All Chapters of Dark Fate: The Useless Son-in-Law’s Vengeance: Chapter 1
- Chapter 10
55 chapters
Shameful Adrian Cole
The mop moved in steady arcs across the marble floor, each stroke leaving behind a gleaming trail that caught the late afternoon sun. Adrian Cole had perfected this rhythm over three years…he was efficient enough to satisfy his mother-in-law’s standards.His phone vibrated against his chest.He glanced toward the corridor when he was sure it was empty he leaned the mop against the wall and pulled out the phone, wiping his damp hands on his worn cotton shirt.“Sir.” Marcus ’s voice crackled through, barely containing his excitement. “It’s done. Mrs.Cole’s IPO…final approval came through twenty minutes ago. She’s ringing the Nasdaq bell tomorrow morning, 9 a.m. Prime time coverage on every financial network.”Adrian Cole felt his breath catch. For three seconds, the world narrowed to just those words. “And the press conference?”“It is live right now on channel Seven.”A smile tugged at Adrian Cole’s lips…it was the first genuine one in weeks. “You did well, Marcus . Very well.”“Thank
Silent dispair
Adrian Cole climbed the stairs slowly, his footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. When he reached the small room at the end…which was barely larger than a closet, with a narrow bed and a single window…he sat down on the edge of the thin mattress.He pulled out his phone again. His fingers moved quickly across the screen, pulling up his contact list.“Marcus , it’s me,” he said when the call connected. “You’ve all done a great job—everyone’s year-end bonus will be doubled. As for the officials who helped process the IPO… make sure they’re taken care of. Give them generous bonuses, gifts, whatever’s appropriate. Don’t let anyone think we’re ungrateful.”“Of course, sir. I’ll handle it personally.”“And one more thing.” Adrian Cole paused, staring at the wall. “I want you to start the transfer paperwork for SunCore Publishing. Put everything under Victoria’s name. All of it.”Marcus hesitated. “SunCore? Sir, are you for real? That was the very first company you built with your own hands
The divorce
The front door clicked open at half past seven in the morning.Victoria stepped inside, her heels echoing against the marble entryway. She looked immaculate … Her hair was perfectly styled, and her makeup was flawless despite the long night. Only the faint shadows beneath her eyes hinted at exhaustion.She dropped her purse on the console table and walked into the living room.Adrian Cole sat on the sofa, still wearing yesterday’s clothes. His head was tilted back against the cushion, eyes closed, but she could tell from his breathing that he wasn’t really asleep. The candles from last night’s dinner had burned down to nothing. The dining room table was still set, though he had covered the dishes with plastic wrap.The sight of it made something twist uncomfortably in her chest.She pushed the feeling away.“Adrian Cole.” Her voice came out sharper than intended. “What are you just sitting there for? If you’ve got nothing better to do, get over here and give me a massage. My shoulders
The Cemetery Encounter
The phone rang as Adrian Cole stepped out of the mansion gates for what he knew might be the last time.“Sir.” Marcus ’s voice was controlled, and professional as always. “The SunCore Publishing transfer is nearly complete. Once Mrs.Cole rings the bell tomorrow, everything will be finalized. I can have the documents couriered to you by tomorrow evening…it will be a perfect celebration gift.”Adrian Cole stopped walking. The morning sun felt too bright,and too indifferent to the wreckage of his life.“That won’t be necessary,” he said quietly.“Sir?”“Victoria asked for a divorce this morning. In three days, I’ll move everything I own.” He paused, staring at the perfectly manicured hedges lining the driveway. “Handle the share transfer yourself. Do whatever you think is appropriate. Right now, I just need… some time alone.”There was a beat of silence.“Understood, sir.” Marcus ’s voice carried barely concealed relief. “If I may say so… I’m glad you’re finally free of that burden.”Adr
Bloodletting
The hotel suite was silent except for her labored breathing.Adrian Cole laid her carefully on the bed, her body burning with fever. During the drive, he’d called ahead asking the hotel staff to gather medical supplies and deliver them to the suite.Now the supplies sat arranged on the nightstand. Sterilized needles, alcohol, clean towels and ice water.Everything he needed.Adrian bent close, the needle flashing once before sinking home.He shifted her body to get the angle, his hand sliding along her waist—narrow, slick with sweat, hot enough to linger against his palm. Her breath broke sharply, chest rising under the clinging fabric, the soft weight pressing forward without restraint.Another needle followed, fast and exact.Her hips tightened on instinct, a shallow arch drawing out the line of her body—slim waist, rounded curves, exposed and unguarded beneath his hands. Heat rolled off her skin in waves.He pressed her down, palm firm at her lower back, holding her steady, control
The Proposal
Adrian Cole frowned, studying her more intently now.Something didn’t add up. Even though she was clearly exhausted, she still carried herself with an elegance that came from wealth. Her posture was too refined, her mannerisms too polished. This wasn’t someone who’d been living rough for long.“Forgive me,” he said quietly, “but you don’t seem like someone without a home.”She looked up at him, something bitter flickering across her face. A soft, humorless laugh escaped her lips.“You are perceptive.” She drew a shaky breath. “I wasn’t always like this. My name is Sophia Laurent and three months ago, I was the CEO of Stellar Dynamics. We were preparing for our IPO. Everything was ready…the investors were committed, and the underwriters were in place, the roadshow went perfectly.”Her voice went hollow. “And then overnight, our application was rejected. There was no explanation as to why that happened.”Adrian Cole went very still.“The investors panicked and pulled out,” she continue
Attempted break-in
“Mrs .Stone.” His tone was polite but distant. “I actually have somewhere else I need to be.” He placed a gentle hand at Sophia’s back, gesturing for her to step into the elevator. “Stop right there.” Mrs. Stone’s voice cracked like a whip. “Did I say you could go?” Adrian paused, his jaw tightening. “Mrs. Stone, Victoria and I finalized our divorce this morning. Wherever I go from now on has nothing to do with you or your family.” Mrs. Stone’s face twisted with indignation. “So just because you’re divorced, you can do whatever you want? You think a divorce lets you disregard your elders? It’s only natural for someone of my age to care about the younger generation’s whereabouts.” Her gaze slid to Sophia with obvious contempt. “Or is there some secret you’re hiding?” She let the silence hang, then sneered. “So this is your mistress? You really aren’t picky about anything, are you?” Adrian’s expression turned to ice. “Show some respect.” Mrs. Stone burst into laughter, bending back
Sophia’s delima
Adrian sat in the driver’s seat, his hands resting on the steering wheel, staring at the road ahead with eyes that had gone cold.He’d tried to walk away quietly. Tried to end things with dignity, without dragging Victoria or her family through the humiliation they’d earned. But Mrs. Stone had crossed a line he couldn’t ignore.Confronting him was one thing. He could tolerate that. He’d tolerated worse from that family for years.But dragging innocent strangers into it? Maliciously speculating about their relationship and hurling filthy words? That, he absolutely could not stand.No.Sophia stood near the hotel entrance, shifting uncertainly from foot to foot. Adrian had told her to wait, but he hadn’t explained why. She looked toward the street, wondering if she should just go back up to the penthouse and process everything that had happened today.Before she could decide, Adrian’s car pulled up to the curb.He stepped out and gestured toward the passenger door. “Get in.” ------Th
Show of strength
Sophia felt anxiety clawing up her throat. She had no idea why Adrian had brought her here, let alone what pass they were talking about. Around them, familiar faces stared at them together with former business partners who’d abandoned her after the bankruptcy, people who now looked at her with pity or contempt.All she wants now is to disappear.Tugging lightly at Adrian’s sleeve, she whispered urgently, “Adrian, please. Let’s just go.”But Adrian stood perfectly still, his expression calm and unreadable. He didn’t move.The security guard approached, his hand resting on his baton. “Sir, ma’am, I need to see your passes.”“I don’t have one,” Adrian said simply.The guard’s eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”“I don’t need a piece of paper to prove my identity,” Adrian continued, his tone flat and matter-of-fact.“What did he just say?”“Did I hear that right… no paper needed to prove his identity? He… meant a pass?!”“Is he out of his mind?”Silence spread through the hall, every guest sta
Victoria’s desperation
Victoria grabbed Vincent’s arm, her face a mask of confusion and rising panic. “Suspended? What does he mean suspended?”Brennan pulled out his phone and held it up for the crowd to see. “As of 6:47 PM this evening, the regulatory commission received credible evidence of financial irregularities in the approval process for Cole Industries’ IPO. The listing has been suspended pending a full investigation.”Victoria’s voice came out as a strangled whisper. “That’s impossible. Vincent, tell them…”The words sent shockwaves through the hall. Guests whispered among themselves, their eyes darting between Sophia and Victoria.Victoria’s face had gone from pale to red to ashen. “There must be some mistake,” she said, her voice rising with panic. “That’s not what yesterday’s press conference said! I haven’t received any notice about my company’s listing being terminated!”Her phone buzzed in her hand.She looked down at the screen, and whatever color remained in her face drained completely. He