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The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 211; Reflections and Goodbyes’s
Chapter one hundred and eleven : Reflections and GoodbyesAs the bus rolled down the winding road back to town, the familiar sights of trees and the occasional glimpse of wildlife brought a sense of relief to everyone aboard. Chris, focused and calm, drove with steady hands, navigating the path they had taken just days before. After the long, exhausting day, the mood in the bus was one of gratitude. “Thanks for saving the day, Chris,” Leo said, leaning back in his seat, exhaustion evident on his face. “I don’t know what we would have done without you.”“Yeah, seriously,” Sandra chimed in, stretching her arms above her head. “I thought we’d be stuck out there forever.”Chris smiled modestly. “Just doing what I could. I’m glad everyone is okay.”The drive back was filled with soft conversations and the occasional laughter as they reminisced about the amusing moments of their trip. There was a renewed sense of camaraderie as everyone reflected on their shared experiences—both the fun a
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 212 A Day of decision
Chapter 212: A Day of DecisionsAs Chris pulled into the driveway of his home, the familiar sight of the house brought a wave of comfort over him. The warm hues of the afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the manicured lawn, and he could hear the faint rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Home. It felt good to be back after the whirlwind of the trip, yet his mind was already racing with thoughts of work that awaited him.He stepped inside to find the house quiet, the kind of quiet that felt both peaceful and slightly eerie. The absence of laughter and chaos reminded him how much he had missed during the weekend. He dropped his bag by the door and took a deep breath, absorbing the homey scents of fresh linen and a hint of Eleanor’s lavender air freshener.Just then, Eleanor emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. “Welcome back, Chris! I hope you had a wonderful trip,” she said, wiping her hands on a dish towel.“It was great, Mrs. Preston. A bit chaotic at times, but we m
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 214; The update
Chapter 214: The Update The following day dawned bright and clear, with the sun streaming through the windows of Chris’s home. After a hearty breakfast with Eleanor, Chris decided it was time to check in at the office and get an update on everything that had transpired while he was away. He had been out of the loop for too long, and the premiere of the new project was looming over him like a dark cloud. Once at MTD, Chris stepped into the bustling atmosphere of the office, where colleagues were already deep into their work. He made his way to his desk, where Mrs Grace was poring over some reports. “Hey, Chris! Glad you’re back,” Mrs Grace said, looking up with a grin. “We were just talking about you. How was the trip?”“Busy but productive,” Chris replied. “I need a full update on the premiere and everything else that happened while I was gone.”“Right on,” Mrs Grace said, shuffling some papers before handing Chris a thick folder. “Here’s everything you need to know. It’s been q
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 215; Homecoming and harmony.
Chapter Two hundred and fifteen: Homecoming and HarmonyAs the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Chris finally returned home after a long day at work. The familiar sight of his house brought a sense of comfort, but as he stepped inside, he was immediately hit by a wave of dust and stillness. It felt as if the house had held its breath for the weekend, waiting for the life and warmth that he and Stephany typically brought into it.“Hey, babe!” Stephany called from the living room, where she was sorting through a pile of magazines that had accumulated over the weekend. “Welcome back! How was your day?”“Busy, as usual,” Chris replied, setting down his bag and running a hand through his hair. “But I got a lot done. How was your day?”“I spent most of it catching up on some reading,” she said, smiling. “But I think this place needs a good cleaning after being empty for so long. I’ll help you out.”“Thanks, but I don’t mind doing it myself,” Chris
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 215, clash of friends
Chapter Two hundred and fifteen: Clash of FriendsThe next morning dawned quietly in Chris and Stephany’s home. The sun cast a warm glow across the room as Stephany tidied up, still thinking about the events of the previous weekend. She and Chris had spent the night together cleaning the house, and though she appreciated their time together, her mind kept drifting to the conversation she was about to have with Sandra. It had been planned for days—a simple chit-chat over coffee to recap the chaotic weekend, but Stephany had an uneasy feeling in her gut. It wasn’t the first time she felt this way around Sandra. Lately, things between them had felt a little off, and Stephany couldn’t quite put her finger on why. It wasn’t like Sandra was doing anything outwardly wrong, but there was an undercurrent of something different in her. Something false.Around mid-morning, Sandra arrived. She breezed through the door wearing a sleek dress and a pair of oversized sunglasses perched on her head.
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 216;Navigating business and tension
Chapter two hundred and sixteen: Navigating Business and Tensions The sun had barely risen over the skyline as Sandra stepped into the sleek, glass building of Steeling Horizons Heritage, the financial institute that was not only her place of work but her entire world. She adjusted the strap of her leather handbag over her shoulder and exhaled deeply, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor of the lobby. The tension from the argument with Stephany the day before still weighed heavily on her mind, but today, she had bigger things to focus on. Despite being the CEO of the institute, Sandra had always been aware that the real power behind the company wasn’t her. Chris Brown, Stephany’s husband, was the true owner and founder of Stealing Horizons Heritage. He had preferred to remain in the shadows, allowing Sandra to be the face of the business. It had been a mutually beneficial arrangement—Sandra handled the public side of things, the meetings, the press, the bo
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 217; Unveiling Secrets of the Shadow ring
Chapter 217: Unveiling the Secrets of the shadow ring After the meeting with Sandra regarding Sterling Heritage Capital, Chris sat in his office, his mind racing. The events of the past few days had been a whirlwind, but nothing had puzzled him more than the strange incident with the ring. It was the one Jack Stone had given him, a simple band that Chris had largely forgotten about, until it began to glow that day in the woods. He hadn’t thought much of it at first, brushing it off as a coincidence. But when Henry had tripped after Chris silently wished it, something deep inside him had stirred. He had felt a surge of power, an unmistakable connection between his thoughts and the ring. After finishing his duties at the company for the day, Chris returned home with the Book of Shadows in his briefcase. It was late, but he needed answers, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to rest until he found them. The book had been with him since his last visit to the Shadows’ Cave, a p
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 218 Curiosity after the Getaway
Chapter two hundred and eighteen: Curiosity After the Getaway The flight back from Australia was filled with chatter and reminiscing. Emily, Connor’s cousin, was particularly excited as she reflected on the weekend getaway. For her, it had been a thrilling experience. Being the youngest among such wealthy and influential people had initially been daunting, but she had managed to blend in well. Not only that, but she had connected with several of them, some even went so far as to exchange numbers with her, which felt like a significant accomplishment. She was practically filled with excitement when she and Connor boarded the plane. The memories from the trip played over and over in her head, and she couldn’t help but recount them enthusiastically to her cousin. “Did you see how quickly Chris fixed the bus? And how he turned down the helicopter ride just to stay with everyone? That was so selfless," Emily exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with admiration. Connor chuckled at he
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
