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The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Thirty-five
Sensing what the call might be about, Ryan urged Jane to answer her grandmother’s call on speaker.“Hello, Grandmother?” Jane’s voice trembled slightly.On the other end, grandmother's voice cut through. “Jane, you and your husband are no longer part of this family. You’ve been cast out again. I shouldn’t have let you and that useless husband of yours back in.”Jane froze, the words hitting her hard. She gripped the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white.It was exactly as Ryan had expected. He wasn’t shocked by the news, certain it was Jude's doing."What... what do you mean, Grandmother?" Jane whispered, her voice breaking.There was a pause before her grandmother continued, "Jude... he threatened me... he threatened the family, claiming that you and your husband are behind his family's arrest."Jane’s brows arched in confusion. "And you believed him? How? How could we possibly do something like that? What kind of power do we have to pull it off?"Before grandmother could r
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Thirty-six
Ryan sat on a balcony chair, gazing out at the dim city lights.His mind simmered with anger, replaying Jude’s attack over and over as he took a slow drag of his cigarette.He smirked, grudgingly impressed. "He definitely isn't new to the game," he muttered, acknowledging Jude's bold moves. They were intense—enough to crush most people but not him.No one had challenged him like this in years, not since the incident that had forced him to walk away from his old life. However, it was about time he sent a message of his own.Jane, who had been looking for him inside, was shocked to find him there with the cigarette in his hand. She had never imagined him as someone who smoked, and the sight unsettling her, making her realise just how much she didn’t know about him.He didn’t need to turn to know it was her.“I didn’t know you smoked,” she murmured, trying to keep her voice steady.He didn’t respond, his gaze still fixed on the city, his mind deep in thought, mapping out his move again
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Thirty-seven
After finishing his daily workout, satisfied by the burn across his body, Ryan headed out of his room to have a quick drink of water from the kitchen, wearing nothing but a pair of workout shorts that hung low on his hips.As he was about to enter the dining room, he halted abruptly, spotting Jane on the couch in the living room, in her pyjamas.Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat when a single bead of sweat trailed down from his collarbone, tracing a slow path along the line of his chest, gliding over the dip between his abs before disappearing beneath the waistband of his shorts. She tried to look away but couldn’t, and for a moment, she felt like she had forgotten how to breathe.He cleared his throat, snapping her out of it. "Enjoying the view?” he teased.Her face flushed as she quickly looked away, embarrassed he had caught her staring.“Didn’t realise you were still home,” he added casually."What happened? Why haven’t you gone to work?""Is it because of wha
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Thirty-eight
Ryan was met with mass of reporters the moment he drove outside the gate, much to his surprise.The roar of voices and flashing lights hit him the moment he rolled down his window outside. They pressed in, thrusting their microphones and cameras forward as they threw a series of questions at him.“Mr. Ryan! How do you feel about the recent fires that devastated your companies?” one reporter shouted, nearly tripping over another to be heard.Another chimed in, “Are you aware that people are speculating this is all related to the rumors about Mrs. Lin. My apologies; Mrs. Jane's exile from her family? Planning to comment on that?"Those were just a few of the questions he managed to catch.But he stayed calm, almost amused, as he glanced around at the chaotic scene. A faint smile played on his face, surprising them all and making their curiosity spike—they had expected someone whose company had just gone up in flames to act differently.He chuckled, "Wow, news sure spreads faster than w
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Thirty-nine
The driver of the car was Derek, a middle-aged man with weathered features. He had been loyal to Ryan's father and his family when they were alive, and now to his uncle. He pulled away as soon as Ryan got in the car. They were on their way to one of his uncle's mansions, far outside the city, to have dinner and dig up information on Jude. Only his uncle’s loyal men—those who had once served his father—knew about this mansion’s location. He had arranged things this way to keep his meeting with his uncle a secret, knowing that every move he made was now being watched. He leaned back, watching the city lights blur by as they drove deeper into the city. He broke the silence a few minutes later. "So... how's life been for you?" he asked Derek. Derek chuckled softly. "Life's been alright. You know, same old grind. The family's good, too." The mention of family made Ryan remember Derek’s daughter, who he had once been close to—almost like a godfather to her—back when he
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty
Ryan was angry as he could not help but feel frustrated that his visit to his uncle to get information about Jude was fruitless. He was hurt that Jude thought he was in control and the only time someone had ever had that power over him was when he lost his family. He was stuck, unable to make any real moves without revealing his true identity. Upon entering the mansion compound, he saw a familiar car parked in the garage, though he could not remember who it belonged to. He was shocked when he met Rose in the living room, sipping a drink. "Rose?" He whispered in confusion. "Hello, darling," she smiled. "What are you doing here?" he asked her. She stood and approached him. She wore a black shirt and a white, skimpy skirt that barely reached her knees, paired with long black stockings. He could not help but notice how stunning she looked, the dress clinging perfectly to her figure. "What? Aren’t you happy to see me?" she chuckled, and before he could react, she threw her arm
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-one
Days had passed, and the tension in the mansion had thickened like a storm cloud refusing to break. The silence between Ryan and Jane was a heavy weight pressing down on both of them. She had stopped talking to him, shutting him out even when he tried to bridge the silence. Frustration brewed inside her, all because he had ignored her suggestion—a solution she had believed would spare them both from the endless whispers and judgemental glances, because the humiliation had grown so unbearable that that now kept her from stepping outside.But eventually, she reached her breaking point. On Lauren’s advice, she decided it was time to talk things out with him, to finally get him to see things her way.When he opened the door in response to her knock, he was surprised to see her standing there.“Well, well,” he teased, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Who do we have here?” He raised his brows with a playful smirk."Or did you knock on the wrong door?"She shot him a hard look. “E
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-two
Ryan scanned the room for Alex immediately he entered the bar until he spot Alex in a corner booth."Hey, nephew." Ryan tapped Alex on his shoulder as he sat next to him. "So what is it that you couldn't tell me over the phone and had to drag me here just for?" he asked Alex.Alex shrugged, his eyes darting around the bar. “Trust me, it’s not the kind of thing to discuss on a call.""Here I am. So, shoot," Ryan replied."Before that, you need to promise me not to inform dad, whether or not you'll accept what I'm about to say." Alex said. Ryan was confused as to what Alex was about to tell him—that he was desperate to hide from his uncle when it's about him."Why don't you want him to be involved in this?" He asked Alex with furrowed brows."Because what I'm about to say is really dangerous, and I know he would be against it if he heard of it and would get pissed at me." Alex revealed. "Okay," Ryan sighed, then promised Alex that he wouldn’t tell his uncle about the meeting or the c
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Chapter Sixty-five
Ryan straightened his suit one last time in front of the full-length mirror, his smirk betraying the confidence of a man with everything to lose but a plan to gain it all. Tonight was D-day, the night Jude’s downfall would begin.The grand hall at Jude’s house was as vast as a mansion's ballroom, the low hum of conversations creating a cloud of whispers. Groups of well-dressed people mingled, smiles plastered across their faces, as the clink of glasses filled the air. It was obvious the event was meant for the city’s elites, and someone like Ryan, who barely fit the image he did project, had no business being there. But Jude had a reason for sending him the invitation: to either expose his secret or remind him he did not stand a chance and needed to try harder if he wanted to take him down. According to what Chris had told Jude, he already had everything planned out.Ryan stood at the far corner of the room, sipping his drink, his presence unnoticed by everyone like a ghost in a room
Chapter Sixty-four
The blindfold was yanked off Johnson’s head, and he squinted, momentarily blinded by the dim bulb swaying above him. His breath hitched as he realised he was tied to a chair in an unfamiliar, damp room.The smell of mildew filled the air, mingling with his own fear-induced sweat. His eyes darted around until they landed on Ryan, standing smugly in front of him, which made his heart race in panic as he flinched.His mouth fell open, his shock evident. “Ryan?" he stammered, his voice hoarse. Beside Ryan stood Ryan's uncle, and one of their trusted men, ready to pounce on Johnson at a moment's notice. "You need to see the expression on your face, man!" Ryan laughed hysterically."You looked like you just saw a ghost. I should be the one reacting that way, not you."“What... where am I? How the hell did I get here? What is going on?" Johnson asked, trying to struggle against the ropes.Ryan chuckled, pacing in front of him. “Whoa, slow down, Johnson. Which question do you want me to a
Chapter Sixty-three
Ryan sat by the corner table of the restaurant he had texted Chris to meet him, swirling the glass of whiskey in his hand. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the entrance. It didn’t take long for Chris to step in, glancing around nervously before making his way to Ryan. "What's this about?" Chris greeted, sliding into the seat opposite Ryan. "You better have a damn good reason for pulling me here. Jude’s not going to let it slide if he finds out. He must not even find out about this meeting. Do you have even the slightest idea of the danger you're putting my life in?"Ryan’s lips curved into a smirk. "Relax, Chris. I’d hate to remind you, but I have enough leverage on you to make Jude’s wrath look like a child’s tantrum." Chris stiffened, but he said nothing, his jaw tightening as Ryan’s words hit home. "Good," Ryan chuckled.He leaned forward. "Someone’s been tailing me for days now." Chris blinked, his brows knitting together. "What?!""You heard me." Ryan's gaze
Chapter Sixty-two
Ryan darted into the train just as the doors hissed shut, his chest heaving as he leaned against the cold metal wall. He pulled his hoodie lower over his face, scanning the train car. No sign of the person following him.Finally, he let out a relieved sigh and sat down.He pulled out his phone and took a quick look at the photo of his stalker, taken earlier at the station before he slipped onto the train."Gotcha," he smirked, lips curling into a dangerous smile."Think you can spy on a pro?" he muttered, chuckling to himself before shoving the phone back into his pocket.The journey felt endless as the train rattled along, carrying him closer to the private burial ground—a sanctuary for his family’s memories. Today marked another painful anniversary of his family's demise, a day he dreaded.He had been doing this every year.The train slowed as it approached the secluded station, just a few minutes walk from the private burial ground.He stepped off, his boots crunching against the
Chapter Sixty-one
Ryan sat on the edge of the creaky motel bed, the faint hum of the ceiling fan doing little to ease his frayed nerves. His phone buzzed again on the bedside table as Jane’s name flashed across the screen. He didn’t pick up. Her calls, like his uncle’s, had been piling up for hours, but his mind was too clouded to deal with them. He just wanted to be alone.Moments later, Ryan's phone buzzed again. It was a text message from Alex, informing Ryan that he was in the motel and asking for Ryan's room number. He explained that he had come under his father's orders since Ryan had been ignoring their calls.Ryan shot up from the bed after confirming that Alex was in the same motel and walked to the window. He parted the curtains slightly, peering out, and found out that the black sedan was still there, parked under the dim glow of the flickering motel light."Where is he?" he muttered, scanning the car. It was empty. "Could he have gotten a room too?"Realising the danger of meeting Alex,
Chapter Sixty
Ryan had always found a way around every obstacle, but this time, it felt like he had hit a dead end. No amount of thinking or even a smoke break could help him figure out a way forward without exposing his true identity. Frustrated and angry, he decided to leave the house the night after the break-in. Staying any longer meant facing her, and that was something he just could not do without getting annoyed at her.He sat in the car, ready to start the engine, when a knock on the window made him pause. It turned out to be Jane. "What's going on, Ryan? You've been avoiding me since... since yesterday," she said as he rolled the window down. Earlier, Lauren had seen Ryan walking through the living room with a travel bag in hand. Sensing something was off, she went straight to Jane. "It looks like he's leaving for a while," Lauren told her. "With the travel bag, I’m pretty sure he’s not coming back anytime soon.""So why are you asking me when you know I have?" Ryan scoffed, his face
Chapter Fifty-nine
Lauren's face was pale, fear still flickering in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she stammered, "It was some men... they were wearing masks... they broke in and attacked me."But that did not concern Ryan."What did they take?" he asked her swiftly, his mind racing.He was devastated when she broke the news to him that it was a document from his room they took as the implications clawed at his chest. A man who introduced himself as the head of the estate security team stepped forward."Sir, be rest assured that the culprits will be arrested. We are already on it. The gates are locked, and no one’s leaving." He assured Ryan.Ryan scoffed, disbelief etched on his face. "You're assuring me? If your team had done the necessary thing instead of following a useless protocol when I reported it, none of this would have happened!" He scowled."I'm sorry about that. I've been briefed on it, but you can't really blame the person since it's the protocol, and it can't be violated. But don't worr
Chapter Fifty-eight
Two days after Ryan received the proposal, Jane's grandmother unexpectedly invited him and Jane to a family meeting, catching them off guard after everything that had happened the other day. "What about the offer from Hyeom Group? Have you signed it?" the grandmother asked Ryan as soon as the meeting began, after making him and Jane wait for a long time.Ryan chuckled in amusement when she asked him why he was yet to sign it and submit it to the company. "Why are you suddenly concerned about it? Didn't you want me to reject it two days ago?" he replied. She leaned back on her chair. "I need answers, boy. I need to know your decision on it, whether you've chosen this family over the offer or the other way around."He scoffed. "Is this family worth it?"Everyone's eyes widened in shock, including Jane's. She had begged him before they left home to be on his best behaviour, but he was done pretending she had any real say over their lives—especially his. "What are you doing, Ryan?" S
Chapter Fifty-seven
The moment Ryan's uncle stepped into the boardroom, he muttered a brisk "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," as he acknowledged the board directors and shareholders gathered for the emergency meeting he had called to set things straight. After settling into his chair, he let his gaze sweep across the room, taking in each face one by one. A small smile tugged at his lips seeing that everyone was present, just as he wanted.Mr. Cho, whose face has been scrunched in fury, leaned forward.“Where is he?” he asked, his voice cutting through the room like the crack of a whip. “Where is the chairman? We believe that the reason for this meeting is for you to finally reveal who the chairman is to us, as we've demanded."Murmurs of agreement echoed from several of them, some nodding, and others staring expectantly at Ryan's uncle.With an unreadable expression but a faint smile, he announced, his voice carrying the weight of control. “Yes, part of this meeting is about the chairman."Curiosi
