Novels by Beautypete

Chapter 360: The Breaking Point It’s the next day after Chris presented himself to the world in his full glory, the media has carried the news both far and near and the Preston’s were still in shock of the revelation. The Preston boardroom was unusually quiet that morning. Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, casting golden stripes across the dark mahogany table. The chairs were all filled—executives, advisors, partners from subsidiaries. But one seat at the head of the table remained empty. Stephany’s seat. Eleanor sat in her usual place, fingers steepled, a slight crease in her brow. She glanced at her watch again. Still no word. Still no daughter. Still no leadership. It had been two days since the gala. Two days since the world discovered that Chris Brown—the quiet son-in-law they mocked—was actually the president of MTD and the force behind Sterling Heritage. Two days since Stephany had vanished. “She’s taking time to think,” Eleanor said qui

Chapter 359: Stephany’s Spiral Stephnay stepped our. And Chris followed her. The air outside the ballroom was colder than it should’ve been. Stephany’s heels clicked furiously against the marble as she stormed down the corridor, the silk of her gown swishing violently behind her. Her breath came in shallow bursts, not from exertion, but from the ache building in her chest, from the burn in her throat she couldn’t swallow. Everyone had lied to her. Everyone. Her father… who paraded around like he was the reason for the deal, when he was nothing more than a shadow. Her mother… who, for all her sharpness, had encouraged her to chase a stranger, unaware he was already sleeping in her daughter’s bed. Sandra… her friend, her confidante, who had stood by and said nothing while Stephany wept and doubted and begged. And Chris. Chris. The man she insulted. Defended. Hated. Loved. The man who, it turned out, had been ten steps ahead of her the entire time. She pushed

Chapter 359: After the Lights The ballroom lights dimmed slowly, the last echoes of applause fading into the glittering hush of evening elegance. The crowd had dispersed into small clusters some lingering around the champagne bar, others whispering in stunned awe near the media walls. The air was thick with disbelief, admiration… and a new respect that hadn’t been there before. Chris Brown stepped off the stage like a man who had just laid his past to rest. His face was composed. His shoulders straight. But inside? A storm raged. He didn’t look for her in the crowd. He didn’t need to. He felt her. Stephany. And she was coming. Each step she took echoed like a countdown. He turned slowly to face her, meeting her eyes across the polished marble floor, under chandeliers that suddenly seemed too bright. Her heels clicked to a stop three feet in front of him. She didn’t speak at first. Didn’t blink. She just looked at him like she was seeing a ghost. No… like she was seei

Chapter 358: The Speech The ballroom, moments before electric with noise, now pulsed with stunned silence. The man everyone had ignored, mocked, and dismissed… stood before them. No longer in the shadows. No longer “just a son-in-law.” Chris Brown. The President of MTD Enterprises.If not because Sandra herself introduced him, no one would believe he was the owner of Sterling, the one calling the shots. The man who had, without the Preston name, without favors or inheritance, built a corporate empire that now stood at the helm of Preston Holdings’ salvation. He stepped up to the stage, his black tux catching the soft gold light of the chandeliers above. Calm, composed, magnetic. He didn’t need a grand entrance. He was the moment. The microphone felt cool in his hand as he brought it close. “Good evening,” he began, his voice smooth, quiet, but undeniably strong. The crowd leaned in. “I’ll keep this brief,” he continued. “I know the wine is flowing, and so

Chapter 356: The President on a Bike The Grand New York Ballroom shimmered with opulence. Glittering chandeliers hung like frozen stars above the gold-accented floor. Guests milled about in tuxedos and flowing gowns, laughter and polite applause filling the space as media crews tried to capture every angle. Business moguls, celebrities, and dignitaries gathered, sipping champagne and posing for press photos beneath the towering banners that read: “The New Preston Empire – Gala of Legacy and Innovation.” Charles Preston stood front and center, basking in the glow of attention. His tailored white suit gleamed under the lights, and he wore a practiced smile that hadn’t wavered since the event began. Every reporter, every business associate—he greeted them all with open arms and exaggerated humility. “I just did what any visionary would do,” Charles said during an interview, brushing invisible lint off his shoulder. “The expansion was necessary. And thanks to our trusted par

Chapter 355: A night of glass and gold. Add her mother pushes her to welcome him The Grand New York Ballroom shimmered like a crown jewel in the heart of Manhattan. Crystal chandeliers dripped light onto mirrored floors, casting glittering illusions across a sea of tuxedos and couture gowns. The air was thick with cologne, champagne, and the sharp undercurrent of ambition. It was a night carved out for legends. And Charles Preston was ready to claim it. "Smile, Mr. Preston!" "Over here, Charles!" "The face behind Preston’s comeback!" Charles grinned wide, adjusting his cufflinks as camera flashes burst in succession. Reporters flanked the red carpet, microphones stretched forward like spears as he paused just long enough for the spotlight to settle comfortably on him. “Yes,” he said with polished ease, “we’re very proud of the progress Preston Holdings has made this year. Tonight is about celebrating that growth—and the vision that brought us here.”

Chapter Two Hundred And Forty Eight; Is This How It Ends?Inside the mansion Bafon mansion, the atmosphere was tense, tinged with a sense of worry and unease. News of Lucas' disappearance had spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the household.In the opulent study, Grandpa Baron, with his aged face etched with concern, paced back and forth. His footsteps echoed against the polished marble floor, mirroring the rhythm of his troubled thoughts. His eyes, once sharp and piercing, now carried a weight of anxiety and suspicion.Though Grandpa Baron cared deeply for his grandson, a nagging doubt had taken root in his heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that Kevin, his beloved but troubled grandson, may have played a role in Lucas' sudden disappearance. It pained him to entertain such thoughts, but the pieces of the puzzle seemed to point in that direction.However, Grandpa Baron was a master of disguise, adept at concealing his true feelings. He couldn't bear to burden Lucas' pa

Chapter Two Hundred And Forty Nine; Advice Interpreted In The Wrong Way. “Don’t be paranoid? You think I am paranoid?” Kevin looked up at him “Yes, keep your cool, he’ll be alright.” Lucas tried to calm the young man in front of him now, but Kevin refused to ge calmed. “It’s easy for you to say that right, you want him to die don’t you? From nowhere you come into our lives, first you joined the company and tried to be on everyone’s good book, and then what? You have my father give you half of his shares and make you the president, isn’t that your plan all along? You did all this right?” Kevin screamed at the top of his lungs as he painted accusing fingers at LUCAS. “Why would I have to do that, Mr. Baron brought me home by himself, you know this Kevin, don’t be getting ideas.” Right now, Kevin was being reminded of all those rich and spilt kids that would just blame anything around them when things didn’t go their way.“Wrong, you are wrong, what I know is that you were the one

Chapter Two Hundred And Forty Six; Mr. Patrick’s Confession Time.When Kevin said he will not let him down, he knew that it was easier said than done. Lucas had already made significant contribution and it would be hard for Kevin who is carefree and a little more laid back about business to catch up with him. That is why he didn’t want to accept Lucas at furst because he didn’t want Kevin to have such fierce competition with Lucas who grew up so lowly. Their conversation between Him and Patrick his son simtill lingered in his mind to this day when Payrick came to him regarding Lucas. "Patrick," Grandpa Baron's voice boomed, filled with a mixture of anger and frustration. "I cannot comprehend why you have become so enamored with this newfound son of yours. We have managed just fine without him all these years, and suddenly you're bending over backward to accommodate his every whim."Patrick, with a calm demeanor, maintained eye contact with his father, determined to make his point.

Chapter Two Hundred And Forty Five; Advice to Favourite Grandson In the lavish and stately study of Grandpa Baron, a profound conversation was about to unfold. The room exuded an air of wisdom and experience, adorned with antique furniture and shelves lined with books that whispered tales of generations past. The Baron, with his silver mane and commanding presence, sat behind an ornate desk, his eyes filled with a mix of fondness and concern as Kevin entered."Kevin, my dear grandson," the Baron began, his voice carrying the weight of authority and wisdom. "I have called you here today to discuss the future of Baron Enterprise, and more importantly, your place within it."Kevin listened intently, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension coursing through his veins. He respected and admired his grandfather, and to be entrusted with the fate of the family legacy was both a great honor and a weighty responsibility.Even before Grandpa Bar

Chapter Two Hundred And Forty Four; Sacrificing for the family As Lucas stood before the board, he could sense the anticipation in the room. The proposal he was about to present carried with it the weight of his hopes and aspirations for Baron Enterprise. It was a solution born out of careful analysis, creative thinking, and a deep understanding of the changing business landscape.“This is not necessarily selling my company, but I am thinking of a possible partnership or even merger.” Lucas answered, really surpri ng who heard him saying he was practically giving up his company for Baron Enterprise.The plan is having a merger with his company that’s in charge of changing accepting orders from people abroad and online.Taking a deep breath, Lucas began to outline his vision. He described his plan to merge Baron Enterprise with the company he had founded an innovative platform that connected online and local buyers directly with traders and produc

Chapter Two Hundred And Forty Three; Wanted For A ReasonAs Lucas stepped into his new office, his mind was still reeling from the whirlwind of events that had unfolded so swiftly. The spacious room exuded an air of authority, with its sleek furniture, towering bookshelves, and the panoramic view of the city skyline stretching out before him. It was a physical manifestation of the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.He took a moment to collect himself, inhaling deeply to steady his racing heart. This was the place where he was meant to make decisions that would shape the future of Baron Enterprise but was this right or are things moving a little too fast? But before he could even settle with his thoughts in his seat, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.Kevin's voice, tinged with a thinly veiled disdain, called out, "Lucas, may I have a word with you?"Lucas glanced at the door, surprised by his brother's sudden appearance. He motioned for Kevin to enter, his m