Ryan’s in-laws were still in shock after what happened in the restaurant. They stayed silent on the way home, sending side-eyes and mean glares to Ryan, who drove.
Finally, when they arrived home and plopped themselves in the family room, his mother-in-law said something. “Make us some hot cups of tea,” Marissa ordered, “Your magical lies disgust me.”
Sighing, Ryan went to the kitchen. It didn’t take long for the waiter to boil, and the teas were made. He brought a tray and went back to his in-laws. Usually, he’d kneel and serve the tea on the table, not making eye contact with them.
However, after their disbelieving and condescending comments, he didn’t have the energy to act so humbly. He just placed the tray on the table and went to leave them.
But his in-laws stopped him.
“Don’t get cocky just because you bought a restaurant,” Marissa said without preamble, a deep scowl on her face after her seventh annoyed huffs.
“Silver Bay Leaf was probably going bankrupt, that’s why they sold the restaurant,” Robert commented as he switched the channel to watch late news. “Or, maybe what Ashton said was true.”
Horror flashed on Ryan’s face. “I don’t have a sugar daddy. I bought the restaurant myself.”
They didn’t look convinced. It was apparent that they still denied the bitter truth, no matter how many times the restaurant’s previous owner said that Ryan was the new owner of Silver Bay Leaf. Protesting against such bull-headed people was exhausting.
‘–by an unknown person. Vernest’s owner, Thomas Friedman, acquired $5.79 billion in wire transfers and 85.6 million shares. Friedman’s managing partner, Michelle Stephen, is expected to join the new Vernest board. A last-minute meeting is being held at the Vernest company, with a press release ready to air in about five minutes.’
The newscaster on the television said, picking Marissa’s interest at once. “What did she say?”
Robert shrugged, “Someone is about to buy Vernest.”
His mother-in-law repeated, “Buy? Like, the whole company?”
“Yes, they’ll have a press release.”
“I hope they don’t raise the price too much under the new owner.”
Ryan scoffed as his mother-in-law worried about the handbag prices.
Unfortunately, Marissa heard that. She turned to face him and mockingly said, “You may laugh now, but we know you’re just a big fat liar, Ryan.”
He was neither big nor fat, and definitely, “I’m not a liar.”
“Keep saying that. You said you’ll buy me a Vernest. Now, someone is going to buy the company, but you can’t even buy me a handbag? Ridiculous.” Marissa had fun insulting him.
“I said it’ll arrive tomorrow.”
“Yes, yes, whatever you say,” Marissa waved her hand dismissively, “You’re just a lying scum of a son-in-law. I don’t know what father sees in you that he married a useless man like you to his only granddaughter.”
Ryan clenched his jaw to stop himself from telling the truth. He didn’t want to reveal it so early. Before he could tell the truth about the reason Albert married Violet to him, he had many things to do first.
The television now displayed an empty stage. Vernest’s press release about the company’s acquisition was broadcasted live. Ryan stayed behind the couch where his in-laws comfortingly watched. Soon, three people walked on the stage, wearing sophisticated suits representing the company’s luxury brand.
Peeep!
Before the spokesperson said anything, Ryan heard the usual chime whenever TEETS was about to inform him of something.
[Congratulations!]
[Transaction success.]
[Host is the new owner of Vernest Limited Company.]
The realization started to set in Ryan’s head as he watched the spokesperson on the television tell the news. ‘From now on, Vernest Limited Company is officially sold–‘
Ryan’s mouth hangs open. ‘This is not what I meant when I wanted to buy Vernest!’
[TEETS only buy what the Host desire.]
‘I surely did not desire a luxury brand company!’
[TEETS never make a mistake.]
[TEETS will remind Host about his request this early morning.]
‘Huh?!’
[Host: Can I but Vernest?]
[TEETS: Of course.]
[TEETS: Transaction on process.]
[TEETS: Please wait for a minute.]
[TEETS: Apologize.]
[TEETS: Transaction process is on hold.]
[TEETS: The second party seemed unable to make a quick decision right now.]
[TEETS: The second party asks for hours before making a final decision.]
[TEETS: Waiting for Host’s confirmation.]
[Host: It’s fine.]
[TEETS: Understood.]
[TEETS: The second party will contact TEETS 24 hours from now.]
[TEETS: Apologies for the inconvenience.]
Ryan rubbed his face in frustration. Indeed, he had said that, but he only meant to buy one random handbag just to prove to his mother-in-law that he could buy a mere luxury brand and a helicopter.
‘Cancen it.’
[Pardon?]
‘Cancel the company purchase. I don’t want a freaking luxury brand company in my hands right now.’
[Understood.]
[Transaction cancellation on process.]
[Please wait for a few minutes.]
Dreading what he’d see, Ryan watched as the three people on Vernest’s press release stage paused on their announcement. A new person rushed on the stage, whispering something to the three people already there. They all shared a look at each other, and the fourth person left the premise.
Once again, the middle man spoke, ‘Apologies for the wait. It seems that we have a new development regarding the company acquisition.’
Peeep!
[Transaction cancellation success.]
Ryan sighed.
Vernest’s spokesperson continued on the live broadcast. ‘Vernest Limited Company’s acquisition was canceled.’
“What?” Marissa looked at her husband. “Can they do that?”
Robert shrugged, “It’s a hasty decision. I wouldn’t do it if I were them. It wouldn’t be good for the company in the long run. But, super wealthy people, you know? They’re easily bored.”
“Well, as long as they still produce high-quality luxury brands, I don’t really care.” Then, she turned to her son-in-law. “You hear that, scum? Only super-wealthy people got to pull big pranks like that. Unlike you and your helicopter rent.”
“I bought the restaurant too, but you don’t believe me either, Mrs. Crowne.” Ryan easily replied.
“What can I say? You’re a useless scum of a son-in-law who had nothing but the clothes on your back when you came here. How can we believe such a lie like that when we have given you food and a place to stay, you ungrateful trash.”
Ryan got fed up with this bullshit. ‘Buy the Vernest.’
[Please elaborate to minimalize any possible mistake.]
‘Buy me the company, I want all of Vernest to be mine and shut their mouths right here, right now.’
[Understood.]
[Transaction on process.]
[Please wait for a few minutes.]
[…]
[Congratulations!]
[Transaction success.]
[Host is the new owner of Vernest Limited Company.]
On the live broadcast, the spokesperson was once again interrupted. The fourth person came back on stage to deliver the news. Frowns decorated their face, but they quickly smothered them and plastered a smile on the camera.
‘Apologize, everyone.’ The spokesperson said again, ‘It seems we had miscommunication earlier. Vernest Limited Company is once again being sold on an acquisition–‘
“Are they joking?” Marissa shook her head.
‘–new owner of Vernest Limited Company is Mr. Ryan Wilder.’
“What the–“
Ryan enjoyed the sight in front of him.
His father-in-law couldn’t even say a word. On the other hand, his mother-in-law had too much to say that all her words stumbled over each other in her mouth.
“Now, for a small celebration, which handbag do you want again,” Ryan gave them an evil smile, “Mother?”
The next day, Ryan was busy cleaning the house and preparing breakfast for Violet and his in-laws, who had been sitting by the kitchen table since early morning. It was a rare occurrence, really. They seldom set foot on the kitchen tiles, let alone not let him out of their gazes. Their presence alone made Ryan’s nerves on alert. What were they planning? “You scum,” Marissa called him, voice croaked like a toad, and eyes red with heavy bags under them. He did not get her a glass of water as usual, deeming she could take it herself if only she walked three steps to her left. “What did you do to get all of that money?” Ryan looked at his mother-in-law over his shoulder. “What money?” “The money you bought Vernest with!” Ryan hummed as he scrambled the eggs on the pan. He tried a new recipe, hoping that Violet would like it. “What are you talking about? I don’t really have any money, Mother.” Marissa bristled as he called her by that. But,
The funkily-dressed crew member spat and coughed hard, not believing what he just heard. “You’re what?! Violent Violet’s husband?!”‘Violent Violet?’Peeep![Mission Objective: 1/100 people.][Time Left: 59 minutes.]Shit.Ryan hurried to correct himself. “Kidding,” he smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m her new manager. It’s my first day.”The lie was easier to say and believe. The funky crew member’s shocked face slowly melts into a neutral face. “That’s not funny, sir.”“My name’s Ryan Wilder,” he offered his hand to shake. “I guess you’re a crew here?”“Yes. Matthew Sweeney from Costume and Wardrobe Department.” The funky crew member grasped it. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wilder. Nice watch.”Ryan gave a small smile, but tried to hide his l
Peeep![Mission Objective: 98/100 people.][Time Left: 23 minutes.]Only two more people and he’d complete the mission.Ryan’s laugh broke the set. Everyone looked at him as if he truly had gone crazy. “So-sorry…” he chuckled, “I was lying.”“What?”“I was lying.”Everyone in the set sighed, grumbling to themselves. “You’re not Violet’s husband?”Oh, he really was Violet’s husband, Ryan wanted to say. He just chuckled and introduced himself then. “I’m Violet’s new manager.”He didn’t know why he said that specifically, but it was more believable to be honest. She had no manager for the last two months, and he got a reason to be here. But then again, he was actually afraid of Violet if she found out about his spontaneous announcement.The director cleared his throat, “I never see you
The bright yellow Pikachu watch around him showed it was nearing six o'clock. Today's shooting had ended about an hour ago, but Violet had yet to emerge from the makeup trailer after catching up with the other cast members.Ryan sat under a tree while keeping his gaze on the makeup trailer's door. He didn't want to miss his wife's departure.His phone's battery had run out hours ago before lunch. It was second-hand, he picked it up from the floor after the Crowne's youngest son, Florent, threw a tantrum and smashed his phone to pieces. Thankfully, after he repaired it himself, the phone still functioned, despite not to its maximum capacity.Either way, it wasn't like Violet would reply to his texts. She'd only text him if she truly needed him to do something.Almost half an hour later, the makeup trailer's door opened, and five girls emerged from it. He spotted a blonde beauty and rushed to meet her halfway in the parking lot. Violet pretended she didn't
In three minutes, the salesgirl’s dubious gaze had transformed into a surprised one. She handed the black, sleek car’s key to Ryan, face red with embarrassment. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you, sir.”Of course, TEETS had taken care of the transaction for him.Twirling the car’s key in his hand, the security finally took his leave. Like the salesgirl, he looked shocked that someone as badly dressed as Ryan could pay for such a fine car. The only difference was that he got to leave, so he didn’t have to be pent his embarrassment.On the other hand, the salesgirl was stuck here. Her red face and stiff shoulders showed that he wanted Ryan to leave the dealership. She treated Ryan rudely, despite not knowing what he was capable of.Perhaps, if Ryan had come to the dealership a week ago, the salesgirl would kick his arse, and he’d done nothing. It wasn’t his place. But with TEETS’ presence, he
A middle-aged married couple was waiting by the terrace on one fine night. Disgruntlement was clear on their face as they sat on the lavish wooden chair for almost an hour.Their attention was pulled to the gate. It was left open since their useless son-in-law left to bring their beloved daughter’s script to set. And since their lovely Violet was forced to marry that homeless scum, they had fired the security and maids. Thankfully, their house was pretty far from other houses, and the neighborhood was secured, with zero reports of criminal activity.Dashing through the open gate, a cold green sports car rounded the fountain in front of the house. It slowed down, letting both Marissa and Robert examine the vehicle. It was sleek and oozed luxury, with its race-car look, it would be a beast on the street.Robert wasn’t a car enthusiast, but he knew quite a lot that the car in front of him was Aston Martin’s newest product, Valkyrie Spider. H
Ryan was heading to his own bedroom, the one previously owned by the fired housekeeper, when someone grabbed his arm and tugged him in the opposite direction."Violet–"She didn't let him speak and just shoved him to the wall. He was surprised that he couldn't react fast enough as the blonde beauty pressed her hand around his neck, pinning him there. "Who are you?"Ryan tried to get her hand away, but Violet quickly circled his right wrist and pinned it too beside his head. He could push her away, or do some dirty tricks since he was taller than Violet, so he'd have longer reach. But he was not that despicable, so he just put his hand around the one she held his neck with. "What are you–""I'm the one questioning you. Answer me."Instead of doing as he was told, Ryan asked TEETS for some clarification. 'Is King's Aura no longer active?'TEETS didn't waste time. Its mechanical sound and floating transparent panel soon appeared.
The Crowne’s residence was strangely out of order today.Unlike before, no one had the initiative to clean the house or make breakfast. The task for it fell on Ryan. At least, before he stood up for himself and refused to do whatever his in-laws and wife told him to.Before hell broke loose – with Marissa screaming when she found yesterday’s trash and Robert calling for breakfast – Ryan had left the house pretty early in the morning. He was in no mood to deal with his in-laws.On the other hand, Violet would take the hint from yesterday and wouldn’t expect him to do the previous work. But it didn’t mean she’d just let him slip like that. She’d drag him to hell just because she could if he didn’t do anything. So, Ryan decided he’d search for someone to do the job his in-laws dropped on him.That being said, Ryan drove out of the city in his new green Spider.“TEETS, where’s the