The Rise of the Humiliated Son-in-Law

The Morning Incident

Gaston was still sitting under the shady tree, enjoying the ice cream that was starting to melt in his hand. The sounds of the bustling market nearby filled the air, while the sweet and fresh aromas of various foods added to the atmosphere. He wore a slightly dirty plain t-shirt and a pair of worn-out shorts. In his mind, everything felt relaxed, as if there were no problems in the world.

Vivian appeared in the distance, her steps quick and energetic. Her long, shiny hair flowed in the gentle breeze. She wore a simple dress that accentuated her graceful figure, but the expression on her face showed that she was in a hurry. As she got closer, Gaston could see the furrow in Vivian's brow, a sign that she was under some stress.

“Vivi!” Gaston shouted, greeting her enthusiastically, despite his mouth still being full of ice cream.

Vivian didn’t respond; instead, she said, “Come on, hurry up and come with me!” Her voice was firm, reflecting the urgency she felt.

“What about Mrs. Wright? Has she woken up yet?” Gaston asked, looking confused by the pressing situation.

Vivian frowned, looking frustrated. “You must not understand that I’m dealing with a huge problem.” She stared at Gaston with hopeful eyes, as if she wanted him to understand without needing to explain further.

“I can understand; just tell me!” Gaston replied, trying to show concern despite the messy ice cream smeared on his face.

Vivian stepped closer, exasperatedly holding Gaston’s cheek. “Look at this!” She pointed to his ice cream-covered face, “You can’t even eat ice cream without making a mess. How am I supposed to expect you to understand my problem right now?”

Gaston hurriedly licked the ice cream off his face, trying to clean up. “I can understand if you tell me.” His voice sounded anxious, but deep down, he still didn’t fully grasp the situation.

Vivian looked at him intently. “I need 10 million dollars.” Her voice was filled with frustration, “If I don’t get that money in three days, we’re done.”

Hearing this, Gaston’s eyes widened in shock and confusion. “Got it.” He said, “I understand.”

“What do you understand?” Vivian asked, her tone sharp, as if she couldn’t believe her husband’s reaction.

“Vivi needs 10 million dollars.” Gaston repeated, although his expression showed he still didn’t comprehend how serious this situation was. “I’ll find the money.”

Vivian shook her head, feeling desperate. “You idiot.” She managed a faint smile despite her annoyance. “Let’s hurry home. You’re all sticky!” She grabbed Gaston’s hand, trying to pull him away from the spot.

The next morning at their house, the atmosphere felt bright even though the sun hadn’t fully risen yet. Vivian was already in the kitchen, quickly preparing breakfast. The aroma of cooking eggs and frying sausages filled the air, creating a warm and appetizing atmosphere. She wore a bright-colored apron, her hair neatly tied back, but her face showed signs of fatigue.

“Gaston!” Vivian called, her voice firm but gentle.

“Yeah, Vivi.” Gaston answered, appearing from the living room with quick steps, as if he had just been running. He wore the same t-shirt as yesterday and a pair of slightly dirtier shorts.

“Let’s have breakfast!” Vivian invited, holding up a plate of eggs and sausages.

Gaston’s eyes lit up as he looked at the plate. “Wow, eggs and sausages!” He seemed thrilled, as if he had discovered treasure.

“Eat up!” Vivian said, giving a faint smile, but there was a serious tone in her voice.

Gaston sat at the dining table, quickly grabbing a spoon and digging into his breakfast with enthusiasm. Vivian sat across from him, tying her hair back neatly before starting to eat. As they enjoyed their meal, Gaston watched Vivian with curiosity.

“Vivian, where are you going?” Gaston asked between bites.

“I have a job interview,” Vivian replied, not looking at him, focused on her food.

“A job?” Gaston exclaimed, surprised. “Why?”

“Yeah,” Vivian answered while chewing, “I need to earn money to help my mom.” There was firmness in her voice, but also a hint of sadness.

“You don’t need to work,” Gaston said confidently. “I’ll get the money.” He smiled, as if it were a simple solution.

Vivian dismissed his statement, continuing to eat, clearly unaffected by her husband’s optimism. Inside, she felt frustrated that Gaston didn’t seem to grasp how complicated their situation was.

Gaston felt a bit annoyed by Vivian’s response. He wanted to help, but it seemed like his efforts were always taken lightly.

After finishing breakfast, Vivian stood up to clear the table. “I have to go,” she said firmly. “You stay put! Don’t go anywhere.”

Gaston nodded, but his face showed confusion. He didn’t want Vivian to leave, but he felt he couldn’t stop her.

Vivian grabbed her bag from the chair, making sure all her important documents were inside. She glanced at Gaston for a moment before rushing out of the house with quick steps. The sound of the closing door echoed, leaving Gaston alone inside.

Gaston let out a long sigh and stretched his muscles after pretending to be oblivious in front of Vivian.

Once he finished his breakfast, he called Damian Wagner. Gaston picked up his phone and dialed Damian’s number. He waited, listening to the repeated ringing.

Finally, the phone was answered. “Master, it’s about time you called me again!” Damian’s voice came through the line.

“Can we meet this morning?” Gaston asked.

“Sure, of course,” Damian replied. “I’ll send a driver to pick you up. Just tell me your address.”

Gaston thought for a moment, not wanting to inconvenience anyone. “No need. I’ll come there myself. Just give me the meeting address,” he said firmly.

“How about at my office?” Damian suggested.

“Okay,” Gaston answered.

Damian clearly stated the address. “I’ll be waiting for you, Master,” he said before hanging up.

After ending the call, Gaston hurried out of the house toward the shed in the back. There, he lifted the bicycle and checked its condition. The tires were still good, and the engine was functioning.

Getting on the bike, Gaston began pedaling energetically toward the Wagner Group office.

During the 30-minute ride, he passed bustling streets, watched people going about their day, and heard the laughter of children playing in the park.

After a tiring journey, Gaston finally arrived in front of the grand Wagner Group office. The tall building towered with large windows glinting in the sunlight.

Just as he was about to call Damian to let him know he had arrived, a BMW suddenly sped by and crashed into Gaston’s bike. The loud impact echoed, and Gaston fell to the side of the road, feeling pain radiating through his body. The mangled bike lay beside him, its front wheel wobbling erratically.

A young woman in formal attire quickly got out of the car, her face flushed with anger. “Who’s the idiot who parked their bike right here?” she shouted, ignoring Gaston’s fallen state.