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The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 27. Change of Tide
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
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 28. The Mysterious Mr. Brown
Chapter Twenty Eight: The Mysterious Mr. BrownThe party had only just begun to settle from the chaos of Chris's confrontation with Darrick when the atmosphere was stirred once again by the arrival of a sleek Bentley. Heads turned as the luxurious car came to a halt, and the whispers started anew. Out stepped Mr. Dante, the influential owner of several high-end restaurants, bars, lounges, and hotels. His presence alone commanded respect and curiosity, as it was an unexpected honor for someone of his stature to appear at Grandma Preston's birthday party.Grandma Preston herself was taken aback, her brows furrowing in confusion. She had only met Mr. Dante once and did not expect him to attend her celebration. Guests whispered among themselves, astonished at the level of influence Mrs. Preston seemed to command, yet equally bewildered by his presence.As Mr. Dante made his way through the crowd, his eyes scanned the room with a purpose. “I'm looking for Mr. Brown," he announced, his
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 29. A last Goodbye
Chapter Twenty Nine: A Last GoodbyeThe murmurs about the mysterious Mr. Brown echoed through the hall, but Stephany was only half-listening. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her own certain Mr. Brown, which is Chris. Somehow, amidst the confusion and the revelations, she found herself missing him already. There was an inexplicable pull in her heart, a feeling she couldn’t shake off, after all, they’ve been staying together for over two years, it was inevitable she would miss him. Without thinking, she pulled out her phone and texted him, "Where are you?"A reply came quickly: "At home, packing my things."Her heart sank. Chris was leaving, and she knew that after everything that had happened, their marriage couldn't continue. He had embarrassed her grandmother, and there was no way the family would let them stay together. But despite everything, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret and longing. "Wait for me there," she texted back, not entirely sure what she in
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 30. Descent into Darkness
Chapter Thirty: Descent into DarknessStephany felt an overwhelming heaviness settle over her as she walked, her steps growing sluggish and her vision blurring. A sense of foreboding loomed, but she pushed herself to call Chris, her fingers fumbling over the phone. She managed to dial his number, but before she could say anything, darkness claimed her, and she fainted, her phone slipping back into her bag.On the other end, Chris heard the unsettling sounds through the still-connected call. "Ah yes, finally I’m able to get these two young sisters all to myself," a voice sneered. It was Bradley. Chris’s heart pounded as he realized the danger Stephany and Ella were in. He dropped everything and rushed to the Preston house, recalling the last words he heardZ “I wanted to get one, but it seems I’ll be able to get two lovely sisters after all.” Upon arrival, the gatemen confirmed they had seen Stephany, Ella, and Bradley leaving together. Chris's instincts screamed that something w
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. Chapter 31, The Standoff
Chapter Thirty One; The Stand Off. The Chicago Police Department was known for their quick response and diligence. As soon as Stephany's call came through, the new subordinate almost dismissed it as a mistake. Fortunately, Corner, the seasoned head of the police department, was present. With twenty years of service under his belt, he knew that such calls were often the most serious, potentially signaling that someone was in grave danger but unable to speak. Corner immediately ordered the call to be traced. The team sprang into action, their experience and efficiency shining through. They tracked the phone's location and raced towards the address. Simultaneously, Chris arrived at Bradley's spare house, his heart pounding with fear for Stephany and with determination to save her. He was just about to scale the fence when he heard the commanding voice through the megaphone. "Freeze! Stop and come down or we'll shoot," Corner's authoritative voice boomed through the night.
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 31. The Proposal.
Chapter Thirty Two: The ProposalThe atmosphere in the Preston’s party hall was electric. After a series of grand gifts from dignitaries and notable guests, it was finally time for Grandma Preston’s son to present his gift. Mr. Charles Preston, Stephany’s father and Eleanor’s husband, had decided to go last, having a special request to accompany his gift.Charles had recently returned from a lengthy business trip to Malaysia, where rumors swirled about a massive profit he had made. His family had welcomed him back with open arms, delighted by his success and the significant sum of money he had brought with him. He had written a check for a hundred million dollars to his family, a gesture to compensate for his prolonged absence and their hardships during his time away.Word of this has traveled fast among the Preston’s, as a result, he was taken at a higher regard.As he stepped forward, the room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. Charles pulled out an elegantly designe
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 33. The exchange
Chapter Thirty three: The Exchange The tense air crackled with anticipation as Chris's words hung in the air, offering to exchange himself for the girls. “Why would you stop him, officer? Even if he died, it wouldn’t mean anything,” Charles, fear etched in his face, spoke urgently, his voice shaking. Connor, the head of the police department, stared in disbelief. “What kind of family is this?” he muttered, astonished at their readiness to sacrifice Chris. “But Bradley is a good man. Could there be a misunderstanding?” Eleanor, still clinging to the hope of Bradley becoming her son-in-law, questioned, confusion clouding her features. “No, ma’am,” Connor responded firmly. “The kidnapper has a gun to who I believe is Stephany’s head. But don’t panic, the negotiation team is on their way.” “What better negotiation than letting Chris go and save them? These ladies are from a rich family and have never suffered any hardship. But Chris is otherwise. Let him do one good deed, at least i
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 34. Aftermath Of The Kidnapping.
Chapter Thirty-Four: Aftermath of the KidnappingThe aftermath of the kidnapping cast a long shadow over the Preston estate. The event had been meant to celebrate Grandma Preston's birthday, but now the atmosphere was tense, filled with whispers and worried glances.Stephany sat in her room, still shaken by the ordeal. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Chris. Despite everything, he had risked his life for her and Ella. She picked up her phone, intending to text him, but hesitated. How could she reconcile her feelings for a man her family despised?Downstairs, the rest of the family gathered in their living room. The tension was palpable."How could this happen?" Eleanor demanded, pacing the room. "Bradley seemed so trustworthy.""He wasn’t," Charles replied curtly. "We should have known better."Henry, sitting with a scowl on his face, added, "I knew something was off about Bradley. But what about Chris? He’s no better. He’s always been trouble.""Enough," Grandma Preston said, h
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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
