2025-01-22 00:40:57Life had a strange way of pivoting when you least expected it. Marcus sat in Sarah's coffee shop, "The Daily Grind," staring at his laptop screen in disbelief. He had come over himself to speak about the business venture that Sarah had told him about when he stumbled on the most exciting news he had ever gotten. Sarah had walked away for a moment to handle something which gave him the opportunity to surf the internet. That’s when he had seen it.
He'd bought a lottery ticket two days ago, a dollar spent on a whim while buying coffee. Now those six numbers glowing on his screen represented more money than the Wong family had ever dangled over his head.
$347 million.
“This can’t be real.” Marcus mumbled, his eyes widening at his luck. Just a few days ago, he was being thrown out of his home and left to fend for himself on the streets and now, he was the lottery winner of 347 million dollars just because he bought a ticket on a whim! It was unbelievable to say the least.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Sarah said, sliding a fresh cup of coffee across the table to him. Over the past week, her shop had become his unofficial office, a place where he could work on rebuilding his portfolio while serving as a consultant for her planned expansion.
Marcus closed the laptop slowly, his hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins, his mind still in disbelief.
"Just reviewing some numbers."
Sarah raised an eyebrow but didn't press. That was one thing he'd come to appreciate about her – she knew when to let silence do the talking. Instead, she nodded toward a man in an expensive suit who'd just entered the shop.
"That's Derek Zhao, the investment banker I told you about. He's interested in hearing your ideas about commercial space optimization."
Marcus tucked the lottery website away in the back of his mind. According to the website, he had sixty days to claim the prize, plenty of time to plan his next moves carefully. Right now, he had a different kind of opportunity to seize. Regardless of winning so big, it would mean nothing if he didn’t have a business or venture to grow the money. The money wouldn’t last him forever.
Sarah stood up and waved Derek over, her smile drawing people in as always. Derek got closer and shook Sarah’s hand with a smile on his face.
“Derek, this is the man I told you about. He’s a great architect. I’ve seen some of his detailed work and I can tell you that he is the one for you.” She praised Marcus.
Derek turned to Marcus, his once giddy demeanor turning cold.
“Sarah…” He began as he shook his head, no doubt not wanting to speak to a man whose image was being dragged through the mud by almost everyone.
“I know he’s in a tough spot now with the Wong’s but you know how they are, Derek. Do you really believe that a man who had everything would throw it all away in a night? I can vouch for him.” Sarah tried to convince him, her voice steady and sure.
Derek sighed. He’s never been able to say no to her since he trusted her judgement. He didn’t like the arrangement but he would try for Sarah. He took a seat across from Marcus, a stoic look on his face.
“Fine. Wow me.”
It had taken Marcus thirty minutes to speak on how he thought his designs would help Derek and his new project before Derek leaned back in his seat with a smile.
"Your perspective on mixed-use spaces is fascinating," Derek said, scanning Marcus's preliminary sketches. "Would you be interested in consulting on a few other projects? Off the record, of course, given your... current situation."
News traveled fast in certain circles. No doubt the Wongs had made sure their version of events had reached every corner of the business community.
"I'm available. Though I should warn you, my former father-in-law seems determined to make hiring me... complicated." Marcus explained, sure that if the Wong’s found out about this he would be out of another job.
Derek's smile held a hint of steel.
"Richard Wong and I have different opinions on many things. Including his methods of doing business."
“Meet me at my office in three days from now. I’ll set up the appointment.” Derek mentioned, handing Marcus a business card as he got up.
“I’d like to discuss the rest of this with a contract to sign at the end.” He said with a smirk.
Marcus caught on. He was being hired. He got up and grinned with pride, giving Derek a nod.
“Thank you Mr. Zhao. I’ll be there.” He replied before Derek waved at Sarh before walking out of the building and disappearing into the busy streets.
“See, I told you that you could do it.” Sarah brought up.
“Thank you for believing in me. It means a lot.” Marcus told her, genuinely grateful for her help.
“It’s fine. I was once where you are. What I wouldn’t have given for someone to help me out. So, what are you going to do in the meantime? Before the meeting I mean?” She asked, getting up from her seat, ready to get back to work.
Marcus’ mind went back to the lottery that he had won, the paper burning a hole in his bag. Without hesitation, he began to pack his things.
“I have to get a suit.”
“For the meeting. It’s in three days though.”
“There’s no better time than the present.” Marcus replied as he slung his bag and left the building, his next destination in mind but first, he had to meet with some lawyers to hash out some things. If he was going to cash out this huge amount of money then he needed to find out what he was getting into legally.
Soon enough Marcus arrived at the new law firm. Hedge and Co. A firm with a team of discrete financial advisors. A hint from Derek while they spoke some hours ago. It was a small firm with no connections to his former life, specializing in almost everything. It was perfect.
He walked into the building and made an appointment and within minutes, he was seated with one of the lawyers in his office.
"You understand," his new lawyer, Michelle Torres, said as she reviewed the paperwork he filled in, "that concealing lottery winnings during divorce proceedings is technically illegal."
"What if the ticket was purchased after separation?" Marcus asked, his voice neutral.
Michelle's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"The date of purchase becomes crucial. As does the definition of separation in our state. Physical separation, legal separation, intent to separate – these are all different things."
"Hypothetically speaking," Marcus continued, "if someone were to win the lottery after their spouse's infidelity was discovered, but before any legal proceedings began..."
"Hypothetically speaking," Michelle replied with a slight smile, "timing is everything. As is documentation. If the infidelity can be proven then you owe your spouse nothing. As you stated here, a prenup was obtained so grounds of infidelity would work in your favor.”
“So you’re saying that there’s a chance to keep the winnings. Hypothetically of course.”
“Hypothetically, yes, there is.” Michelle said, indulging Marcus in his little game.
Marcus smiled at the thought. Finally, he wouldn’t be bulldozed out of money he earned anymore. Finally, he would have all he needed to rise up in the world and also to bring the Wong family to their knees. All he needed to do was to prove Victoria’s infidelity, finalize the divorce and cash out his winnings. Then he would have his revenge.
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The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Five: INSTANT MILLIONAIRE
Marcus didn’t hesitate to pick which thing he would do first. It was easy. He was going to cash out his winnings from the lottery. His lawyer and advisor, Michelle had already told him all that he needed to know. As long as he could prove infidelity during the marriage to a court then he could keep his assets. Technically, he and Victoria had gotten a prenuptial arrangement before they got married, courtesy of her parents, but Marcus knew the family. Once they found out that he was now going to be a millionaire, they would do everything possible to contest his winnings and swindle it all from under his nose. Hence, the urgent need to get evidence of Victoria’s infidelity with James. Marcus still wasn’t sure how to get such evidence as the only place he’d caught them was at the mansion. And although the mansion had cameras everywhere, he was sure that by now Victoria would have had it all erased to continue to be on the good side of her parents. Regardless, Marcus knew that since he w
The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Six: EVIDENCE
The next day had come around far more quickly than Marcus had anticipated. Sure, he had cashed in his winnings and gone home a happy man but he had also not slept much due to his anticipation. The day before, he had watched Victoria and James give their speech about innovation and whatnot in front of a huge crowd. They seemed too chummy on the stage but as Marcus had expected, no one had seemed to notice that and when it was time for the interactive session, the questions always moved in his direction, focusing on why he cheated and how Victoria was doing after the great betrayal. It was sickening but Marcus held his tongue. After all, he would get his hands on something damning very soon and the world would see that he was the innocent one in this story. Marcus got down from the cab, still donning normal clothes and a smile on his face. The tall and imposing hotel building loomed above him. The Blue Oyster. Some days ago he would have been ashamed to go in looking the way that he wa
The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Seven: EXPOSED
Henry had delivered the security footage from Victoria’s room to Marcus as promised and true to his word, he took no money for it. Marcus pondered on the recording, uploading it to his cloud so that he could have two copies. At first, his plan was to spend the night at the hotel and then at his divorce proceedings he would bring forth the footage as evidence but while he waited for Henry to bring up the evidence, he had seen online that Victoria’s press tour was not over yet. In contrast to her one day business trips, this one was three days. Three days of her and James together. Three days of gathering more evidence but it didn’t matter. Marcus had enough. More than enough and he would use it well.He checked his watch and smiled. It was noon. The same time that Victoria and James were supposed to have their presentation on a recent building project. A building project that he had drawn up but no matter. He was going to be there to congratulate them on their impromptu and well deserv
The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Eight: THE INTERVIEW
Like Marcus planned, the world was on fire. Not literally but the news and media outlets had spread not only the story but the video of the footage that Marcus had released at the conference. It had only been three days and so far, the story had been topping all the charts on the blogs. No one could believe it. How could Victoria Wong of all people falsely accuse her own husband? It was unheard and definitely a story to gossip over by everyone. And although the videos were now being taken down and tagged as adult material, the intrigue behind it never died down. Victoria and her family had not been seen in public since the news broke and James went on a short vacation to the Maldives to clear his head. Well, that’s what the tabloids say anyways. No one had seen him too so everyone chose to believe that he had run away with his tail tucked between his legs. As for Marcus, while the world spun out of control, he reveled in the vindication. News outlets and blogs reached out to him for
The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Nine: SIGNING THE PAPERS
The sun was high up in the sky and Marcus couldn’t help but smile when he looked up at it through his sunglasses. He stood in front of the Wong company building, Wong Facilities and let out a big breath, giddy that his long awaited dream was going to come to fruition in just some minutes as he didn’t plan to stay in that god-forsaken place for long. As he walked up the stairs and into the building, the murmurs that he expected started up again. This time, they weren’t words of malice or disdain. For once they were ones of pity and admiration. “Isn’t that Victoria's husband?”“Yeah, the one who exposed her affair.”“Damn, he went through a lot with the affair and then with the scandal that Victoria caused, he had every right to ruin her on national television.”“I hope he gets away from her. I’m just working for her and I even feel my soul being tainted by being this close to her.”“I wish him luck in the future. God knows he needs it.” Marcus slightly chuckled at the words. Instead
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The day for the appointed court date for the divorce had finally come around. The courthouse buzzed with anticipation as reporters and spectators crowded the hallways, all eager to witness the final act of what had become the city's most talked-about divorce case. Victoria Wong versus Marcus Chen. It was electric and no one could get enough of the drama. Inside the courtroom, Marcus and his lawyer sat calmly at the table on the left of the room while Victoria and her legal team occupied the other, her perfectly manicured nails drumming against the wooden surface with barely contained irritation. For a second, Victoria and Marcus shared a look causing the pair to sneer and look away as soon as their eyes locked, neither of them wanting to be in the same room as the other for a second more. The Judge, Mark Harrison entered the courtroom, and the bailiff's voice rang out clear: "All rise. The Superior Court of the State is now in session, the Honorable Judge Mark Harrison presiding."
The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Eleven: PRESS CONFERENCE
Almost twenty-four hours to the time of his divorce, Marcus stood at the podium in the Rivera Technologies conference room, cameras flashing from every direction as reporters clamored for his attention, all wondering how he had even managed to secure a room in the building for a press conference. The sleek, designer suit he wore was a far cry from the secondhand one he had worn in court yesterday. A necessary change for the announcement that he was about to give. Marcus stared at the crowd for a moment more before he waved his hands, calming them down. The room went silent, everyone waiting to hear what the now ex-husband of Victoria Wong was about to say."Good day everyone. I'm glad that you all thought that my press announcement today was worth a listen. I honestly didn't think that many of you would show up here today," he started with a small chuckle before moving on."Well, the reason I wanted you all to be here was to announce that as of today I am now the official CEO of River
The Overnight Billionaire's Revenge Chapter Twelve: THE ASSISTANT
While Marcus was putting things in order for Victoria’s downfall, he still had a business to run. A huge business which meant that he had to hire an assistant to help him out. Hence, that’s why he was sitting in his office with a long line of women outside his door, waiting to be interviewed for the position. He would have loved for someone else to handle this but with the amount of pull that his ex-wife still had, he couldn’t risk a mole being sent into his administration. Marcus sat through most of the interviews either bored out of his mind or annoyed at what the applicants were trying to pull. The next lady trauma dumped on him about her four kids who she couldn't afford to take care of because her husband was sleeping around and begged him to give her the job although having no strong qualifications or even personal strengths whatsoever. She pleaded with him the whole time all while he asked her to stop and when she finally stopped she chose to try and seduce him. The lady had a
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Chapter Forty-Three: RACHEL ALLISON BLYTHE
"Rachel, this is my grandson Marcus. Marcus, this is Rachel Allison Blythe , your soon to be wife."Both Marcus and Rachel stared at Elias incredulously forcing themselves to believe that what he was saying was a joke but their hopes were shattered when Elias spoke again."Before any of you say anything this has been what both your father's and I wanted to happen and although Bruce couldn't make it today, due to his medical condition, he wanted me to break the news to you both."Standing before him was the daughter of the legendary businessman Bruce Blythe and the current CEO of a rival company, Blythe Conglomerate. They should have been talking strategy or a compromise but here they were, speaking about a potential marriage when they could be sharing ideas and business plans on how to get their company to grow. The Blythes were one of the most powerful business families in the world, the Wei’s being behind only them in the city of New York. Unfortunately, Bruce Blythe was not doing
Chapter Forty-Two: A SURPRISE INDEED
"Welcome back." He said under his breath. Once Elias finished speaking Marcus was able to get free of his hold. It wasn't bad or anything, hugging for long just made Marcus a bit uncomfortable. He smiled at his supposed grandfather, noting that the man wasn’t as old as he expected him to be. He had bought a gift for an old man but his grandfather looked anything but that. "Thank you." Marcus said still not able to get over the fact that this man was finally standing before him. His hand went to his pocket ready to bring out the gift that he bought and revived last minute when Elias spoke up."I can't believe I'm looking at my grandson after all these years of looking for you. I'm sorry we couldn't find you earlier but I'm glad you're with the family now." Elias mentioned, still holding on to Marcus’ shoulder. Elias turned at Micah, gleefully."He has your features and if what you've told me on the phone is true then he's more like your late wife than you."Marcus' mother. Elias had
Chapter Forty-One:MEETING ELIAS WEI
Marcus finished up from work a bit early, eager to get to the party, see his long lost grandfather and see the surprise that awaited him at the mansion but he had to do something first.Before he went back home, he chose to get a gift for his grandfather. He had overheard that the man had a liking for antiquities from his father and Eric's conversation once before. So, he decided what better gift to give when you're meeting someone for the first time. Plus, he wanted to make a good impression. His car pulled up in front of a building that he had seen sometimes while he was on his way home. It was an antique store. Just the name alone confirmed that.Antique's and all.Marcus parked and got down from his car. He made sure to take his black card with him just to cover any extra cost he might incur. At least this was something that he could comfortably spend a lot of money on.He entered the building, the ringing bell above the door signifying that there was a new customer. The inside o
Chapter Forty: A PARTY?
Marcus sat back in his chair after the three board members of one of the subsidiaries of Wei Conglomerate left his office a bit disappointed as Marcus had informed them that they were doing poorly in some areas. He rubbed his chin and sighed. He knew that he was new to the job but he didn’t expect them to be a bit arrogant about it from the start. Regardless, they would have to listen to him. He was their boss after all. Just then there was a knock on his office door, causing Marcus to turn his attention to it.“Come in.” He said out loud.Lori walked in, her hair in a high ponytail and her nose buried in her tablet when she spoke. “How was it?” “As expected. They don’t respect me. Yet.” Marcus answered, putting some file on his desk to the side as Lori walked up and sat across from him. “They’ll come around. They always do. In the meantime, your next appointment is with the potential investors of Burbank. Do you need anything while you wait?” She informed him before asking, her ey
Chapter Thirty-Nine: OLD AND LOST MEMORIES
The next morning after the big press conference, Marcus was surprised when he was woken up early by Eric. He had been expecting to be woken up that early like the day before especially when the week had ended. “It's the weekend, Eric, why are you waking me up so early?” Marcus asked as he yawned and stretched in bed. Eric chuckled as he pulled the blinds away, letting the light flood into the room. “You of all people should know that you must not be the heir in words only. You have to at least have basic knowledge of your father’s business if you are to inherit it all from him. I know that you already know how to run a company but what your father owns is far bigger than that, so we need to teach you some important things if only you’re willing to learn. Knowledge is power after all.” Eric replied, standing to the side. “Can’t we start later?” Marcus asked, groaning. Why was this necessary? “You need to get used to waking early even here, Marcus. It will be a normal routine for y
Chapter Thirty-Eight: THE NEW CEO
News reporters and every form of entertainment press stood outside the Wei Conglomerate building with flashing cameras and mics hoping to get a glimpse or even a notable speech from the men that called them out that day. The crowd stretched far beyond the building's perimeter, their excitement palpable in the morning air.Marcus and his father, Micah stepped out from the building and onto the podium that stood atop the steps of the building and overlooked the crowd that formed on their property. Eric and Marcus' secretary Lori, who he had flown out to meet up with him, stood beside them as Marcus and Micah stood side by side smiling at the crowd. Marcus couldn't help but notice how similar their postures were – both straight-backed and commanding, though his father carried decades more experience in his bearing. Truth be told Marcus knew nothing about why he stood beside his father. He only knew that he was going to be announced as the next heir since the paternity test had been carr
Chapter Thirty-Seven: CONCLUSION
The trio now sat in the living room with all eyes on Marcus. It was unnerving being in such a foreign place and having all this information forced down his throat but when Micah led him to the living room and asked him to tell them how he survived on his own for years, Marcus didn’t think to hesitate.“Long story short, I grew up at an orphanage. No family wanted me so by the age of eighteen I was thrown out to fend for myself. Luckily for me, I managed to get a scholarship to go to college since the orphanage helped us through highschool and all that. It was mostly due to funding from some NGO but it helped. I went to a no name school and learned architecture. I graduated with a high enough GPA for me to land a job at a big company at the time. Wong Facilities.” Marcus explained, his eye catching Eric’s stoic face turned into a frown. It seemed like he already knew the story. After all, he was the one who found Marcus in the first place. Still, Marcus continued. From what he had lea
Chapter Thirty-Six: THE PAST
“When you were still a child, almost two years old, you were taken from us. I had just started making good money back then, my company was flourishing and I got arrogant. I was warned by my father, your grandfather, not to take a particular deal that an older rival company was vying for but I didn’t listen. I felt like I could take them on because I had already achieved so much at a young age. After successfully getting the project started, we threw a party to celebrate the success of the project launch. Your mother and I were in attendance while you were home with your nanny. We couldn’t take you that day because you weren’t feeling well. When we came home that day, you were gone. Our home had been invaded by armed men, they killed all the security guards and the house staff. We searched everywhere but couldn’t find you, then I received a call shortly after. The CEO of that rival company called me and told me that he was responsible for your kidnapping. He wanted me to know that he w
Chapter Thirty-Five: MEETING THE FAMILY
The car ride was spent in silence between both of them till the car came to a stop in front of a gate made of gold. Just the gate seemed more expensive than the entire Wong mansion. Marcus’ own even. As they approached the gate, Eric pressed a button to open the outer gate, signalling that the mansion had a visitor. As they got to the security post, it spoke. It was an AI gate and only really wealthy people could afford them. Marcus had contemplated getting one but decided against it. “Please identify yourself.” The gate said as Eric rolled down the window to speak.“Eric Wei.”“Voice recognition, success. Welcome, Mr Wei.”The inner gates opened automatically and Marcus' eyes widened . Calling it a mansion did not do it justice as it looked more like a luxury estate. He had money but this was far over the top. Extremely so. How could one person own all this? Streetlights lined the driveway, and each of them were made of gold, not gold paint, real solid gold. It took almost ten minut
