Eva had a bitter look of dismay on her face from being ostracized by her family. “Eva is going to accept this task?” Chris finally spoke up. “What have you done?...Are you out of your mind?...Do you think this matter is a joke?” Eva lashed out at Chris in outrage. How could he easily accept such a challenge? She was afraid that her family would be done this time around because of Chris' foolishness. “It's alright, Eva. I wouldn't have gone this far if I wasn't confident that you could really do it. “Are you crazy? Pegasus Enterprise is the largest organization in Brooklyn. It is almost impossible for them to consider collaborating with our small scale business. For heaven's sake, there is a reason why nobody wants to be in charge of this task.” Eva barked furiously. “Almost impossible but not completely. There's still a small chance. I believe you can strike this deal and wow everyone that looks down on you.” Chris' voice was brimming with confidence as he spoke. Eva w
As soon as Chris entered, Kate approached him “You dumb idiot! You really are a jinx to this family. How could you audaciously take on the task of clinching a cooperation agreement with the Pegasus Enterprise. So many families in Brooklyn are dying to get acquainted with it. Who are we? This task is impossible to complete!” Eva was extremely annoyed and frustrated. Her grandfather said that she had to clinch a contract within two days. She was now pressed for time to complete this task that was almost impossible to complete. She was so troubled that she felt that her head was about to explode. If she didn’t sign a contract in two days, her family would be kicked out of the Carter family. If her mother found out, she would definitely kick up a big fuss. “I still have something to do. I’m going to leave now.” Time was running out, and she had to hurry up and pay a visit to Pegasus Enterprise. Even though the chances of success were low, she had to do her best. As soon as Eva
Chris was able to find Eva’s car parked in the garage so he drove her back home. “You imbecile. What have you done to my daughter? We took you into our family, fed and clothed but you ungrateful loser dared to bite that had that fed.” Kate reprimanded, hitting Chris as soon as he laid Eva on the couch in the living room. “Mom, I haven't done anything.” Chris tried to explain but Kate wouldn't listen to him as she even began hitting harder. “Stop hitting the boy, Chris hasn't done anything to Eva.” “Stop making such a a ridiculous comment. Take a look at our daughter condition. Is that normal to you.” “Yes, it is very normal when someone is extremely drunk. She reeks of our alcohol and it seems like Chris only went to bring her home.” “Whose fault is it in the first place? Eva has never come home drunk before even when she was still a college student. It's all this bastard's fault!” Chris sighed, unable to say anything at this point. “I'll carry her to her room. She’ll sur
For a few seconds, Eva stared at Chris in deliberation before she made up her mind and collected the tea. She drank and placed the cup on the table. “I have to go now.” Chris smiled and stretched his hands towards Eva. “What is it now?” Eva questioned with a frown. “Give me the car keys. I'll drive you there.” Chris demanded. “What?!....Why would I do that?...I can drive myself.” Eva refuted, hesitating to comply with Chris' request. “Don't be stubborn. I'm pretty sure you didn't catch enough sleep last night so you can just take a rest in the car before getting to your destination.” Chris explained. Eva wanted to refuse because the Carters hated Chris, and he would only be berated by them if he accompanied her to work. However, Chris insisted. After staring at him for a long time, Eva had no choice but to give in. She said dejectedly, She rummaged through her bags for the keys and handed it over to Chris. “Just don't drive too slow and waste my time.” She remarked as sh
At this moment, Eva was feeling regretful that she accepted the challenge to discuss the negotiation with Pegasus Enterprise. Suddenly, the door was pushed open and a receptionist hurriedly ran over. Panting heavily, he exclaimed, “Master Carter, CEO Brown of Pegasus Enterprise is here. He’s waiting in the reception room downstairs!” “What are you certain that it's true, Mr. Elliot Brown? What is he doing here?” Benjamin questioned, utterly astonished by the newest and so were the other Carter “Yes, sir. He is definitely the one.” the secretary confirmed. “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and let him in !” Soon, Elliot and accompanied by a few general managers arrived at the conference room. They sighted Chris standing at one corner but they pretended like they never recognized him. Benjamin stepped forward to greet Elliot Brown with an enthusiastic smile, he exclaimed, “Mr. Brown, I'm Benjamin Carter, chairman of the Cross corporation and head of the Carter family. my apologie
Having signed the contract, Benjamin was extremely pleased but his joy was short-lived when Eric confronted him about signing the contract. “Grandpa, you shouldn't have thoughtlessly signed the contract. This could have been a scheme since no one has actually seen Mr. Brown's signature before.” A disgruntled expression instantly formed on Benjamin's face after hearing the words that Eric uttered. In a fit of anger, he slammed his fist on the table while glaring at Eric. “Shut up, you fool! You didn’t have the guts to step up to carry out this task. Yet, you have the audacity to condemn someone who was actually able to complete it. This is the official seal of Pegasus Enterprise which signifies that this contact is real.” He roared furiously at Eric while pointing at the contract. Although this was the first time the Carter family would collaborate with Pegasus Enterprise, however as a veteran businessman, Benjamin was able to easily recognize him as the Pegasus Enterprise official s
Since there was nothing left to discuss, Benjamin also exited the conference room and returned back to the Carters' villa in a delightful mood. As all the executives returned to their respective positions, Eric also headed back to his office in a fit of rage. He marched to his desk and swung the pile of documents sitting on the table to vent his pent-up frustration. “I don't believe this is happening right now.” He lamented in annoyance. “You have to remain calm at a time like this.” Brian, who had followed Eric, remarked in a gentle voice. “Calm! Explain to me how I'm supposed to remain calm when Eva has become more influential in a short period of time? Didn't you see how grandfather was looking at her with such a mesmerizing gaze as he appointed her as vice chairman?” Eric lashed out at Brian as he was mentally troubled by the unfavorable result of the conference meeting. He wasn't completely engulfed with rage but he was also afraid that all his efforts to keep Eva beneat
After the car was parked in the parking lot of the restaurant, the family directly headed into the restaurant with Kate and Eva locking arms together, gisting and giggling as they walked. On the other hand, Chris was pushing Bruce's wheelchair as they walked behind the two women. Inside the restaurant, they occupied a vacant table situated in the center of the room. It was the peak of lunch hour and there were many customers in the restaurant as well as many corporate individuals who usually visit this place to spend their lunchtime. Shortly afterwards, a waiter approaches their table to take their orders. “I can see that you are clearly enjoying yourself very much.” Kate suddenly muttered in a disdainful tone as soon as the waiter left to prepare their orders, sneering at Chris. “You shameless wastrel! All you have been doing is leeching off our family and my daughter's hard work.” She had been utterly irritated as she watched how Chris casually placed his order to the wai
As Chris drove toward the Carter family’s new residence, the tension in the car was palpable. Chris’s jaw was set, his thoughts churning. He knew where they lived—it wasn’t hard to find—but confronting them so directly was a calculated risk.When he arrived, the mansion loomed in quiet grandeur, its façade belying the chaos within. Benjamin Carter himself opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to unease as he recognized Chris.“You…,” Benjamin began cautiously, surprised to see Chris alone at their house. The last time Chris paid a visit to the Carter ended up becoming a tragic incident for the Carters. “What brings you here?”Chris didn’t respond, brushing past him into the house. Benjamin, caught off guard, quickly closed the door and followed him into the living room.Elliot lingered near the entrance, his posture relaxed but vigilant. Benjamin was surprised to see Elliot as well. “Mr…Mr Brown….” He stuttered, casting him a wary glance, noticing the subtle differen
Chris knew that his peaceful life with Eva would surely be disrupted. He could put Eva and her loved ones in a lot of danger. Moreover, leaving now, with Eva dealing with the Carter situation, felt equally impossible as he didn't want to leave her unprotected.“Sir?” Ethan’s voice broke through his thoughts. “What are your orders?”Chris hesitated, his voice betraying the conflict he felt. “Stay on this and keep me updated. I need to think.”“Understood, sir,” Ethan said, his tone respectful. “And for what it’s worth, I know how much sir, James means to you. We’ll do everything we can to bring him back.”Chris ended the call and sat in silence for a long moment. The thought of James—strong, unyielding James—being captured felt like a punch to the gut. But the thought of leaving Eva behind, especially now, felt just as wrong. He was at a crossroads, and no matter which path he chose, the stakes were unbearably high.---Eva, meanwhile, sat at her desk, trying to focus on the tasks in
Chris kept his focus on the road, but his thoughts repeatedly drifted to Eva seated beside him. Her gaze was distant, her fingers nervously fiddling with the strap of her handbag. He could tell the morning's encounter with the Carters was weighing heavily on her.After a few moments of silence, Chris spoke, his voice calm and steady. “Eva, I know it’s a lot to process, but you don’t have to keep it all bottled up. Talk to me.”Eva sighed and shifted in her seat. “It’s just… they showed up out of nowhere. Again. It’s exhausting, Chris. I keep wondering why now, why after all these years?”Chris glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. “People like the Carters often realize the value of what they’ve lost only when it’s too late. But you don’t owe them anything, Eva. Not an explanation, not a second chance—nothing.”Eva shook her head, frustration creeping into her tone. “It’s not that simple. They’re still my family, even if they’ve hurt me. And now with them grovel
Benjamin quickly intervened, his tone desperate. “Please, Eva, don’t let his foolish words ruin this. I’m truly sorry for everything. I know I failed you, and I failed Bruce. We should have stood by you instead of casting you out. Please, give us a chance to make things right.”“I don't think everyone agrees with the motive of apologizing for your wrongdoings so I can't believe that your apologies are sincere.” Bruce remarked.Benjamin turned to Eric, his expression hardening. “Eric,” he said, his voice stern. “You owe them an apology.”Eric's usually confident demeanor was gone, replaced by a nervous energy that made him look small and uncertain. Benjamin turned to him, his expression hardening.Eric’s eyes darted between Eva, Kate, and Bruce. “I—”“Now,” Benjamin commanded.Eric swallowed hard, his gaze finally landing on Eva. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Eva’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry? For what, exactly?”“For everything,” Eric said, his voice shaking. “For
Benjamin hesitated, taking in the luxurious yet understated decor that surrounded them. This was Chris’s doing—he could see it in every detail. The man had built a fortress, a sanctuary for Eva and her family.They were foolish to not have recognized his talent and worth all these years that had him living amongst them.“I came to apologize,” Benjamin said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. “To you, to your family. And... to make things right.”Kate let out a bitter laugh. “Make things right? That’s rich, coming from you. Do you think showing up here with an apology is enough to undo everything you’ve done?”“I don’t,” Benjamin admitted, his gaze dropping to the floor. “But I had to try. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to hear me out.”Eva folded her arms, studying him with a cold, calculating gaze. “Then speak.”Benjamin could see that it was impossible to get through Eva judging by the cold stare in her eyes. He stepped forward. “Bruc
As the night deepened, Eric and the two representatives sat in their car, the weight of their desperation growing heavier with each passing moment. They had hoped that Eva would still come out of the building as they didn't want to admit that she could be living in such an expensive mansion.However, it finally dawned upon them that Eva wasn't coming out after waiting for several hours. Eric felt bitter as it pained him to see that Eva was living the life of luxury….. the kind he always dreamed about.The Carter's drove back home in subtle silence and even though nothing was said the other representative could feel Eric burning rage but the main problem was thinking about how Benjamin would react when he heard the news of their discovery.****The Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the luxurious mansion, casting a golden glow over the spacious interiors. Eva had just finished her breakfast and was preparing to leave for work when she noticed something unusual. From the l
Eva returned home that evening, her mind clouded with thoughts of the Carters' audacious behavior earlier that day. The memory of Eric's arrogant tone and his entitlement grated on her nerves, but she was determined not to let it ruin her evening. She stepped into the warm, inviting ambiance of the mansion, finding Chris seated in the living room, a glass of wine in hand and an air of calm about him.“Welcome back,” Chris greeted, his voice soft as he looked up at her. His sharp eyes immediately noted the tension in her posture. “Rough day?”Eva exhaled and sat down beside him, kicking off her heels. “You could say that,” she replied, leaning back against the plush cushions. “The Carters were at Cross Corporation again today.”Chris’s hand tightened slightly around his glass, though he kept his expression neutral. “What did they want this time?”“They were begging for a meeting,” Eva said, shaking her head. “I refused to see them, but they didn’t leave. They waited in the reception ar
As the Carters waited in the reception area of Cross Corporation, the tension in the air was palpable. Time seemed to crawl as they sat in near silence, the occasional murmur of distant phone calls and the soft hum of the building’s air conditioning system providing little comfort. Eric, his hands clenched into tight fists, could hardly sit still. The humiliation of being here—forced to beg for forgiveness from Eva, a woman who had once been part of their family, yet now was their greatest obstacle—was eating away at him. Every minute that ticked by felt like an eternity. The receptionist, efficient and unfazed by their presence, had told them that Eva was unavailable. That alone was enough to set Eric’s nerves on edge. Alan, the other representative accompanying him, tried to keep the peace, suggesting they wait patiently. “This is our only shot, Eric,” he said quietly. “We can't afford to make things worse.” But Eric was past the point of patience. The weight of their family's ru
The incident at the Carter residence had left a trail of rumors and whispers that had quickly spread through the high society of Brooklyn. Every elite family, once rivals or allies of the Carters, now speculated about the cause of the downfall. But no one dared to point fingers at the one responsible, especially not at Chris, the lowly son-in-law. After all, who would ever suspect a man living under another family’s roof? Yet, beneath the surface, Chris was the mastermind behind the fall of two once-proud families—the Ambroses and the Carters.Days had passed since the fall of the Carter family, and their reputation, once untouchable, was now a shadow of its former self. Their vast wealth had been seized by the banks, leaving them with nothing more than a dilapidated Victorian house to call home. Benjamin, the patriarch of the Carter family, sat in the small living room of their new residence, surrounded by his relatives. The room was filled with heavy silence, as each person seemed l