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The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 332; Caught in the act.
Chapter 332: Caught in The Act. Charles Preston stood on the balcony of the Preston estate, gazing at the sprawling gardens below. The night air was cool, but his mind burned with calculations. He wasn’t a fool. He knew Chris Brown wasn’t the naive fool his daughter thought he was. He had seen the cold intelligence in his eyes, the quiet way he observed rather than spoke. That kind of patience wasn’t natural, it was trained. Which meant Chris was dangerous. Still, Charles smirked and thought to himself; But I’ve dealt with men like him before. Just as he turned to head inside, his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and checked the caller ID. A private number. He hesitated before answering. "Speak." A deep voice on the other end chuckled. "You’re being watched, Charles." His spine stiffened. "By who?" "You already know the answer," the voice replied smoothly. "Chris Brown has people tailing you. He’s not the weakling you think he is." Charles's jaw clenched. "What d
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 333; The power Play
Chapter 333: The Power Play Stephnay went out and left Chris on his own. He debated following her and at the end decided to stay back. Chris closed his laptop, his mind already racing through his next move. The revelation that Charles planned to use Stephany against him wasn’t surprising, it was pathetic. A desperate man grasping at straws. Eleanor, on the other hand, stood frozen in place, her expression a mixture of disbelief and anger. It wasn’t clear whether she was more upset with Chris for catching Charles in the act or with Charles for underestimating him. Chris rose from his chair, taking his time as he adjusted the cuff of his sleeve. “Still think I’m the problem, Eleanor?” She snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes darkening. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” He shrugged. “It’s amusing, watching him dig his own grave.” Eleanor let out a bitter laugh. “You really think this proves anything? My husband is a businessman. He knows how to deal with obstacles.”
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 334: Breaking the Foundation
Chapter 334: Breaking the Foundation Chris stepped out of the Imperial Hotel, his expression calm, but inside, his mind was already running through his next move. Charles had been dealt a heavy blow, but it wasn’t over yet. If there was one thing Chris knew about men like him, it was that they never accepted defeat easily. Especially when their pride was at stake. He pulled out his phone and dialed Connor, telling him how everything went. “How bad was the damage?” he asked. Connor chuckled on the other end. “Let’s just say Charles won’t be smiling anytime soon. The investors weren’t happy about being misled. Some are already looking into the financial records you presented.” Chris smirked. “Good. That means we just need one more push.” Connor hesitated before speaking again. “There’s something else. I did some digging—Charles wasn’t acting alone. Someone inside the company was feeding him information.” Chris’s expression darkened. “Who?” Connor sighed. “Still looking
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 335: A Wedge Between them
Chapter 335: A Wedge Between Them Stephany stood by the kitchen island, scrolling through a list of supplier contacts for an event her office was hosting next weekend. The house was quiet, Chris wasn’t back yet, and her mother had gone out to meet with a friend. She welcomed the silence, a rare thing in the Preston household these days. The sudden sound of approaching footsteps made her look up. Charles entered the room, dressed in a crisp navy suit. He looked nothing like the man who had just been humiliated before investors. Instead, he carried himself with a sense of renewed confidence. “Stephany,” he said, his tone smooth and almost fatherly. “Got a minute?” Stephany gave a small smile. “Of course dad, is everything okay?” Charles nodded, stepping closer. “Better than okay. I actually came to talk to you about something important. Just between us.” Stephnay was curious, what could her father have to discuss with her? It’s been a while he has not been around for a while
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 336; A Storm Brewing
Chapter 336: A Storm Brewing Chris entered the house quietly, the sound of the door clicking shut barely echoed. The evening air was heavy, and so was the silence. He could hear faint murmurs upstairs—probably Eleanor speaking with Charles. But the kitchen lights were still on, and Stephany was there, sitting at the island counter like she’d been waiting. She didn’t look up right away. Chris approached, loosening his tie. “Long day?” Stephany nodded, barely glancing at him. “Mm-hmm.” He picked up on the shift in her energy instantly. Something was off. “You alright?” “I’m fine,” she replied, sipping from her coffee. “Your day?” Chris leaned against the counter, watching her. “Eventful. Charles didn’t mention anything about our little confrontation today?” That got her attention. She looked up slowly. “He did. Said there was a disagreement. But he also mentioned investors… and how promising the opportunity was.” Chris frowned. “He told you that?” “Why wouldn’t he?” she a
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 337: A Deal Behind Closed Doors
Chapter 337: A Deal Behind Closed DoorsThe night air was still, but the tension that hung around the old government building downtown was heavy.Charles Preston pulled his coat tighter around himself as he stepped out of his car and approached the side entrance. The alley was dimly lit, and aside from a lone flickering streetlamp and a rat scurrying by, there was no one in sight.He glanced over his shoulder, no sign of anyone following him.He knocked twice.A few seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing a man in his late forties with a stern face and a noticeable gold wristwatch. “Board member Thomas Crane,” Charles muttered, stepping inside.The room smelled of dust and secrets. Charles wasted no time.“I need your help,” he said.Thomas locked the door behind them and crossed the room, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.“You’re already in deep. What’s this about?” he asked casually.Charles stepped forward. “Chris Brown. He’s sabotaging my moves. The last investors pull
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 338: Eleanor’s Doubt
Chapter 338: Eleanor’s DoubtThe next morning, the soft aroma of vanilla tea wafted through the living room as Eleanor sat with her long time high school friend, Mrs. Felicia Grant,sipping quietly from porcelain cups. Felicia had dropped by unannounced that afternoon, her visits were rare but never unwelcome.Eleanor sat upright, her expression unreadable as always, but inside, her mind was still tangled in everything that had happened the past few days. Chris. Charles. The boardroom drama. Stephany’s wavering stance. It was all piling too quickly.“You look troubled, El,” Felicia said softly, placing her cup down. “I haven’t seen you this distant in years.”Eleanor forced a smile. “Just family matters. You know how it is.”Felicia leaned in slightly. “Speaking of family... that man who answered the gate just now, Charles?”“Yes.” Eleanor’s brow furrowed slightly. “He’s back.”Felicia blinked. “Really? I thought he vanished years ago. That’s what people said.”Eleanor’s smile falter
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 339: Chris warning
Chapter 339: Chris’s WarningChris didn’t sleep that night.Even after Stephany stormed upstairs and slammed the bedroom door, he remained where he was, sitting on the edge of the couch like a man stranded between two cliffs.The silence of the house pressed against him from all sides.It wasn’t just her words that kept echoing in his mind, it was the meaning behind them. ”Just my lame husband.”Three words. But they sliced deeper than any accusation could.After everything they had been through, after every battle he had fought behind closed doors, this was how she still saw him?The man she brought in. The man she protected. Not an equal.After everything they’ve been through, he thought their relationship has improved. Little did he know that was what she thought of him. Not someone she could trust.Not someone she knew.But that wasn’t her fault entirely.He had hidden the truth for too long.He was the real Chris Brown, the man behind MTD, the force behind Sterling Heritage, th
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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