Stephanie's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the elegantly dressed woman who had just walked in. Her curiosity got the better of her.
"And who might you be?" Stephanie asked, her tone dripping with suspicion.
The woman smiled, extending her hand. "I'm Bella Marris, Kelvin's attorney."
Ronald, Stephanie, and Sheena exchanged shocked glances. Ronald was the first to break the silence.
"How on earth did you manage to afford an attorney, Kelvin?"
Kelvin shrugged, looking as bewildered as the rest of them. "I... I didn't. I don't know what's going on."
Stephanie leaned closer to Sheena and whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with venom. "These types of women? They help men like Kelvin because they want something in return. Trust me, Sheena, she wants him for her sexual satisfaction. And knowing how—"
Feeling embarrassment, Sheena's cheeks turned red as she checked if Kelvin had heard anything. “Mother, I beg you! Stop making such comments. This is a serious situation, and our priority should be on getting Kelvin out of this place, not theorizing about... that."
Stephanie released a contemptuous exhale. "Oh, please, Sheena. You are aware, just like me, that men such as Kelvin are nothing but harlots who sleep around with numerous women and don’t remain faithful to their wives. That's likely the reason why Bella Marris is so enthusiastic about assisting him.”
Sheena experienced a sudden rush of rage and moved closer, speaking in a low and firm tone. “Mother, that's enough. I refuse to hear you talk badly about my husband in that manner. Kelvin is a trustworthy man, and I have complete faith in him.”
Stephanie gave a condescending look as she rolled her eyes. “Oh, Sheena, you are still very naive. When will you realize that men such as Kelvin are only useful for one purpose? You should choose to be with a person similar to Mike, who can genuinely support you and the kids.”
"Mom, stop it," Sheena hissed, cutting her off. Sheena then turned to Bella, her expression firm. "Thank you for your offer, Miss Marris, but we can handle this situation ourselves."
Bella raised an eyebrow, her smile unfaltering. "With all due respect, Mrs. Sheena, your husband is facing serious charges. I assure you, my services are necessary here."
Kelvin furrowed his brow, looking between Sheena and Bella. "What’s the problem, Sheena? Why are you sending her away?"
Sheena’s jaw tightened. "I just don't trust her, Kelvin. And we can’t afford her."
Bella’s smile grew a bit more pronounced. "My services are pro bono. There’s no cost, you won’t have to pay anything."
Stephanie shot Sheena a knowing look, her whisper insistent. "See? Just like I said. She’s after him."
Sheena’s suspicion deepened, her mother’s words ringing in her ears. "Why would you work for free?"
Bella’s expression turned serious. "Because I believe in your husband’s innocence. And I want to help him."
The argument continued, voices overlapping in the small room.
"Sheena, we need her help," Kelvin insisted, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Kelvin, you don't even know her," Sheena countered. "What if she has ulterior motives?"
"Sheena, this is absurd," Ronald intervened, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. "We need to focus on getting Kelvin out of here, not questioning the attorney’s motives. Can we please let the attorney do her job so we can all go home?" Ronald is more interested in practical matters, such as how Kelvin manages to take down five guys.
Stephanie crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Bella. "I still don’t trust her."
Bella seized the opportunity. "Thank you, Mr. Ronald. I assure you, that I have Kelvin’s best interests at heart.
Sheena still looked skeptical. "Why are you doing this for free? What’s in it for you?"
Bella met Sheena’s gaze steadily. "I’m doing this because I believe in justice. And, that means helping people who can’t afford expensive legal fees."
Sheena looked at her defeated, she did not trust Bella but she had no choice, it was either this or watching her husband rot in jail.
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The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 1: The Breaking Point
Exhausted from a lengthy day at work, Kelvin tiredly opened the front door, feeling the burden on his fatigued shoulders. Upon entering the simple living room, a piercing voice instantly overwhelmed his senses."There you are, you good-for-nothing leech! Where have you been wasting time while your children were sent home from school?" Kelvin winced, bracing himself for the onslaught.The woman who stood before him was his spiteful mother-in-law, Stephanie Norman. As far as Kelvin could remember, she had always hated him ever since Sheena introduced him to her. His lack of money was the main reason for her attitude towards him, and this was made worse when he started failing to provide for his children."I'm sorry, I just got off my shift at the office. I didn't know—" Kelvin said nonchalantly. He had gotten used to the barrage of nagging from his mother-in-law."You didn't know?" Stephanie scoffed, her lips curling in disgust. "Of course, you didn't know. When have you ever cared abou
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 2: A Desperate Gambit
The next day, Kelvin hurried through the imposing gates of the Martin Real Estate building, his mind racing. He had to get the school fees paid, no matter what. He went straight into his boss, Martin Wasnot's office.Kelvin knocked on the office door. He hesitated for a second but continued anyway; he and Martin, his boss, had never truly seen eye to eye. Martin had always criticized Kelvin on every aspect of his job.Kelvin prepared himself mentally, understanding the importance of being cautious. He entered the office and directed his attention to his boss sitting across the table. "Sir, I kindly request a company loan to cover my children's school expenses. They were dismissed yesterday and—"Martin dropped the pen and document in his hand and looked dead center into Kelvin's eyes. "You incompetent bum, is this what you have resorted to?" He said as he straightened his glasses. "Just because this company allows employees to take loans and repay them through their salaries, you inte
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 3: A Fateful Reunion
Kelvin quickly entered the busy jewelry store, feeling the familiar heft of the signet ring in his pocket. He felt his heart pounding as he neared the counter, his only objective being to obtain the funds necessary to maintain his family's unity. “Sorry to bother you sir,” he said, attempting to maintain a steady voice. "I want to put this ring up for sale." The shopkeeper stared at him suspiciously, but as he looked closer his eyes widened in realization. “Oh wow, is that... the emblem of the Brunette family.”Kelvin became tense, feeling suddenly unsure. "Yes, it is indeed. I have to collect funds for my kids' tuition fees. Could you assist me?" The shopkeeper slowly nodded his head. “I'm sorry but I cannot purchase this from you son. This ring holds immeasurable sentimental value as a cherished family heirloom. It is rightfully owned by the Brunette family.”Kelvin felt his heart drop. "Please, you don’t understand, my family is in a dire situation. I have no alternative.”“I re
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 4: A Fragile Hope
Upon opening the door to his in-laws' home, Kelvin was instantly bombarded by Stephanie, his mother-in-law's loud and piercing voice."Kelvin!" she snapped, hands on her hips. "Where have you been? And what’s this nonsense about the kids going to school tomorrow? You haven’t even paid their fees yet!" Stephanie said, showing her disdain as she looked at him while telling him, "You have the audacity to come back here after you lost your only job. You worthless parasite."Kelvin steeled himself, but before he could reply, Sheena appeared from the living room, a ray of hope shining in her eyes. "Mom, please, he said he’s got it handled. Can we just give him a chance?""A chance?" Stephanie’s voice rose an octave. "Sheena, are you out of your mind? He’s going to drag us all down with him. Do you want my sisters to laugh at me? At us?"Kelvin moved ahead, speaking with confidence. "I have discovered a method to cover the school fees, Mother. I give you my word that the children will return
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 5: A Day of Reckoning
The yellow taxi came to a halt in front of the school's gates with a groan of brakes and a puff of exhaust. Kelvin stepped out first, opening the door for Sheena and their twins, Lily and Luke. As they gathered the kids' school bags, a sleek, black Bentley rolled up beside them, gleaming under the morning sun. Becky, Sheena's second cousin sister, stepped out with her children, her stiletto heels clicking against the pavement."Well, well, look who's here," Becky drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. "Did you bring your kids to school in a taxi?" She asked in a mocking tone.Sheena's face flushed with embarrassment, but she forced a smile. "Morning, Becky.""Morning? No, it's an absolutely fabulous morning!" Becky tossed her perfectly coiffed hair. "Especially when you can afford a new car. You are looking at a six hundred thousand dollar Bentley. I just bought it two days ago."Sheena felt a surge of embarrassment flow over her. Sheena and Becky are of the same age with the
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 6: Revelations and Reverberations
Kelvin took a deep breath, his patience fraying at the edges. He turned to the secretary, his voice calm but firm. "Why are you treating us this way? We’re parents just like everyone else here."The secretary barely glanced up from her computer and ignored Kelvin; she just hissed at Kelvin's question.Sheena stepped forward, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "We deserve the same respect as anyone else. You have no right to treat us like this."The secretary glanced upward, her face showing disdain. "Does respect even matter? Who is it for? A man unable to afford his kids' education and a woman too oblivious to see she's wasting her time with a failure."Kelvin's hands balled into fists by his waist. "What did you say?""I said," the secretary went on, her voice oozing with sarcasm, "That you are a disgrace as parents. Particularly you, Mrs. Brunette." She turned her attention to Sheena. "You, remaining with a man who cannot support his family, is a disgrace to womanhood and m
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 7: Unraveling the Mysteries
Kelvin stepped out of the principal's office, his hand gently guiding Lily and Luke. The secretary glared at him, her eyes filled with loathing. Mrs. Henderson followed closely behind.“Ms. Parker,” the principal said, her voice icy, “You’re dismissed. Please gather your things and leave immediately.”The secretary’s eyes widened in shock. “What? You can’t be serious!”“I am,” Mrs. Henderson replied firmly. “Your behavior towards Mr. Brunette and his family was unacceptable.”“But—” the secretary began to protest, her voice rising in desperation.“No buts,” Mrs. Henderson interrupted. “You’re fired. Now!”The secretary's shoulders dropped while she started gathering her things, quietly mumbling to herself. She gave Kelvin one last angry glance before he crouched down to talk quietly to his children.“Alright, kiddos, time to go to class. Be good, okay?” Kelvin kissed each of them on the forehead.Lily hugged him tightly. “We will, Daddy.”Luke nodded, his small face set with determina
The Good-for-nothing Son-in-law Chapter 8: Descent into Turmoil
Kelvin's hands balled into fists while he stood in front of the office building, glaring at the security guards who were blocking him from entering. He had been concealing his martial arts abilities in his new life with his wife and kids, but now it was time to reveal them."Move out of the way, Brunette," commanded one of the guards as he advanced with a baton. "This will be your final warning."Kelvin quickly disarmed the guard, causing the baton to fall to the ground with a clatter. The remaining guards hurried ahead, while Kelvin dashed ahead rapidly, hitting with accuracy using his fists and feet."Seize him!" Another guard yelled, but Kelvin had already reached them.He performed a roundhouse kick on a guard, causing him to collide with a wall. A different guard threw a punch, but Kelvin dodged and retaliated with a punch to the ribs, then an elbow to the jaw."Stop him!" A shout came from the rear. Kelvin spun around, seizing a guard's wrist and tossing him over his shoulder. T
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Chapter 14: Suspicious Minds
Stephanie's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the elegantly dressed woman who had just walked in. Her curiosity got the better of her."And who might you be?" Stephanie asked, her tone dripping with suspicion.The woman smiled, extending her hand. "I'm Bella Marris, Kelvin's attorney."Ronald, Stephanie, and Sheena exchanged shocked glances. Ronald was the first to break the silence."How on earth did you manage to afford an attorney, Kelvin?"Kelvin shrugged, looking as bewildered as the rest of them. "I... I didn't. I don't know what's going on."Stephanie leaned closer to Sheena and whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with venom. "These types of women? They help men like Kelvin because they want something in return. Trust me, Sheena, she wants him for her sexual satisfaction. And knowing how—"Feeling embarrassment, Sheena's cheeks turned red as she checked if Kelvin had heard anything. “Mother, I beg you! Stop making such comments. This is a serious situation, and our pr
Chapter 13: Conflicting Narratives
Sheena was halfway out the door, her handbag slung over her shoulder, when her parents intercepted her in the hallway."Sheena, wait!" Her mother, Stephanie, called out, her voice tinged with urgency.Sheena paused, turning to face her parents. "What’s wrong, Mom? Dad?""We need to talk to you," her father, Ronald, said, his expression serious. "How did Kelvin manage to get the children back into school?"Sheena sighed, feeling the familiar tension rise. "I don't know for sure, Dad. But I think it was Mike Milly, my boss. He took responsibility for it."Stephanie's eyes lit up with excitement. "Mike Milly? Oh, Sheena, this is wonderful news! Do you see what I’ve been saying? You need to divorce Kelvin and be with Mike.""Mom, please," Sheena protested, rubbing her temples. "I'm not having this conversation again. I need to get to work."Before Stephanie could respond, Sheena's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was the police station."Hello?" Sheena answered."Mrs. Shee
Chapter 12: Arrested and Intrigued
Kelvin closely observed as the principal swiftly intervened and scolded the bullying children. Seeing the principal advocate for his family filled him with a sense of satisfaction that he couldn't ignore. Suddenly, the sound of sirens filled the air. Kelvin turned to see two police cars pulling up behind him. The officers emerged quickly, moving with purpose."Kelvin Brunette?" One of the officers called out.Kelvin nodded. "Yes, that's me.""You're being arrested for attacking the security personnel of Martin Real Estate Company!" The officer announced as he moved closer and reached for his handcuffs. Kelvin lifted his hands, making no attempt to resist. "I understand." While being escorted to the vehicle by the officers, he observed a woman standing close by, observing the situation as it developed. She was one of the parents who arrived to bring her kids. She observed him with a combination of interest and worry.Bella Marris appeared to be captivated by the situation. After obs
Chapter 11: Doubts and Deception
Kelvin decides it is best he tells his wife, Sheena about his ownership of the kid's school. He told Sheena the kids were telling the truth and the principal did indeed bow to him and showed him great respect.Sheena gazed at Kelvin with a puzzled expression on her face. “Are you saying that the principal really bowed to you? And she fired the secretary based solely on your word?" Kelvin nodded with a serious expression on his face. "That is precisely how it played out, Sheena. The principal showed me an unparalleled amount of respect. I made her accept the kids back, she even promised to watch over them.”Sheena shook her head, her lips tightly pressed together. "Kelvin, that doesn't make sense. My boss informed me that he was the one who successfully readmitted the children to the school. What reason would he have to lie about that?”Kelvin narrowed his eyes. "Sheena, it's your boss who is being dishonest. I can guarantee you that I was the one who solved our children's school situ
Chapter 10: Revealing Secrets
Sheena rushed out of the office, her thoughts filled with troubling information about Mike's role in her kids' school issues. She couldn't get rid of the uneasy sensation that there was something more to this than what was apparent. Suppressing her anxiety, she concentrated on one goal – reaching her children. As Sheena neared the school, she saw her second cousin sister, Becky, again standing at the entrance with her kids, Casey and Shane. Preparing herself, Sheena advanced and greeted with a brief nod. "Sheena," Becky said in a contemptuous tone, dripping with disdain. "Nice to run into you. I heard that your kids were allowed back in school. Did you have to beg them, I can’t imagine how embarrassing it must have been for you to beg with tears and sweats.”Sheena gritted her teeth, choosing not to take the bait. “I'm just here to get my kids, Becky." Becky released a loud, forced laugh. "I am sure you are. Can you describe how it feels to have your husband's lack of wealth so vis
Chapter 9: Tensions Come to a Head
Upon arriving home, Kelvin immediately headed to his room and sat on the edge of his bed. He did his best to ignore what he heard over the phone with Sheena, where he held the cards gifted to him by Gerald, his father’s butler. As the morning light filtered through the curtains, the gold lettering on the cards gleamed. While he was putting on his clothes, a loud voice unexpectedly broke the silence of the house. “Kelvin! Get down here!” The sound of Stephanie's voice reverberated through the hallway. Kelvin got ready, took a deep breath, and left the bedroom. "Mother, what is the matter?" Stephanie stood in the living room with her arms crossed, wearing a serious expression. “Where did you take Lily and Luke?”Kelvin calmly replied, staying composed, "They are at school." She angrily said, "Don't lie to me! I have no trust in you. Where did you take my grandchildren?” Kelvin was surprised, his eyes opened wider. “I told you that they are currently at school. I drop them there thi
Chapter 8: Descent into Turmoil
Kelvin's hands balled into fists while he stood in front of the office building, glaring at the security guards who were blocking him from entering. He had been concealing his martial arts abilities in his new life with his wife and kids, but now it was time to reveal them."Move out of the way, Brunette," commanded one of the guards as he advanced with a baton. "This will be your final warning."Kelvin quickly disarmed the guard, causing the baton to fall to the ground with a clatter. The remaining guards hurried ahead, while Kelvin dashed ahead rapidly, hitting with accuracy using his fists and feet."Seize him!" Another guard yelled, but Kelvin had already reached them.He performed a roundhouse kick on a guard, causing him to collide with a wall. A different guard threw a punch, but Kelvin dodged and retaliated with a punch to the ribs, then an elbow to the jaw."Stop him!" A shout came from the rear. Kelvin spun around, seizing a guard's wrist and tossing him over his shoulder. T
Chapter 7: Unraveling the Mysteries
Kelvin stepped out of the principal's office, his hand gently guiding Lily and Luke. The secretary glared at him, her eyes filled with loathing. Mrs. Henderson followed closely behind.“Ms. Parker,” the principal said, her voice icy, “You’re dismissed. Please gather your things and leave immediately.”The secretary’s eyes widened in shock. “What? You can’t be serious!”“I am,” Mrs. Henderson replied firmly. “Your behavior towards Mr. Brunette and his family was unacceptable.”“But—” the secretary began to protest, her voice rising in desperation.“No buts,” Mrs. Henderson interrupted. “You’re fired. Now!”The secretary's shoulders dropped while she started gathering her things, quietly mumbling to herself. She gave Kelvin one last angry glance before he crouched down to talk quietly to his children.“Alright, kiddos, time to go to class. Be good, okay?” Kelvin kissed each of them on the forehead.Lily hugged him tightly. “We will, Daddy.”Luke nodded, his small face set with determina
Chapter 6: Revelations and Reverberations
Kelvin took a deep breath, his patience fraying at the edges. He turned to the secretary, his voice calm but firm. "Why are you treating us this way? We’re parents just like everyone else here."The secretary barely glanced up from her computer and ignored Kelvin; she just hissed at Kelvin's question.Sheena stepped forward, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "We deserve the same respect as anyone else. You have no right to treat us like this."The secretary glanced upward, her face showing disdain. "Does respect even matter? Who is it for? A man unable to afford his kids' education and a woman too oblivious to see she's wasting her time with a failure."Kelvin's hands balled into fists by his waist. "What did you say?""I said," the secretary went on, her voice oozing with sarcasm, "That you are a disgrace as parents. Particularly you, Mrs. Brunette." She turned her attention to Sheena. "You, remaining with a man who cannot support his family, is a disgrace to womanhood and m