harvey's attention from the true battle with our families." Serena contemplated confiding in Margaret about their next course of action, but Richard held a different viewpoint.

"Serena, let us exclude Margaret from this affair. It is time for you to establish your own reputation and cease living in the shadow of your mother. You are the future of the Crawford Dynasty, and it is time to act accordingly."

"Consider the respect, power, and influence you will amass by single-handedly bringing down Harvey." Despite Serena's awareness of Margaret's disdain for clandestine dealings, those words began to resonate within her, intensifying the internal conflict.

Perhaps it was time for Serena to assume the mantle of leadership within the Crawford family. Whispers of Margaret's waning strength circulated, and Serena's father seemed on the brink of demise. Halle's behavior brought shame upon their esteemed name, Serena mused.

While Serena believed she was orchestrating Harvey's downfall, the tables could turn. Richard, renowned for his slyness, was not to be trusted. Yet, his grandiose promises of building an empire ensnared Serena's loyalty. Together, they envisioned becoming an indomitable power couple.

Serena reached out to someone indebted to her, poised to call in the favor. However, Richard and Serena weren't the only ones scheming. 

"What are you doing here? How did you find me? We can't let the Elite club know you're here."

"I need you by my side, as my number two. I've declared war on the Crawfords," he confessed, urgency in his voice.

Defying the elite club's orders, Harvey sought out Lana. He didn't care about secrecy if it meant winning her back. He was willing to make sacrifices.

Jessica was capable, but Lana held an irreplaceable position in his heart. The club might disapprove, but their business venture hinged on Harvey's reign in the price industry. Lana's return was the key to his full commitment.

It was time to embrace the reality that power often requires getting one’s hands dirty. They were inseparable. Lana possessed the skills needed to execute their next move flawlessly.

She was the mastermind behind acquiring the company, and now she will oust the Darbys, Serena, and Margaret from their positions. Harvey relied on the board of directors to vote them out.

"Trust? Is that what it was when you pried into my life, costing me my job?" she frowned, her voice filled with frustration.

"It doesn't matter anymore, Lana. I need you. I couldn't do this without you. Jessica can handle the club's business in the price industry, but I need you by my side," he said, gazing into her eyes, then offering her a blank cheque.

"I did what I did not because I doubted your trust, but because you've become so important to me. I wasn't sure if you'd be willing to speak up if I had asked you directly. I just wanted to know the real you, and that's the truth, Lana."

His expression twisted into a wry smile as he read a message on his phone, abruptly leaving her and rushing to his car. He sped off at a reckless pace, leaving her with no opportunity to inquire about what he had just discovered. Lana knew that such a look could only signify one thing.

She couldn't help but smile at the fact that he was learning to take action and make daring moves without relying on the influence of the elite club. The more he demonstrated his capability to succeed without their assistance, the more respect and independence he gained.

His gesture compelled her to reveal her true identity, but she couldn't deny that it wasn't the right moment. 

‘’ I have valuable information about the child,’’ a woman at the counter said. Harvey Price. I knew this day would come, the day when you would search for that child."

"You may not know who I am, and I'd prefer to keep it that way, but the information I possess won't come without a price," she said, barely making eye contact.

"I just need enough to escape this wretched city, where the poor and average suffer under constant oppression, where people vanish without a trace because the wealthy are untouchable. The only reason they couldn't succeed with you is because you're one of them," 

he chuckled. "Alright, miss, I'll help you start anew, but it better be worth it. If I don't find this information useful, the deal is off, and you would have wasted my precious time."

"I'm a friend of Monica," she revealed, causing his jaw to drop. He felt a surge of excitement as he eagerly asked, "So, do you know where she is?" But she abruptly cut him off.

"I'm afraid I don't possess any information regarding her current whereabouts. However, I do have something that might capture your interest," she confessed. He swiftly apologized and urged her to continue.

It appears that she and Monica had been close friends for quite some time.  She was Initially assigned to investigate Anthony Price, but their connection took a more secretive turn. Even before Harvey colluded with her to uncover the truth about his father's mysterious demise, she had already harbored suspicions that his death was no mere accident.

After working closely with Harvey and spending an extensive amount of time together, she couldn't help but see glimpses of Anthony within him. And as destiny would have it, she found herself gradually falling for Harvey, unable to resist his allure. Monica embodied every quality he sought in a woman.

She fearlessly defied the aristocratic class with her captivating tales, refusing to be silenced no matter their attempts. Determined to eliminate her entirely, they plotted to remove her from the scene. As she was whisked away, her loyal friend stealthily trailed the men, determined to uncover their destination.

Not only did she possess incriminating evidence against every influential dynasty in the city, but she also held something far more precious—a top-tier secret that must never see the light of day. This secret was destined to perish with her.

Monica safeguarded a journal that encompassed her entire adult life, carefully omitting this crucial information. When she was taken captive, she found herself carrying a precious life within her. In a desperate bid to protect her child, she reluctantly agreed to surrender all the incriminating documents she possessed in exchange for their safety.

She was undeterred by the prospect of sacrificing her own life, so they kept her captive until she gave birth. The immense stress and abhorrent living conditions forced upon her resulted in a premature delivery.

 The moment she brought her child into the world, they callously snatched the baby away, denying her the precious opportunity to hold her newborn even for a fleeting moment before they were cruelly separated.

Her loyal friend felt utterly powerless to aid Monica, but she knew she had to intervene for the sake of the innocent child. The heartless man who had taken the baby heartlessly abandoned him by the roadside,unconcerned whether he would be struck by a vehicle or harmed by wild animals.