The Billionaire's Hidden Son-in-Law
To Sophia, Michael was nothing but a placeholder husband. To Victoria, he was a stray dog they kept around for pity.
But when Henry – his father-in-law, the only one who ever showed him kindness, lay dying, everything changed. Little did Michael know that the Donovan empire was about to be willed to him.
“Would you want to become the head of the Donovan family?” Henry asked.
The question hit Michael like a wave— unbelievable, impossible. He wasn’t born to power, was he? Yet, Henry saw something in him that no one else ever did: strength, loyalty, heart.
Unfortunately, this only brought more hate to Michael from the patriarch’s daughters.
“You’ll never see a single cent of this family’s money,” Victoria spat.
After Henry died, they manipulated the will and threw him out.
But the truth about Michael’s past is bigger than anyone can imagine.
He isn’t just some helpless man with a forgotten name.
He’s the heir to a legacy, the storm standing quietly at the door.
He’s the lost heir to the mighty Ainsley family.
A mighty storm they didn’t see coming.
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Chapter: Chapter 103: The VerdictThe thirty-minute recess felt like forever. Inside the courtroom, whispers filled the air, the journalists at the back already drafting headlines even before the judgment was delivered. The sound of shuffling papers, murmuring lawyers, and tense breaths blended into one restless hum.When the court clerk finally called everyone to order, all eyes turned toward the entrance. The judge, Justice Okon, re-entered the room, his face unreadable.“Court is now back in session,” he announced, taking his seat.Bohemia sat in the dock, flanked by two police officers. His once-pristine appearance was now marked by exhaustion; his neatly combed hair was ruffled, and dark circles sat beneath his eyes. Yet, even now, he tried to wear arrogance like armor.Across the room, Michael Ainsley sat beside his lawyer, Barrister Nathan, his expression calm but firm. He knew this was the day that would end years of betrayal, lies, and manipulation.Justice Okon looked at both sides. “Counsels, we shall pro
Last Updated: 2025-11-06
Chapter: Chapter 102: The Fall of a GiantPresLead Holdings was dying.The once-mighty conglomerate that controlled half the city’s energy and real estate sector now lay in shambles — its stock value down by over seventy percent, its investors pulling out one after another. The grand glass building at the city centre that used to glitter with wealth and pride now stood half-empty, its lobby quiet, its logo stripped from the marble wall.With Bohemia Mason, the CEO, behind bars, there was no one to steer the sinking ship. The man he had appointed to act as interim head, a certain Lewis Cramer, had already resigned after two disastrous weeks, citing “unbearable pressure and hostile investors.”The government financial board declared PresLead Holdings officially bankrupt and placed it on sale.But while the world saw a fallen empire, Michael Ainsley saw something else — an opportunity to close the final chapter of a rivalry that had consumed too much of his life.He didn’t need the company. His own group, Ainsley Group, had mo
Last Updated: 2025-11-05
Chapter: Chapter 101: Breaking the SilenceThe press conference room at Donovan Industries Headquarters was packed to the brim. Cameras flashed endlessly, journalists murmured among themselves, and microphones lined up like soldiers on the long table. At the centre of it all sat Michael Ainsley, his posture straight, his face calm — composed as ever.Behind him stood three of his top senior executives, including Mrs. Janet Oduah, the company secretary, and two board members who had served for over a decade.The rumours had spiraled out of control since Clarissa’s promotion. It was time to put an end to them.Michael leaned forward slightly, adjusting the microphone. The noise in the room died instantly.“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone measured but firm. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice.”He paused briefly, allowing his gaze to sweep across the eager faces in front of him.“I called for this conference because of the stories currently circulating in the media,” he continued. “Stories su
Last Updated: 2025-11-05
Chapter: Chapter 100: The Media OutburstBy morning, the whole city was talking.The news of Clarissa McCann’s unexpected promotion had spread like wildfire — from business blogs to radio shows, and now to national TV. Every headline carried her name beside Michael’s.“AINSLEY GROUP MAKES HISTORY: CEO ROLE HANDED TO FORMER PERSONAL ASSISTANT.”“IS LOVE IN THE AIR? MICHAEL AINSLEY’S BOLD MOVE RAISES QUESTIONS.”Some praised the decision, calling it a victory for merit over pedigree. Others mocked it, saying Michael had lost focus, blinded by affection.At the Ainsley Group headquarters, the atmosphere buzzed with tension. Some employees were genuinely happy, calling Clarissa’s story inspirational. But others whispered behind closed doors, claiming she didn’t deserve it.“She’s lucky, that’s all,” one accountant muttered in the hallway.“Lucky?” another replied. “She’s worked here ten years, without scandal, without drama. If anyone deserves it, it’s her.”“Oh, please,” the first scoffed, “let’s not pretend. You think the b
Last Updated: 2025-11-04
Chapter: Chapter 99: Old FeelingsThe drive home was quiet. Sophia didn’t say a single word. She sat stiffly at the back seat, eyes fixed on the dark road ahead, her mind spinning faster than the car’s tyres. Victoria kept glancing at her, trying to read her face.When they finally got to the house, Sophia pushed the door open sharply and walked straight in.Victoria followed behind. “Sophia,” she called. “What was that back there?”No answer.Sophia tossed her purse on the couch, kicked off her heels, and walked straight to the bar cabinet. She pulled out a bottle of red wine, poured it into a glass and took a long sip, breathing heavily through her nose.Victoria folded her arms. “You better start talking. Why did we have to leave in the middle of the event?”Still silence.Sophia turned and walked toward the window, staring out blankly. The night sky looked heavy with clouds, but her mind was heavier.Victoria groaned. “Sophia! Are you even listening to me?”When her sister still didn’t respond, Victoria moved c
Last Updated: 2025-11-04
Chapter: Chapter 98: The Birthday of ComcernIt was finally the moment — the night of celebration for Clarissa.She stood by the corner of the hall, laughing softly with two of her close friends, glasses of wine in their hands. The light shimmered gently across her face; she looked simple, elegant, fulfilled.The hall was already half full and still filling. It was one of those grand halls at the city centre, decorated with gold drapes and bright chandeliers. Every single thing here — the food, the music, the lighting, the gifts, was sponsored by the Ainsley Group, all in her honour.It was a night she never imagined would come.But not everyone in the room saw it as pure celebration. Whispers floated around in quiet corners.“Three days off, now a whole party again?” one voice murmured.“I swear, if Mr. Ainsley isn’t interested in that woman, then why go this far?”Another voice replied almost immediately, “He’s been single for over a year since the divorce. Maybe he’s finally seeing someone.”Clarissa didn’t hear any of that
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: Chapter 169: The Last Warning The evening air in Georgia carried the restless noise of workers pouring out of offices and into the thick veins of traffic. On the Long Island Expressway, the lanes were clogged with cars stretching into a slow, endless queue. Among the rows of vehicles, a faded silver Toyota Corolla sat hemmed in.Inside it was Tiana Brooks.The Corolla was one of those older models that coughed on ignition and rattled when driven over potholes. Once, she would never have been caught dead behind its steering wheel. There was a time when she cruised in sleek rides, changing cars as often as she changed her clothes, her friends cheering her extravagance. But those days were gone. Losing her company and everything that made her name feared had stripped her pride. At first, she had hated this car, shrinking behind the wheel whenever familiar faces drove past. But as the months wore on, shame had hardened into reluctant acceptance. It was her reality now.She gripped the steering wheel tightly, ta
Last Updated: 2025-09-22
Chapter: Chapter 168: A Mother’s ResolveThe hum of printers, the shuffle of files, and the quiet ringing of phones filled the Adesins Corporation building. Jalen sat at his desk, pen in hand, though the sheet of paper before him remained blank. His mind was elsewhere, lost in the storm of Elena and Tiana.The sound of the office door opening drew his eyes up. To his surprise, it was Bose. She stepped in with the regal air she always carried, her wrapper tied neatly, her face glowing with subtle makeup. For a moment, Jalen blinked.“Mum,” he said, pushing back his chair. “You didn’t tell me you were coming.”“I don’t need to inform you before visiting my own son’s office,” she replied smoothly, glancing around. “I just wanted to see how things are going here. But from the look of your face, things are not as smooth as you want me to believe.”Jalen straightened, clearing his throat. “I’m fine, Mum. Just busy.”But Bose’s eyes narrowed. She had raised him. She could read him like an open book. “Don’t lie to me, Jalen. I c
Last Updated: 2025-09-22
Chapter: Chapter 167: Spider’s First ReportThe shrill ring of Jalen’s phone tore through the quiet of dawn. He stirred restlessly, reaching across the bedside table. The glow of the screen showed a familiar name. Spider.Jalen’s brows knit immediately. Spider was not the type to call this early unless something urgent was at hand. He sat up quickly, sliding the phone against his ear.“Spider,” he said, his voice still rough from sleep.“Boss,” the voice came, husky, straight to the point. “I followed that lady last night. Elena.”Jalen’s heart gave a faint thud. He rubbed his temple, fully awake now. “And?”Spider exhaled heavily through the receiver. “She was at a hotel. Not alone. She met with another woman. I couldn’t get her full face, but from the build, the way she carried herself, and the small glimpse I caught… Boss, she looks like Tiana.”Jalen froze. The name rolled through his chest like thunder. His suspicion was no longer just a suspicion.“Are you sure?” Jalen’s voice dropped, heavy with the need for clarity.“
Last Updated: 2025-09-22
Chapter: Chapter 166: Things Not to IgnoreThe slam of the door behind Tiana still echoed faintly in the office, though she had left minutes ago. Jalen remained at his desk, his fingers interlocked tightly, eyes fixed on the glass of water before him but seeing nothing. Her words circled in his head like a drumbeat.“You may think you’re untouchable… but you don’t know me yet.”He had heard many threats in his career. From rivals, angry business partners, even from family acquaintances who thought he was standing in their way. But Tiana’s voice carried a weight that made his chest tighten. She was not bluffing. He knew it. Ignoring her would be foolish, but how to prepare for what he could not see? That was the question hammering his mind.The silence stretched, broken only by the faint hum of the AC. His eyes shifted to the photo frame near the window, the one of himself and Aisha. For a brief second, his jaw clenched. He could not allow anyone, least of all Tiana, to shake what he was building with her.Two knocks sounde
Last Updated: 2025-09-20
Chapter: Chapter 165: Old Wounds ReturnThe weekend at the Adesina's family home passed like a quiet dream. Jalen and Aisha felt surrounded by peace rather than tension. The evenings were filled with laughter. It almost felt like a new beginning.By Sunday evening, when it was time to leave, Bose walked them to the car, her wrapper tied neatly across her waist, her face carrying a rare softness.“My dear,” she said, holding Aisha’s hand firmly, “this home is also your home now. You don’t need Jalen beside you to visit. You are always welcome.”Aisha’s heart melted. She leaned forward and hugged her again, whispering a soft thank you. Joy added her own cheerful goodbye, waving excitedly until the car disappeared from the compound.***********Monday morning came with the familiar rush of city life. The highway buzzed with impatient horns, vendors shouting their goods along the sidewalks, and the scorching sun beginning its reign early.Jalen first drove Aisha to her office. She leaned over before stepping out, kissing h
Last Updated: 2025-09-19
Chapter: Chapter 164: At the Family TableBose’s smile lingered as she released Aisha’s hand. “Now, both of you should go upstairs, freshen up, change, and come back down for dinner,” she said warmly, her voice carrying the authority of a matriarch yet softened with care.Jalen squeezed Aisha’s hand lightly, guiding her toward the staircase. As they climbed, Aisha still felt as though she were floating in a dream. The shift in Bose’s tone, the embrace, the warmth—it was all new, almost unbelievable.Downstairs, Bose made her way to the kitchen. The aroma of spiced jollof rice, fried plantain, and peppered chicken filled the air. Joy was already there, arranging cutlery and plates neatly on a wide tray. She glanced at her mother, excitement dancing in her eyes.“Let me set up the table, Mum,” she said quickly, lifting the tray.Together, they worked silently for a while. Bose ladled steaming rice into a large serving dish, her face unreadable but her thoughts busy. Tonight, she had something to confirm for herself.A few mi
Last Updated: 2025-09-19
