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The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 228; The Power Play
Chapter Two hundred and Twenty Eight: The Power Play.The woman stepped into the executive elevator, her head held high as the doors slid shut behind her. The scene in the lobby still simmered in her mind, the young receptionist’s insolence replaying like a scratch on a record. Though the girl hadn’t known who she was, the sheer audacity of speaking to her that was, executive or not, had left Georgina fuming. She straightened her coat as the elevator ascended, smoothing the luxurious fabric and letting out a breath. The tension from the encounter settled with each passing floor, but there was still a flicker of annoyance in her chest. The girl had been scared enough to back down, but the fact that she’d been questioned at all was unacceptable. Georgina wasn’t just any executive; she had been the president of this company until this year. Her name carried weight, and she would ensure no one forgot it.The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and she stepped into the executive
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 228: A Family’s Division
Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Eight: A Family's Divisions.Chris stepped out of the president's office, his gaze sweeping across the executive suite as the tense atmosphere hit him immediately. “What is going on?” He asked. The secretary was standing awkwardly by her desk, pale and nervous, clearly shaken by something or someone. And then he saw her.Georgina.Before the secretary could utter a word, Georgina stood from the sofa with an air of unshakable authority. Her expression was ice-cold, her posture as commanding as ever, and Chris immediately knew something was about to unfold. “Chris,” she said sharply, cutting through the silence like a blade. “Do you think you can just walk around this company and do as you please?”Her tone was laced with contempt, the kind she had honed after years of leading this very business, but Chris remained silent, his eyes narrowing as she approached him.“You think you’ve earned the right to do whatever you want right?” Her voice rose with ea
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 230; The Shadow and the Bloodline
Chapter Two hundred and Thirty: The Shadow and the BloodlineThe office felt eerily quiet after Georgina’s departure, but the tension still lingered in the air like a dark cloud. Chris stood in the middle of the room, staring at the elevator doors that had swallowed his aunt and her biting words. He was so lost in thought that he barely registered the presence of Jack Stone, his most trusted ally and the deadliest member of his shadow cult.Jack had been standing nearby the entire time, listening intently as Georgina tore into Chris with no mercy. His steely eyes glinted with a mixture of anger and loyalty, his jaw clenched as he stepped closer to Chris. The man’s towering figure cast a shadow over the polished floors, exuding an aura that demanded respect."Chris," Jack said quietly, his voice low but firm, "if you want, I can get rid of her."Chris blinked, finally snapping out of his thoughts. He turned to Jack, his brow furrowing slightly. "What?""Her," Jack continued, his vo
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 231: The call in the shadows
Chapter Two hundred and thirty one: The Call in the ShadowsThe sleek elevator doors slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing the pristine hallway that led to Georgina’s private penthouse. She stepped out, her expensive heels clicking softly against the marble floors as she made her way to the grand double doors of her apartment. The tension from the confrontation at the office still clung to her like a heavy cloak, weighing down her every step.Inside, the apartment was a vision of high ceilings, glass walls that overlooked the city skyline, and furniture that looked more like art than something to sit on. Everything was perfectly fitted to her expensive taste. But today, even the splendor of her surroundings couldn’t ease the irritation bubbling just beneath her composed exterior.She tossed her handbag onto a nearby chair, her expression darkening as she moved toward the large windows. The city glittered below her, but Georgina’s thoughts were elsewhere, swirling around the even
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 232; Manager Gareth meets Loretta
Chapter Two hundred and Thirty Two:manager Gareth meets Loretta Manager Gareth stood outside Loreta’s apartment, the evening air heavy with tension. He adjusted his tie one last time before ringing the doorbell, knowing full well that this visit was critical. For days, he had been pushing Loreta to sign the advertising contract with Tether, but every time, she had given him excuses and delays. Tonight, he needed to change that.The door opened slowly, and Loreta stood in the entryway, her expression neutral but her eyes sharp. She was dressed casually, yet there was an undeniable elegance about her—something that always made Gareth feel as though he were about to negotiate with royalty rather than a rising actress.“Gareth,” she greeted him coolly, stepping aside to let him in.“Loreta,” Gareth responded, flashing her a polite smile as he stepped into the sleek, modern apartment. Everything in her home reflected her taste—clean lines, muted colors, and expensive decor, but with a
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 233; Apology Meeting
Chapter Two hundred and thirty three; The Apology MeetinGareth paced nervously around his office the next morning, his phone clutched in his hand as he finalized the details of the meeting. He was determined to fix the situation with Loreta and the men from Tether, but he knew this was going to be delicate. After her revelations about how they had behaved during the previous encounter, Gareth couldn’t afford to lose her trust. More importantly, losing the Tether deal would be a blow neither of them could afford.As soon as everything was confirmed, he dialed Loreta’s number. His tone was casual, almost cheerful, as he invited her to meet with him at a neutral venue later that afternoon. He didn’t mention the real reason for the meeting, only that it was important for her career. She agreed, though her tone was wary.When Loreta arrived at the private boardroom Gareth had booked for the meeting, she stepped inside, expecting a typical business conversation. However, her steps falt
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 234; Agreement to sign with Tether
Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Four; Agreement to sign with Tether Loreta was still fuming as she left the boardroom, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floors of the building. Her chest tightened with frustration. The audacity of those men from Tether had pushed her beyond her limits, and as much as she wanted to maintain her professional demeanor, their hollow apology and dismissive attitude grated at her.She couldn’t believe Gareth had arranged that meeting without giving her a proper heads-up, though she knew his intentions were good. Still, she wasn’t going to let them bully her into accepting a deal that felt like a trap. Not on her terms. Not when they had treated her so disrespectfully.As she reached the elevator, one of the Tether representatives, Edward, suddenly appeared beside her, his hand reaching out to stop the doors from closing.“Miss Loreta, a word, if you don’t mind?” he said smoothly, his voice trying to maintain its cool, business-like charm, but s
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 235; The Escape
Chapter Two Hundred and 235: The Escape Loreta stepped out of the building where she had just met with the representatives of Tether. The cool evening air did little to soothe the storm brewing inside her. She had agreed to their terms, but every fiber of her being felt like she had been forced into a corner. Her career was at stake no doubt about that—but the feeling of being trapped left a sour taste in her mouth. She wanted to scream, to yell at the world for making her feel like a puppet on a string. But there was no one to hear her, and even if there was, who would understand? Being a star wasn’t as glamorous as people thought. It came with a price, and tonight, that price felt too high. Loreta’s first instinct was to go home, lock herself in her apartment, and stew in her thoughts. But she quickly dismissed the idea. She couldn’t stand the thought of sitting in silence, letting her mind replay every word from that meeting. She needed to clear her head, to escape from i
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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
