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The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 40. A Humbling Experience
Chapter 40: A Humbling ExperienceGreg’s heart nearly stopped when he saw Natasha peeping through the glass window. Panic flickered across his face as he abruptly stood up, trying to compose himself."Did I tell you to stand up?" Chris's voice cut through the air like a whip.Greg immediately apologized, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, sir," he stammered, moving to get back on his knees.Chris stopped him with a dismissive wave. "Don't. Instead, take care of her," he nodded towards Natasha, "and make sure she doesn't find out who I am. I want to keep a low profile."Of course, Greg was quick to understand. He was a sharp man, and he knew exactly what to do. He stepped out of the office, pasting a genial smile on his face as he approached Natasha."Natasha, how can I help you?" he asked, his tone smooth and unperturbed.Natasha eyed him suspiciously. "Why were you kneeling in front of Chris? What's going on?"Greg feigned a laugh. "Oh, nothing serious. Something fe
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 41, The Unexpected Return
Chapter Forty one; The Unexpected Return Chris ended his call with Stephany, confirming that he would be back the next day. He was looking forward to seeing her, despite the tension that had brewed between him and her family. The next morning, the Preston household was tense. Eleanor Preston was quietly scolding her daughter in the living room. Her voice was low but harsh, filled with disdain for her son-in-law. "Why are you letting him come back, Stephany? He’s useless! Greg is a far better suit for you," Eleanor said, her eyes narrowing as she paced the room. The frustration in her voice was palpable. Stephany shrugged, trying to hide her discomfort. "I don’t want to divorce him just yet, Mom. He’s got a job now, at least he’s trying. And he did save me from Bradley." Eleanor scoffed. "So what? We've done so much for him, what he did is nothing in comparison. I still don't agree." "Mom, you have to understand," Stephany began, trying to reason with her mother. “Chris has c
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 42, An Unwanted Reunion .
Chapter Forty Two: Unwanted Reunion Chris had barely settled in his room when the doorbell rang. Stephany's friend Sandra had come to visit. It had been a while since Sandra had come over, and there was a reason for that. Ever since her uncomfortable encounter with Chris at the Pinnacle Lounge.She had inadvertently discovered his true identity in an embarrassing way, Sandra had been avoiding Stephany's house. She didn't want to risk running into Chris again. But hearing that Chris had not been home since Grandma's birthday, she decided it was a good opportunity to visit her friend. Unfortunately for her, things didn’t go as planned. The family welcomed Sandra warmly, as usual. Mrs. Eleanor Preston, ever the gracious hostess, quickly called for Chris. “Chris, come out and serve our guest some drinks and water." Sandra stiffened at the sound of Chris's name. She had hoped to avoid him, but it seemed fate had other plans. “Oh, there's no need for Chris to serve me," Sandra sai
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 43: Magic Pill
Chapter Forty Three: Magic Pill"Well, well, well, if it isn’t Chris, the Prestons’ poor live in son in law," a mocking voice sneered.Chris and Sandra turned to see Henry stepping out of the mall, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. Henry sauntered over, clearly relishing the opportunity to ridicule Chris. Henry's gaze fell on the sleek BMW M13 series they were in and He sneered, "This car? No way it's yours, Chris. A jobless, poor live-in son-in-law like you could never afford such luxury.”He looked at Sandra again and doesn’t seem to remember her from anywhere, hence he naturally concluded she was his sugar mummy. “Must be the lady's car, right? You’ve really stooped low, haven’t you, Chris? Keeping sugar mummies just for money?" Chuckled Henry.Henry’s voice dripped with contempt as he continued, "What’s the deal, huh? How much is she paying you? Or are you just her call boy?"Chris clenched his fists, but before he could respond, Sandra stepped out, her face flushed wi
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 44. A piece of history
Chapter Forty-Four: A Piece Of History.A few hours later, Stephany came home. She was tired from her day but noticed Chris lying on the floor. Her first reaction was one of irritation. “Why is he lying there like that? How careless can he be?" she muttered to herself. She walked over to him, nudging him lightly with her foot. “Chris, get up."When he didn’t respond, her irritation turned to mild concern. She knelt beside him and checked his pulse. He was breathing steadily, but deeply asleep. “Maybe his new job really has him this exhausted," she thought. Sighing, she fetched a blanket and covered him."Goodnight, Chris," she whispered softly, before heading to her bed.The next morning, Chris woke up feeling groggy but better. The memory of collapsing was hazy, but he was grateful for the blanket Stephany had covered him with. He got up, stretched, and prepared for his day. He was about to leave for work when his phone rang."Hello?" Chris answered."Hello, is this Mr. Chris
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 45. The unexpected Visitor.
Chapter Forty Five: The Unexpected Visitor Mrs. Sinclair Pete was adjusting the camera settings, trying to capture the perfect shot of the Eternal Jade when there was a knock on the door. She sighed, slightly annoyed at the interruption but maintaining her composed demeanor. She placed the camera down and walked over to open the door. One of her employees, a young man named Tom, stood there looking somewhat flustered. “Mrs. Pete, there's someone here who wants to sell a very important piece of jewelry. He insists on speaking with you directly." Mrs. Pete raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t every day someone brought in a piece significant enough to require her personal attention. “Very well, Tom. Lead the way." She followed Tom through the elegantly decorated store, past displays of glittering diamonds and rare gemstones, to a private consultation room. Seated there was a young man who appeared foreign, with sharp features and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. He
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 46, The Desperate Plea
Chapter Forty Six: The Desperate Plea Mrs. Sinclair Pete looked at the young man standing before her, his desperation palpable. He shifted his weight anxiously as he clutched the velvet box containing the Amulet of Ashoka. Chris, standing off to the side, observed the scene with a discerning eye, his suspicions about the authenticity of the jewelry still fresh in his mind. "I understand your urgency," Mrs. Pete said, her voice softening as she regarded the young man. "But we must be thorough. If this piece is as valuable as you say, it’s essential to verify its authenticity." The young man's face twisted in frustration. "I don’t have that kind of time," he said, his voice quivering. “My mother is down with cancer, and this precious stone is the only valuable thing we have left. I need to sell it soon to pay for her hospital bills." His eyes locked onto Chris’s, as if seeking some form of sympathy or validation. He reached into his bag and produced a stack of papers, thru
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 47; The Revelation
Chapter Forty Seven: The Revelation Ms. Sinclair Pete worked swiftly, her experienced fingers delicately examining the Amulet of Ashoka. Turning it over, she noted the intricate inscription of the great Ashoka himself. The amulet had two compartments: the first layer contained what appeared to be kangaroo teeth, while the second was surrounded by the famed "water of life." Everything was in place and intact, and the gold material used to hold the piece was genuine. "It's authentic," she finally declared. yet she insisted on only paying twenty thousand dollars. “But I’m afraid I can’t buy it at that amount you are asking for, it’s a bit too much.” She said. John, the young man selling the amulet, shook his head vehemently. “I won’t sell it for less than fifty thousand dollars. My mother's life depends on it." His younger companion, desperation etched on his face, dropped to his knees. “Please, beautiful Ms., buy it at the price we need. You’d be saving a lif
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
