The Rise of the Useless Son-in-Law

Chapter 6: Warmth of Long Absence

On the other end, Robert laughed loudly, thumping his chest in excitement. "I knew Brother Christopher loves jewels. Once Grandfather sees the sales contract and Susan is crushed, with Southside Branch in my hands, the pendant is yours."

"Poor Susan, quite the pathetic creature. I'll make sure everyone sees your failure," Robert sneered sinisterly, elated at the thought of Southside Branch becoming his, and the profits it would bring.

After hanging up, he hurriedly called Grandfather Brown and the others to meet. Soon that lucrative branch would be his! Just thinking about it thrilled him.

Meanwhile at Macro Vision Group, the satisfied Christopher Anderson hung up just as a dark-faced man appeared silently at his door - deep eyes chilling. 

"Daniel...Mr. Smith?"

It was none other than Daniel Smith, the son Jason had seen with John Smith.

Daniel's face was stony. "Exploiting power for personal gain, Christopher? You've got some nerve. Have you forgotten what I told you?"

His words jolted Christopher, who panicked yet was confused. What had Mr. Smith said? Had he?

That's right - some important person was coming about a contract...but they hadn't arrived yet, had they? Unless...

It couldn't possibly be her, could it?

Susan Brown was from the Brown family, hardly a big shot. Frankly, even just Macro Vision Group, a regional office of the Grays, was beyond a minor family like the Browns.

"Mr. Smith, let me explain. This is just a misunderstanding. What I said earlier, I..." Christopher hurriedly tried to clarify.

But Daniel cut him off, holding up his phone coldly. "No need to explain to me. You're fired. Get out. I'm handing the recordings to the court. Expect prison." 

He left as abruptly as he came.

Christopher collapsed, paralyzed with dread. Offending Daniel Smith - he knew the consequences were dire.

"Mr. Smith, please, just one more chance! I was wrong, so wrong - I got greedy!" Christopher fell to his knees pleading tearfully.

But security guards dragged him out by the hair. He no longer had a place here.

Outside Macro Vision Group, Susan wiped her tears, resigned to this cruel reality. Losing Southside Branch was bearable with her capabilities, but Jason's betrayal cut deep.

Just as she thought he had changed for her, he was still the same useless man.

Her phone suddenly rang from an unfamiliar number. A gentle male voice came through. "Miss Susan?" 

"Yes, and you are?" Susan frowned warily.

"I'm Daniel Smith. I believe you've heard of me. Regarding the sales contract, I'd like to discuss it again." His tone was gracious.

"Daniel Smith...Mr. Smith?" Susan cried out in disbelief, joy suffusing her face.

She certainly knew him - the Macro Vision Group CEO, practically running the company under its unseen boss.

"R-right now?" Susan asked eagerly. 

"Anytime you are available," the amiable voice replied.

"Great...okay..." Susan stumbled over her words in excitement.

As the call ended, it still felt unreal to her.

Seeing Jason approach, she said incredulously, "Mr. Smith wants to partner with me, Jason. Is this...true?"

Jason just nodded, smiling lightly. "Of course it's real, silly girl. I said I'd get you that contract."

Hearing this, tears brimmed in Susan's eyes again. So Jason had been truthful after all, not deceiving her.

Re-entering Macro Vision Group, Susan saw the bedraggled Christopher Anderson thrown out by security.

Jason witnessed it too, the consequence of his call.

He hadn't expected this nuisance Christopher Anderson. After three years of marriage, this was the first time Jason had seen Susan so heartbroken. Though a misunderstanding, it showed Jason how much he cared for her.

Nearly ten years now, she was the only warmth he had known. This feeling...how long missed!

Soon Susan emerged from the building, dazed and distracted. Jason tensed - had something gone wrong again?

"Well?" he asked.

She glanced at him absently. "I...I signed it. I succeeded."

"You don't seem happy about the signed contract?" Jason said wryly, relieved.

"It's unbelievable. I really did it. Mr. Smith even apologized to me. Robert Brown will be shocked for sure." Susan clutched the contract, thrilled.

Even now, it felt like a dream. She hadn't dared hope before coming.

"It's truly thanks to you that I got the contract this time...I shouldn't have hit you earlier. I'm sorry." Susan was both grateful and remorseful for lashing out rashly.

But Jason just requested she keep his role in this secret for now. As for why, he said she would understand later.

Jason rode his electric scooter back to the company with Susan, only to find the place looking like a family meeting was about to be held.

Anthony Brown, Robert's father, was there, along with Grandpa Brown and several uncles.

As soon as the two of them returned, Robert Brown grinned widely and laughed smugly, "Well, well, you're back at just the right time. Go ahead and hand over the seal and all the business of the Southside Branch now."

Susan raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "What makes you think I would listen to you?"

"What? You still want to go back on your word in front of Grandpa Brown?" Anthony Brown was overbearing and determined to seize the Southside Branch.

With that, Robert Brown took out a contract proudly and respectfully handed it to Grandpa Brown.

"Grandpa, this is the sales contract I signed with Mr. Anderson today. Although the profit share for Macro Vision Group is a bit high, it is still profitable for us. Becoming their exclusive supplier, our competitors will gradually be squeezed out of the Emerald City market."

Robert Brown looked smug and glanced mockingly at Susan Brown.

The uncles and relatives were shocked, with incredulous expressions on their faces.

Grandpa Brown also opened his eyes wide and asked doubtfully, "Really?"

Looking at the contract handed over, old Brown's expression became solemn.

The Brown family relatives all stared longingly at the contract, disbelief evident on their faces.

Old Brown took the contract from Robert with slightly trembling hands and opened it to look through.

In just a few minutes, old Brown had read through the entire contract.

"Robert, you did very well. In the future, this Southside Branch will..."

"Wait!" Susan interrupted before old Brown could finish speaking.