Chapter Twenty: An Encouragement to Shine Chris returned home late in the evening, exhausted but eager to see Stephany. As he entered their modest apartment, he noticed the living room lights were dimmed and a serene quietness filled the space. He quietly approached the bedroom, pushing the door open to find Stephany sleeping soundly, still in her clothes from the day. It was clear to him that she had waited up for him but had eventually succumbed to fatigue. His heart softened at the sight. He felt a pang of guilt for making her wait, for all the stress and strain his presence—or lack thereof—had caused her. He sat gently on the edge of the bed and whispered, "I'm so sorry, Steph. I didn't mean to make you wait." He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, and as if on cue, Stephany stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked a few times, adjusting to the low light. "Chris? You're back," she said, her voice thick with sleep. "Yeah, I'm back," he said s
Chapter Twenty One: An Unexpected Announcement The party was in full swing, the grand hall filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone immersed in the festivities. However, one person stood apart from the joyous crowd, Henry Preston. His eyes flicked anxiously to his phone every few minutes, waiting for the message from MTD Entertainment that would bring him the good news he desperately needed. The minutes dragged on, each passing second a reminder of the uncertainty hanging over him. As the night progressed, it was time for the gifting ceremony. One by one, family members and close friends approached Grandma Preston to present their carefully chosen gifts. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, each gift a testament to the respect and love they held for the family's matriarch. Mr. Bradley West stepped forward, holding a beautifully wrapped package. He approached Grandma Preston with a confident smile, the kin
Chapter 22. A shocking surprise Seeing as the Representative insisted on meeting him first, Grandma urged Henry to meet them and hear what they have to say first. She vaguely believed it had something to do with the collaboration with MTD Entertainment, with no doubt that her grandson was able to secure the deal. ‘Maybe they needed to be clear on something’s and finalize it before wit’s announced.’ She thoughtAnd sent Henry to meet them. As he approached the representatives, his confident smile quickly faded when he saw that there were two officers standing with the representatives.“What's the update?" Henry asked, trying to mask his anxiety.The lead representative, a stern-faced woman, handed Henry an official notice. “Mr. Henry Preston, you are being reported for attempted blackmail and defamation of the president of MTD Entertainment. You are required to come to the station for questioning immediately."Henry's face went pale. "What? There must be some mistake. Please, can
Chapter Twenty Three; The Ancient Immortal Cup Versus The Pendant. “You!” Henry glared at Chris for a minute, then went to another room to fetch his gift. Stephany gave Chris a sharp look. "And what about yours, Chris? You didn't give a gift either, and now people will notice."“Eleanor who was sitting close to them overheard their conversation and looked at Chris wearily, “Didn’t I tell you to prepare a gift for grandma? How do you expect to attend a birthday party without a gift?”“But I have a gift for grandma.” Chris said and brought out a small jewelry box from his pocket. “This small box? What could possibly be inside?” Eleanor Preston questioned Chris in disagreement.“Hurry, go and keep it on the gift stand before anybody notice what you are carried.” Stephen’s told her husband. Just when Chris stood up to drop his gift, Henry returned to the hall with a shiny big box on his hand and he happened to see the small box Chris was holding. Henry, sensing an opportunity to elev
Chapter Twenty Four; Feminine Jealously “Grandma doesn’t need this thoughtlessness from you,” Henry jeered, his voice dripping with contempt.The pendant fell to the ground, making a soft thud that seemed to echo in the silent room. For Chris, this was the last straw. He stood up from his seat, his face set in a grim determination, and walked over to retrieve the necklace. Every step felt heavy, laden with the weight of the ridicule and scorn directed at him.As he bent down to pick up the pendant, Chris's mind flooded with memories of his mother. The pendant wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was a connection to his past, a symbol of his mother's love and the values she had instilled in him. It had taken him a great deal of emotional strength to part with it, hoping it would convey his respect and admiration for Grandma Preston.He picked up the pendant, brushing off the dust, and turned to face the crowd. "If you don’t appreciate it, I’ll take it back," he said, his voice stea
Chapter Twenty Five: My Wife will not be a scapegoat Henry sat in a corner of the grand hall, feeling the weight of the evening’s failures press down on him. He had gone to such lengths to secure the deal for Grandma Preston, enduring humiliation and now facing potential legal consequences. The future seemed bleak, and the thought of the next day filled him with dread. Desperation clawed at him, pushing him to consider every possible avenue for redemption.His gaze drifted to the celebration still in full swing. Guests mingled, chatted, and danced, oblivious to the turmoil within him. He knew what he had to do, even if it felt like his last resort. Grandma Preston was his only hope, and he decided to convince her to compel Stephany to take over the negotiations with MTD Entertainment. That way, she could do whatsoever she did go secure the deal in the first place to confirm it and even possibly avert the possible lawsuit.If Grandma asked Stephany in front of everyone on her bi
Chapter Twenty Six; The Breakout The slap echoed through the grand hall, silencing the room. Chris reeled from the force of it, his cheek stinging. He slowly turned to see who had struck him. It was his mother-in-law, Eleanor, her face contorted with rage."How dare you, Chris?" Eleanor spat, her voice trembling with fury. "How dare you speak like that in front of everyone when you’re just a useless! Ungrateful excuse of a man.”“You've done nothing but bring us problems since you married Stephany. You have no respect for elders, and you think you have the audacity to speak for her?"Chris met her fiery gaze, his own eyes steady and calm. He bowed his head slightly.“I’m sorry for all the troubles l've caused you and your family," he said quietly, but his voice carried through the hushed room. "The slap you gave me has made us even now since it was delivered in front of everyone, I would no longer be of burden to you and Steph.” Chris saidThe room remained silent as Chris turned
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Change of TideChris was about to leave the venue when his path was blocked by a towering figure. The man was huge, with a menacing presence that instantly commanded attention. It was Darrick, a notorious enforcer in the state, known for his close ties to Mr. Dickson, the mafia lord who ruled the town with an iron fist. Behind Darrick stood a group of tough-looking men, each radiating a similar aura of danger.Darrick's voice boomed through the hall, stopping everyone in their tracks. "No dog goes anywhere!" he bellowed, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Chris.Chris instinctively stepped back, recognizing the threat in front of him.Henry, seizing the moment, shouted, "Darrick! Over here!" He pointed at Chris with a smug expression. "That's the man. I want to finish him right here."The guests exchanged uneasy glances, their whispers filling the air with tension. Henry's association with Darrick was well-known among those familiar with his unsavory