2024-11-07 06:47:58
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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
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-three
Ryan stood near a broken window inside an uncompleted building near the bar, his arms folded and his face obscured by a smirk.In front of him, the man he had noticed in the bar was tied to a rusted pole jutting out of the wall, his wrists bound tightly with ropes. A welt had formed above his temple from the blow that had landed him here.Slowly, he stirred, his head lifting weakly. He squinted at the space, panic settling into his expression as the unfamiliar environment took hold of him. "Where... am I?” He croaked, tugging at the ropes binding him to the pole, like a trapped animal testing its cage. Ryan stepped forward, the sound of his shoe echoing against the concrete. He crouched a few feet away from the man, his expression unreadable. "Easy man,” he said, his voice low and laced with mockery. "Save your strength. You are going to need it for what is coming.” The man’s jaw tightened as he glared up at Ryan, the fire in his eyes momentarily outweighing his fear. "What the
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-four
Parked in front of the towering mansion on the Xin family was Ryan and Jane in Ryan's car.She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. "Ryan,” she began."There's something I want to discuss with you before we leave here.""Please promise me not to react no matter what Jude and his family member say or do," she said when he asked her what it was. He shrugged. “I already agreed, didn’t I?” “But I need you to mean it,” she replied.He let out a chuckle. “I’m surprised to hear you say that. I know how much this means to you, so trust me, I don’t take this visit lightly.” “Ryan, please,” her voice was filled with desperation. "I know they’ll go out of their way to push your buttons, but just this once—for me—can you keep it together?”He sighed. "You don't even believe me.""Please, Ryan. Don’t let them get to you. Promise me you won’t react.” Her voice was barely a whisper, and her eyes glistened with unspoken worries.He exhaled heavily, starin
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-five
In the stillness of the night, in a secluded and resolute area, Ryan climbed into Emma’s car, glancing over his shoulder before shutting the door behind him.He had arranged this secret meeting with her earlier. Leaning back in the seat, he asked, “Are you sure you were not followed?”She let out a laugh. “Seriously? That’s the first thing you’re going to say?”He shrugged. “Whatever you are expecting from me doesn’t matter, Em.”"Are you sure you were not followed?" He asked her again.“It’s obvious you’ve landed yourself in trouble again. So, what is it since you are clearly not here to waste time?" She pressed after assuring him she had not been followed. He gave her a quick glance before looking straight ahead. “Yes, you’re not wrong. Things have gotten messy, and I need to fix it. You are the only one who can help me."She stared at him, clearly surprised. “You are not the type to ask for help. You always handle things on your own. So, what do you need me for?” He let out a la
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-six
Ryan was at home when he got a call from Jude that he should meet him at his mansion."I'm not one of your men that you do order around, Jude." Ryan replied."Need I remind you that you are at my disposal even though you are not one of my men?" Jude scoffed."I give you just ten minutes; if you are not here by then..." He chuckled."I believe you know the consequences of that." He hung up immediately.Ryan had no choice but to obey Jude’s order since he could not go against him right now. When he arrived at Jude’s mansion, he was led to a room hidden beneath the basement at the back of the main house. It turned out to be a torture chamber, where Johnson was chained up and being brutally tortured. Jude, Chris, and a few of Jude’s other men were there too.Without being told, Ryan already knew the reason he was there, especially after seeing the bruises on Johnson's face."Is this why I am here? To watch him die or what?" Ryan scoffed."How dare you speak to the boss like that?! Got n
The Contracted Son-in-law Chapter Fourty-seven
Ryan crouched behind a fallen log in the woodland behind the secret mansion, his rifle steady against his shoulder as his eyes locked on a lone deer grazing in the distance. He inhaled slowly, held his breath, and pulled the trigger. The shot echoed sharply, startling a flock of birds into flight. The deer jerked, staggered, then collapsed into the brush. He smiled, satisfied by the perfect shot."Wow! Are you sure you haven’t done this since the last time with your father?” his uncle asked him, stepping out from behind a tree as his boots crunched over the forest floor, his tone filled with awe. He wore a sturdy brown jacket and cargo pants, and a wide-brimmed hat shielded his weathered face from the sun.A smirk tugged at the corner of Ryan's mouth as he slung the rifle over his shoulder. “And how do you think I had been practicing knowing what my life has been like?"The two began walking toward the fallen deer, their boots crunching over leaves and twigs. “There is no way a 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
