2025-01-22 00:37:01The Riverside Motel smelled of stale cigarettes and broken dreams. A fair thing since Macus’ life was now going down the drain. It had been only two days since he left the Wong mansion and already it felt like he had hit rock bottom. Not to mention the harrassing messages he got on the daily from the Wong family. Although he was no longer in the same house and accepting the abuse, keeping up with them over the phone was also exhausting.
Marcus sat on the edge of the sagging bed, staring at the duffel bag that contained everything he'd been allowed to take from his life of the past five years. His laptop, a few changes of clothes, mostly three shirts and a change of pants and his father's watch. The rest remained locked behind the Wong family's gates, probably being packed away or destroyed under Eleanor's supervising eyes.
He pulled some sites on his phone, wanting to see if there were any job openings around but then his eyes met something far worse.
SON-IN-LAW OF THE WONG FAMILY HAS A DAMNING AFFAIR
“Wait, what?” Marcus muttered, clicking on the link which led him to an interview where Victoria and another woman sat facing one another. What the hell was going on here?
“It’s good to see you Victoria even though it’s under bad circumstances. How have you been through all this?” The woman asked her, a solemn look on her face.
Victoria nodded and gave a small smile.
“I have been doing well considering everything. Work has been hectic but it helps me take my mind off these things.”
“Okay. Now, I know it might be hard but I have to ask. What happened between you and your husband? Why is your marriage on the rocks?"
Marcus watched in disbelief as Victoria started to cry on the video. The woman, Marisa, held her hand.
“We had been having some fights over the years but it became really bad recently. Marcus, my husband, had been coming back home late almost everyday. When I asked where he was he said he was working late at his part time job and that I shouldn’t ask anymore questions. I kept it civil at home but he kept on drinking and staying out of the house.”
She started to sniffle and took a tissue to blow her nose.
“So, one day I decided to follow him. I went to his workplace and they said that he wasn’t at work that day. I checked his GPS and saw that he was in Crenshaw. We have an apartment there so I thought nothing of it. I went over and headed into the building. I saw clothes on the floor so I went to the bedroom and I saw… I saw him and a woman in my matrimonial bed having sex.”
The water works increased as Victoria broke down in front of everyone.
“I confronted him and he said that he never loved me and he was only married to me for my money. I love him. How could he do that to me?”
Marcus paused the video and went through the comment section.
“Men truly are SCUM.”
“How could he cheat on such a catch? He must be stupid.”
“Guys I heard he’s poor. Like really poor.”
“Guess he was just with her for the money. I don’t think he’ll get a cent now though.”
“Do you think they’ll get a divorce? I mean who knows what she’s going through.”
While Marisa tried to calm her down Marcus turned off the phone and threw it across the room. He had had enough. He held his head in his hands.
“She has the audacity to spin the story on me. She cheated on me. What the hell is her problem? Couldn’t she just leave me alone?" He mumbled to himself but it didn’t help the anger bubbling inside of him.
His phone buzzed again, snapping Marcus out of his thoughts and causing him to go pick up his discarded phone. It was another message from James, his backstabbing friend.
"Be reasonable, Marcus. You know how Victoria's family operates. Take the settlement offer and walk away with something."
Something. As if five years of his life could be reduced to a number in a checking account. As if his dignity had a price tag that the Wong family could afford.
He deleted the message without responding, just as he'd deleted the dozen others that had preceded it. His phone buzzed again almost immediately. Victoria this time. Were they planning this non verbal assault together?
"Mother is having the rest of your filthy things packed. You have one hour to send someone to get them or they’re all going to get burnt. Honestly, I’m sure that even if we try to donate them, not even the beggars would take it. And really, Marcus, refusing to speak to our lawyers? Don't be childish."
The bedside lamp cast sickly yellow shadows across his face as Marcus grimaced, his anger seeping through. The bitch. Because of that family he had nothing. No home, no wife, no money, no best friend. His architectural designs, stored on the home computer he hadn't been allowed to retrieve, represented years of work now lost. He didn’t even have a job of his own anymore. Apparently, Richard Wong's influence extended to his employers, who had suddenly found his services no longer required, kicking him out of a somewhat well paying job.
A knock at the door startled him from his thoughts. For a moment, his heart leaped, thinking that it could have been Victoria or James but he knew them well. They would never set foot in a place like this. Plus, they didn’t even know where he was. So, who the hell could it be?
Marcus got off his bed, grabbing the closest thing he could use as a weapon just in case. The closest thing being a dented aluminium mantle piece from his nightstand. He moved slowly towards the door as there was another knock and waited patiently, hoping that whoever was behind it would give up and go away.
"Mr. Chen? I have your dinner order." A woman’s voice echoed out.
He hadn't ordered dinner or anything for that matter. A woman was harmless enough so he turned the handle of the door and opened it. A young woman holding a paper bag that smelled of cheap Chinese takeout stood before him, a small smile on her face.
"I didn't..." he began, trying to turn her away but she spoke up.
"Sarah Martinez," she interrupted, extending the bag. "I own the coffee shop next door. You looked like you could use a meal when you checked in this afternoon." She said to him, her eyes bright.
Marcus stared at the bag, then at her. With the news going around about him right now, how could she be offering him food. The husband who supposedly cheated on his billionaire wife. The internet and the world already hated him. How could she stand him?
“Why would you..”
“I’ve seen you enter this building three times without any food and I’m sure that they don’t cater to dinners at this motel. Plus, I’m pretty sure that you’re being punished for something that you didn’t do.” She mentioned with a chuckle. Marcus was about to ask her what she meant by that but like before she beat him to it.
“Just take it. I’m trying to be a good person.” She said, pushing the bag in his face.
"I can't pay you right now. My accounts are frozen." Marcus lied through his teeth. His accounts weren’t frozen. Victoria had taken everything from him.
"Good thing I'm not selling it, then." She pressed the bag into his hands. "Consider it a welcome to rock bottom. Trust me, the view only gets better from here."
Before he could respond, Sarah turned and walked away, her practical shoes squeaking slightly against the worn carpet. Marcus watched her go, the warm bag in his hands feeling like the first real thing he'd touched in days.
Inside his room, he found not just dinner but a handwritten note with a phone number:
"When you're ready to start climbing back up, call. I know some people who might be interested in an architect's perspective on their new business ventures.And no, I’m not stalking you. -Sarah"
Marcus sat on the bed, his eyes reading the note but his mind wondering where Sara might have known him from. He sighed and began to unwrap the container of food when his phone buzzed again. It was his mother-in-law this time.
"You ungrateful little man. Did you really think someone like you could ever be part of our family? Victoria told us everything – how you've been emotionally manipulative, how you tried to isolate her from James. We'll make sure everyone knows what you really are."
The lies shouldn't have surprised him. Of course they would try to rewrite history, to paint him as the villain in their story. He could already imagine the whispers spreading through their social circle, the carefully crafted narrative of poor Victoria and her abusive husband, saved by her noble friend James. Tch. How low were they willing to stoop?
His phone buzzed one final time. A text from James.
"Look, take the settlement. One hundred thousand and a clean break. It's more than fair considering your position."
Marcus frowned. Was that all they thought he was worth? He had taken their abuse, day after day, taken the betrayal with insults to boot and then they thought that they could just write him off to the side and ruin his name publicly. How dare they?
He pulled out his father's watch, turning it over in his hands. The inscription caught the dim light: "Time reveals all truths." His father had always said that justice had its own schedule, that the universe had a way of balancing its books. Marcus smiled at the thought. Justice would prevail and he would be the one to make sure that it did.
He would have his revenge on the Wong family but first he needed to survive. To rebuild. To become someone that they would never see coming. Sarah’s note caught his eye once more. It was unexpected, considering the news that was now floating around about him but it was welcomed. Tomorrow he would call. Tomorrow, he would take the first step up from rock bottom. He would show the Wong’s that he was no one to mess with.
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"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
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"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
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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
