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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
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 35. The Unveiling Power.
Chapter Forty Five; The Unveiling of PowerThe morning sun streamed through the windows of MTD Entertainment as Stephany nervously entered the sleek, modern lobby. She had come to apologize on behalf of the Preston family and to beg for the collaboration on their new star to be reinstated. She was unaware that her brother Henry had previously accused the company's president of misconduct, further complicating the situation.Stephany approached the front desk, her heart pounding. “Good morning, I have an appointment with the Vice President," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.The receptionist smiled warmly. "Of course, Ms. Preston. Please have a seat; he'll be with you shortly."After a few minutes that felt like an eternity, Stephany was escorted to a spacious, elegantly decorated office. The Vice President, stood to greet her."Ms. Preston, please have a seat," he said, gesturing to a comfortable chair. "What brings you here today?"Stephany took a deep breath. "I wanted t
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 36. Moving on already
Chapter Thirty-Six: Moving On already. Chris was deep in thought, reviewing some paperwork in his office, when his secretary, Laura, knocked on the door and stepped inside. "Mr. Brown, you have a meeting scheduled with the manager at BMW in an hour. They're going to be sponsors for the new show Loreta is starring in," Laura reminded him, holding a neatly organized folder. Chris nodded, a slight smile on his face. "Thank you, Laura. That reminds me, I need to buy a new car.” “The distance from my new place to the company is too far to be taking taxis every day." "Would you like me to arrange for a test drive?" Laura asked. "No need, I'll handle it. I'll combine the meeting with some car shopping," Chris replied, standing up and grabbing his jacket. An hour later, Chris has arrived at the BMW dealership, the taxi he entered wheezing as it parked in front of the building. As he approached the glass doors, he noticed a group of sharply dressed salespeople bustling around insid
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 37. Cars and husbands
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Cars and Husbands Stephany stood awkwardly between Chris and Greg, the tension palpable as the two men glared at each other. She glanced around the showroom, hoping for some sort of distraction. Her eyes landed on a familiar face – Natasha, a classmate from college. Natasha was standing side by side with her husband, a wealthy business tycoon known for his successful chain of luxury hotels."Natasha!" Stephany called out, waving her hand.Natasha noticed her and beamed, walking over with her husband. They moved with an air of elegance and confidence, clearly enjoying each other’s company."Stephany! It’s been ages!" Natasha exclaimed, hugging her. “Meet my husband, Alexander. He’s here to buy me a new car."Stephany smiled politely, though a pang of envy struck her. Natasha had landed herself a rich and supportive husband who was about to buy her a luxury car."Nice to meet you, Stephany," Alexander said warmly, shaking her hand. "And who are your friends
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 38. You are my wife.
Chapter Thirty Eight: You are my wife Chris stood firm, his face calm but his eyes resolute. "Well, you know what?" he said, his voice cutting through the laughter. “I had come here with the thought of buying your latest BMW M series, but the customer service in this company is very terrible. I will no longer buy it."Natasha and Greg burst into laughter, the salesman joining in, their amusement echoing through the showroom. Their derision attracted the attention of other customers and staff."How could I have known that you were going to say something stupid like this?" Greg sneered, shaking his head.Natasha smirked, adding, "Chris, you couldn’t even afford a bicycle, let alone an M series. Who are you kidding?” Natasha who’s been hearing so much about Chris found it ridiculous the most. “Have you suddenly become a thief because I can’t possibly think of where you could get such money, is it with the 100 dollars allowance?”“Just because you can’t think of a way doesn’t mean the
The Return Of The Lame Son In Law. 39 President Hunting
Chapter Thirty Nine: President Hunting After Stephany left the building, Natasha and her husband were escorted by a staff member to see the cars and pick the one they wanted. The salesperson had been instructed to give them a good discount, ensuring they had an excellent experience.Meanwhile, Greg gathered some of BMW’s senior staff to brief them once more about the impending visit from the president of MTD. He emphasized the importance of this meeting and how they should welcome him with the utmost respect. Neatly standing in a straight line, they wore broad smiles and awaited his arrival.But half an hour passed, and no one showed up. The staff began to shift uncomfortably, their smiles faltering as the minutes ticked by. Greg, growing increasingly impatient, retreated to his office and dialed MTD."Hello, we fixed an appointment to meet the president at 12 pm, but it’s already two-thirty and he’s not here. Is there a change of plans?" Greg asked, trying to keep his frustratio
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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
