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The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 168; fishing
Chapter one hundred and sixty eight; Fishing The next morning dawned bright and clear, with the sun casting a golden hue over the Australian landscape. The men gathered outside, ready for the day’s first activity—fishing. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as the group made their way to the private lake nestled within the estate. Tyler Martin, always the gracious host, led the way, his calm demeanor and quiet confidence setting the tone for the morning.Chris, still feeling the lingering awkwardness from the night before, walked alongside Stephany, who had come to see him off. She wore a simple white sundress that fluttered in the breeze, and despite their tense interactions the previous night, there was a silent understanding between them. They exchanged a brief, almost shy smile before Chris joined the group of men preparing for the fishing trip.Henry Preston was among the last to arrive at the lake, his face still showing traces of the anger and frustration from
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 168; Fishing Showdown
Chapter one hundred and sixty eight; Fishing Showdown“Now that you boys have gotten the idea, you can learn from Chris if you’re stuck or something. I’ll leave you to it, be safe.” Mr. Tyler Martin, Leo’s father before excusing himself to take care of some business matters, leaving the younger men to bond and enjoy their time.As Chris prepared his fishing rod, Henry was at it again. "You know, Chris," Henry sneered, “I’m surprised you even showed up to this event. After all, you’ve never really fit in with our crowd, have you?” Chris, ignoring the jab, cast his line into the water, trying to focus on the peacefulness of the moment. But Henry wasn’t finished. “You and Stephany must’ve had quite the uncomfortable night last night. One bed for both of you? You’re practically strangers in your own marriage. How pathetic is that?”Several of the men nearby exchanged glances, sensing the tension. Chris remained calm, but Henry’s voice grew louder, making sure everyone heard his taunts.
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 170; Getting the job done
Chapter one hundred and seventy; Getting the job done. The sun had barely broken through the horizon when the ladies were summoned to clean the rooms before the day’s activities began. Morning dew clung to the windows, and a soft chill filled the air, a contrast to the fiery energy simmering inside as the women grumbled about their task. They were expected to clean up before slipping into yoga pants and heading out for their group pallet session, while the men had been assigned the far more pleasant task of fishing. Sinclair, standing tall with her arms crossed, eyed Emily with an expression that could only be described as mildly condescending. The room they were tasked to clean wasn’t particularly messy, but the faint smell of the outdoors had seeped in through the cracks, and scattered clothes from yesterday’s rush lay strewn about. Emily, her youthful energy evident in her bouncing steps, glanced around before meeting Sinclair’s gaze. "You should start with the floors," Sinc
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 171; A distant friend.
Chapter one hundred and seventy one; A distant friend. The morning sun crept higher into the sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate as the women emerged from their rooms, one by one, wiping their hands on their pants after a begrudging round of cleaning. The air was thick with complaints and laughter as they finally escaped the confines of their rooms and made their way to the wide patio where their morning pallets awaited. Stephany stood outside Sandra’s door, tapping lightly before opening it slightly. “You ready?” she called, leaning against the frame. Inside, Sandra was finishing up with her own room, tossing the last of the crumpled clothes into a hamper by the door. She turned around with a bright smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” Sandra replied with a grin. “Let’s head out.” The two women walked side by side through the winding corridors until they reached the patio. The large open space stretched out under the morni
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 172. He’s so hot.
Chapter one hundred and seventy two; He’s so hot The sun hung lazily in the late morning sky, casting a golden sheen across the estate as the men returned from their fishing trip, looking rugged and effortlessly handsome. They moved toward the kitchen area, their catch slung over their shoulders, ready to hand it off so meals could be prepared. The ladies, who had just finished their morning pallet session, turned to watch, eyes drawn to the sight before them.At the front of the group, Chris walked side by side with Rider, their low voices drifting over the sound of footsteps. Chris, with his strong build and relaxed posture, exuded a natural charm that made heads turn, while Rider, tall and lean, seemed equally captivating in a quieter, more mysterious way.Ever since the fishing trip, where Rider had defended Chris from an unexpected challenge with another guy, the two had struck up a comfortable camaraderie. Rider, who had grown up with his grandparents in Asia, had shared bit
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 173, we would have been first
Chapter one hundred and seventy three; we would have been first After the men returned with their catch and the ladies finished admiring them, everyone headed inside to get washed up. The sound of running water filled the air as they hurried through the house, eager to freshen up before breakfast. The dining hall was soon filled with the aroma of freshly cooked fish, eggs, toast, and coffee. Conversations flowed easily as the group settled down, energy building for the day’s next event.The Preston family sat together, an air of tension surrounding them despite the cheerful atmosphere. Henry, Stephany’s cousin brother, sat beside her, his jaw tight, hands fiddling with his coffee cup. He hadn’t taken well to the idea of Stephany being the head of the Preston house. After all, he had always been the one pushing himself to be in charge—strong-willed, assertive, determined to make his mark. But now, the family leadership had been passed to Stephnay. Still, Henry struggled to accep
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 173; Officer Connor’s one man mission
Chapter one hundred and seventy three; Officer Connor’s one man’s mission While the rest of the group was deep in the competitive energy of the family games, Connor had slipped away unnoticed. The commotion and the laughter that surrounded the estate provided the perfect cover. Connor had always been skilled at moving in the shadows, staying under the radar when necessary, and today was no different. He had a mission. The estate where they were staying was secluded, situated on the outskirts of the city, which made it easier for Connor to slip into the nearby town without raising suspicion. His goal was simple: to dig deeper into Jeremy Paul's financial dealings and uncover any hidden connections to the notorious bank with which Paul conducted his illegal transactions. Connor had spent days researching Paul's operations, and he knew that Australia was home to one of the key banks connected to Paul's illicit empire. He just needed to find it.He moved quickly through the narrow
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 175, ladies man
Chapter one hundred and Seventy five; ladies man The games had finally come to an end, leaving everyone exhausted but in good spirits. Chris was heading back to the main house to quietly take care of some work, he had been meaning to check on a few things regarding the financial institute since both and Sandra were away from the compan, when suddenly, he heard footsteps running up behind him.“Chris!” Emily’s voice came out in a tremble, and when Chris turned around, he saw her rushing toward him, her face pale and her eyes wide with worry.Immediately, Chris could tell something was wrong. Emily was usually composed, but right now, she looked on the verge of tears. He walked toward her, his concern deepening. “Emily, what’s wrong? What happened?”Emily reached him, her breathing ragged, and she quickly wiped at her eyes, trying to keep herself together. “It’s my uncle,” she began, her voice shaking. “Connor... he snuck out earlier today. He said he was going to do some detective i
Latest Chapter
360; The Breaking Point
Chapter 360: The Breaking Point It’s the next day after Chris presented himself to the world in his full glory, the media has carried the news both far and near and the Preston’s were still in shock of the revelation. The Preston boardroom was unusually quiet that morning. Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, casting golden stripes across the dark mahogany table. The chairs were all filled—executives, advisors, partners from subsidiaries. But one seat at the head of the table remained empty. Stephany’s seat. Eleanor sat in her usual place, fingers steepled, a slight crease in her brow. She glanced at her watch again. Still no word. Still no daughter. Still no leadership. It had been two days since the gala. Two days since the world discovered that Chris Brown—the quiet son-in-law they mocked—was actually the president of MTD and the force behind Sterling Heritage. Two days since Stephany had vanished. “She’s taking time to think,” Eleanor said qui
359: Stephany’s Spiral
Chapter 359: Stephany’s Spiral Stephnay stepped our. And Chris followed her. The air outside the ballroom was colder than it should’ve been. Stephany’s heels clicked furiously against the marble as she stormed down the corridor, the silk of her gown swishing violently behind her. Her breath came in shallow bursts, not from exertion, but from the ache building in her chest, from the burn in her throat she couldn’t swallow. Everyone had lied to her. Everyone. Her father… who paraded around like he was the reason for the deal, when he was nothing more than a shadow. Her mother… who, for all her sharpness, had encouraged her to chase a stranger, unaware he was already sleeping in her daughter’s bed. Sandra… her friend, her confidante, who had stood by and said nothing while Stephany wept and doubted and begged. And Chris. Chris. The man she insulted. Defended. Hated. Loved. The man who, it turned out, had been ten steps ahead of her the entire time. She pushed
358; after the lights
Chapter 359: After the Lights The ballroom lights dimmed slowly, the last echoes of applause fading into the glittering hush of evening elegance. The crowd had dispersed into small clusters some lingering around the champagne bar, others whispering in stunned awe near the media walls. The air was thick with disbelief, admiration… and a new respect that hadn’t been there before. Chris Brown stepped off the stage like a man who had just laid his past to rest. His face was composed. His shoulders straight. But inside? A storm raged. He didn’t look for her in the crowd. He didn’t need to. He felt her. Stephany. And she was coming. Each step she took echoed like a countdown. He turned slowly to face her, meeting her eyes across the polished marble floor, under chandeliers that suddenly seemed too bright. Her heels clicked to a stop three feet in front of him. She didn’t speak at first. Didn’t blink. She just looked at him like she was seeing a ghost. No… like she was seei
357 the speech
Chapter 358: The Speech The ballroom, moments before electric with noise, now pulsed with stunned silence. The man everyone had ignored, mocked, and dismissed… stood before them. No longer in the shadows. No longer “just a son-in-law.” Chris Brown. The President of MTD Enterprises.If not because Sandra herself introduced him, no one would believe he was the owner of Sterling, the one calling the shots. The man who had, without the Preston name, without favors or inheritance, built a corporate empire that now stood at the helm of Preston Holdings’ salvation. He stepped up to the stage, his black tux catching the soft gold light of the chandeliers above. Calm, composed, magnetic. He didn’t need a grand entrance. He was the moment. The microphone felt cool in his hand as he brought it close. “Good evening,” he began, his voice smooth, quiet, but undeniably strong. The crowd leaned in. “I’ll keep this brief,” he continued. “I know the wine is flowing, and so
356; president on a bike
Chapter 356: The President on a Bike The Grand New York Ballroom shimmered with opulence. Glittering chandeliers hung like frozen stars above the gold-accented floor. Guests milled about in tuxedos and flowing gowns, laughter and polite applause filling the space as media crews tried to capture every angle. Business moguls, celebrities, and dignitaries gathered, sipping champagne and posing for press photos beneath the towering banners that read: “The New Preston Empire – Gala of Legacy and Innovation.” Charles Preston stood front and center, basking in the glow of attention. His tailored white suit gleamed under the lights, and he wore a practiced smile that hadn’t wavered since the event began. Every reporter, every business associate—he greeted them all with open arms and exaggerated humility. “I just did what any visionary would do,” Charles said during an interview, brushing invisible lint off his shoulder. “The expansion was necessary. And thanks to our trusted par
355; a night of glass And gold
Chapter 355: A night of glass and gold. Add her mother pushes her to welcome him The Grand New York Ballroom shimmered like a crown jewel in the heart of Manhattan. Crystal chandeliers dripped light onto mirrored floors, casting glittering illusions across a sea of tuxedos and couture gowns. The air was thick with cologne, champagne, and the sharp undercurrent of ambition. It was a night carved out for legends. And Charles Preston was ready to claim it. "Smile, Mr. Preston!" "Over here, Charles!" "The face behind Preston’s comeback!" Charles grinned wide, adjusting his cufflinks as camera flashes burst in succession. Reporters flanked the red carpet, microphones stretched forward like spears as he paused just long enough for the spotlight to settle comfortably on him. “Yes,” he said with polished ease, “we’re very proud of the progress Preston Holdings has made this year. Tonight is about celebrating that growth—and the vision that brought us here.”
354: Behind the Velvet curtain
Chapter 354: Behind the Velvet Curtain The night shimmered like a stage awaiting its lead actor. Inside the Grand Ballroom at the Empire Crown Hotel, chandeliers sparkled above a sea of elegantly dressed guests. Velvet drapes framed tall windows, and gold, edged mirrors gave the illusion of endless luxury. A symphony quartet played in the background, their music crisp, purposeful like the gala itself. This wasn't just a party. It was war with lace gloves and champagne. And behind the scenes, the generals were preparing. Connor Shaw, head of the Metropolitan Police and Chris’s long, time ally, stood in the back service corridor of the hotel, earpiece in, tablet in hand. His eyes weren’t on the stage. They were on security feeds. “I want eyes on every major entrance,” he said into the comms. “Check for duplicates of the guest list, especially near the back elevators. Nothing gets past us tonight.” He wasn’t here in uniform. He was dressed in a black tailored suit
353; The interruption
Chapter 353: The Interruption The city glowed with twilight as the sun bowed behind glass towers and flashing billboards, preparing to hand the stage over to a night of prestige, power, and unveiling. The Preston Expansion Gala was just hours away, and every detail had been scrutinized to perfection—down to the shimmer of champagne and the alignment of name cards. But Chris never made it to the venue. Not yet. He had left the penthouse in his tailored suit, calm and resolved, his presence a storm wrapped in elegance. The drive his most trusted escort had been instructed to take the back route, avoiding media hotspots. It was supposed to be quiet. Controlled. But power always attracts chaos. And Chris never saw it coming. As the car approached an underpass just twenty minutes from the gala hall, a black SUV swerved from nowhere, cutting them off. Before the driver could react, another vehicle blocked them from behind. Then darkness. Metal clashed. Tires screeched. Doors fl
352: the call of blood
Chapter 352: The Call of Blood The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Chris's penthouse office, casting elongated shadows across the polished marble floor. He stood by the window, gazing out at the city skyline, his reflection a ghostly overlay against the bustling world beyond. The news had broken earlier that day: the elusive president of MTD was also the owner of Sterling Heritage and would be making a public appearance at the Preston gala. His phone buzzed on the desk behind him, a persistent vibration that refused to be ignored. Chris turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he saw the caller ID: "Grandpa Brown." A sigh escaped his lips, heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved tensions. He picked up the phone, the device cool against his palm, and answered with a measured tone. "Grandpa." The voice on the other end was sharp, tinged with a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Christopher, care to explain why I had to find out from the p
