Brian's Revenge: The rejected son-in-law

Chapter 4

The following morning, Brian woke up long before the crack of day. He dressed carefully, trying not to wake Julie up. Throwing a loving gaze at his wife, Julie, who was still deep sleeping, unaffected by the early hour.

He couldn't help but grin as he leaned in to drop a delicate kiss on her forehead before cautiously departing their bedroom.

Brian strolled softly around the house, mindful not to wake anybody in the family. As he went outside, he felt the crisp morning air on his skin, a delightful contrast to the weight of the previous day's events. He gripped the black premium platinum card James had handed him, its meaning still vivid in his memory.

Opting for a leisurely stroll to the firm, despite its great distance from his house, Brian delighted in the serenity of the early morning streets. The peacefulness and simplicity of the walk were a sharp contrast to the difficult decisions he had to make.

Before he departed on his adventure, Brian took a minute to call the director of the firm. "Hello, it's Brian Stone. I'll be at the firm in around thirty minutes. There are several things we need to address."

The director, somewhat shocked by the early contact, said, "Of course, Mr. Stone. We'll be prepared for your arrival. Is there anything special you'd want to address?"

Brian considered for a time, his mind racing with ideas of the prospective partnership with Julie's family's firm. "Just a few concepts I'd like to investigate. We may address it when I come."

With that, Brian disconnected the conversation and began his walk towards the firm, his thoughts filled with optimism and resolve, knowing that the choices he made in the following days would define not just his future but also the future of his family and their business.

Brian arrived at the company's skyscraper building, a towering building of glass and steel that stood as a tribute to the company's prosperity and prominence. The skyscraper had a sleek, reflecting facade that appeared to catch the city's skyline and its lobby decorated with contemporary art pieces.

As he reached the entrance, Brian marveled at the sheer scale and beauty of the building. It was an amazing building that emanated an impression of professionalism and achievement.

Ms. Anderson, the director, waited for him at the entrance, dressed perfectly in a fitted suit that showed how professional she was. Her warm smile greeted Brian, creating a feeling of warmth in the building.

"Good morning, Mr. Stone. I'm here to serve you with everything you need," she greeted him.

Brian greeted her with a nod, appreciating her professionalism. Together, they made their way across the big lobby, which had floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the room in natural light. The walls were covered with artwork by popular artists, showing the company's dedication to supporting art works.

Once inside the executive office, with its magnificent view of the city below, Brian and Ms. Anderson started talking about different ways to improve the future of the organization. The excellent furniture and sophisticated style of the workplace offered an inspirational background for their conversations.

"Ms. Anderson, I have some ideas about how I'd like the company to run," Brian began. "First, I feel you're more than capable of becoming the face of the organization. I'll be working from behind the scenes, Telling you what to do."

Ms. Anderson listened intently and nodded. "I understand, Mr. Stone. I'll try my best to represent the company well."

Brian proceeded, explaining his vision for the company's future. "I'd like us to concentrate on innovation and adapt to the changing market. We need to seek new options and partnerships. And most importantly, I want the organization to preserve its reputation for honesty and excellence."

Ms. Anderson took down notes immediately while Brian talked, nodding in agreement. "I'll make sure to relay these goals to the team, Mr. Stone. We'll work together to make it work."

Brian leaned forward in his chair, he knew he could trust her. "Ms. Anderson, I want you to know that I trust you entirely to lead this organization to success. Your devotion and expertise will be greatly appreciated."

Ms. Anderson's eyes widened in joyful surprise, but without displaying too much emotion because that would be unprofessional. "Thank you, Mr. Stone. I'm honored to hear that."

Brian grinned and added, "In recognition of your commitment and the vital role you'll play in implementing these new strategies, I've decided to double your salary, which will be effective immediately."

Ms. Anderson's calm suddenly slipped as she digested the significance of the offer. "That's really generous, Mr. Stone. Thank you for trusting me, I won't disappoint you. I promise."

Brian nodded, his belief in her unshakable. "You've earned it, Ms. Anderson. I believe in rewarding commitment and success, and I have no doubt you'll flourish in your work because you seem to have handled it well over the years."

As their talk progressed, Brian and Ms. Anderson discussed different tactics and ideas, their voices rang through the office. It was a serious moment, one that signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the company, with Brian leading from the shadows and Ms. Anderson at the forefront of its future success.

As they completed their conversation, Brian and Ms. Anderson exited the executive office with an agreement on how things will run in the company. Brian's gesture of doubling her salary was not just an appreciation of her work but also a statement of his dedication to the work. 

Brian walked out of the elevator onto the crowded ground floor level of the building. The once-quiet foyer had changed into a swarm of bustle as different people went about their responsibilities. Everyone had one or two things to do hence the busy environment, and Brian was happy at the feeling of purpose that filled the air.

Amidst the sea of faces, Brian noticed Uncle Richard, Julie's uncle. He understood that he had to avoid being seen in this company by people he knew, but this was quite unavoidable. Nevertheless, he approached Uncle Richard, just to greet him.

"Uncle Richard," Brian continued, "it's nice to see you here."

Uncle Richard, with a scornful look on his face, stopped Brian before he could finish. "What are you doing at a big company like this, Brian? You don't belong here."

Brian's effort to explain was cut short as Uncle Richard began to insult him brutally. "You, from the gutters, with your poor upbringing, seeking to mix with people of substance. It's laughable."

Brian, his patience becoming thin, sought to justify himself. "Uncle Richard, I have a genuine purpose for being here. I—"

But Uncle Richard wouldn't let him speak, his criticisms getting more cutting. "You're nothing but a pauper attempting to play with the big guys. You don't deserve to be around a brilliant firm like this."

With a smug expression, Uncle Richard waved to a nearby security officer, a tacit instruction to send Brian outside the building. Brian, seething with wrath and disgust, couldn't believe what just happened.

"You don't belong here, Brian," Uncle Richard spat. "And now, you'll learn your place."

As the security guy arrived, Brian's cheeks flushed with fury. He was left with no choice but to comply with the humiliating request, knowing that he couldn't expose his genuine identity as the company's owner.

Brian, still angry after the humiliating incident with Uncle Richard, felt he had to take immediate action. Without wasting a second, he made a call to Ms. Anderson, his voice strong and forceful.

"Hello, Anderson, I need you to sever the agreement between our firm and the Johnson family immediately."

Ms. Anderson, noticing the urgency in Brian's tone, said, "Of course, Mr. Stone. May I inquire why?"

Brian paused for a while, his irritation clear in his voice. "Let's just say it's an issue of principle. I'll tell you why later. But for now, please continue with the cancellation."

Ms. Anderson nodded, her loyalty to her Brian unshakable. "Understood, Mr. Stone. I'll commence the procedure straight immediately."

As Brian ended the call, he couldn't help but feel a feeling of contentment. He was determined to send a lesson to those who had misjudged him, and he realized that seizing control of the company's choices was the first step toward expressing his power in a world that had previously rejected him.