Dark Fate: The Useless Son-in-Law’s Vengeance

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 you, sir.”

 He ended the call and stood there, with his phone warm in his palm, staring at the ornate mirror across the hall. 

Victoria did it. She really did it.

From downstairs, he heard the sound of laughter…it seems like his mother-in-law was holding court again.

……-

The living room was a picture of elegance. Mrs Stone   sat centered on the cream leather sofa, with her spine straight,and one hand draped across the armrest like an empress receiving tribute. Her three friends perched around her…Mrs Aderson in head-to-toe Chanel, Mrs. Parker dripping with Cartier, and Mrs.Bennett whose handbag cost more than most people’s monthly salary.

Jasmine tea steamed from delicate porcelain cups. The air smelled expensiv .

“…of course, my son’s promotion wasn’t entirely unexpected,” Mrs Aderson was saying, examining her manicured nails. “Senior partner at thirty-four. The firm’s youngest in its ninety-year history. They’re already discussing his name on the letterhead.”

“How wonderful,” Mrs. Parker replied, her smile was razor-sharp. “My daughter just closed her acquisition deal…that boutique chain everyone’s been talking about. It has a total of fifteen locations across three cities. The press called it ‘the merger of the season.’”

Both women turned to Mrs Stone   with expectation.

She lifted her teacup, buying time. Her daughter was successful…extraordinarily so…but these vultures had a talent for making every achievement feel insufficient. The question hung in the air, although it was unspoken : if your daughter is so remarkable, why is she married to a man who mops your floors?

Before she could formulate a response, there was a knock on the door.

Adrian Cole entered carrying a tray…containing fresh tea, and chocolate cookies arranged in perfect circles, and napkins folded into lotus blossoms.

The conversation died.

Three pairs of eyes tracked his movement across the room.

“Oh, Mrs Stone  .” Mrs Aderson’s voice dripped with false sweetness. “Your son-in-law is so… attentive. How thoroughly… domesticated.”

Mrs. Parker’s laugh was light and cruel. “Well, someone has to manage the household work. At least he’s found his calling, even if it’s traditionally the maid’s job.”

Heat crawled up Mrs Stone  ’s neck. She set her cup down with a sharp clink. “Adrian Cole. No one asked for anything. What are you doing here?”

“I apologize, Mother.” Something “But I had to interrupt. I just received news…Victoria’s company IPO was approved. She’s ringing the Nasdaq bell tomorrow morning.”

The room went silent.

Mrs Stone  ’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Her company is going public.” Now he was smiling, and the transformation was startling…for just a moment,his aura was almost overwhelming . “The press conference is happening right now. It’s live on Channel Seven.”

Nobody breathed.

Then Mrs Aderson practically lunged for the remote.

The massive screen flickered to life, and there she was.

Victoria Cole  stood behind a podium,with the company logo gleaming behind her like a rising phoenix. Her hair was swept into an immaculate chignon. With a navy Armani blazer. Her diamond earrings caught every camera flash. She looked like she’d been born for this moment…born to command that stage and every eye watching her.

“…grateful to everyone who believed in this vision,” Victoria was saying, her voice clear and absolutely certain. “But today isn’t our destination. It’s our launchpad.”

Mrs Stone  ’s hand flew to her chest. Pride exploded inside her…it was hot and overwhelming.

“Oh my god,” Mrs. Parker breathed. “Mrs Stone  , she’s absolutely stunning. Look at her presence.”

“She became a ceo at thirty-two,” Mrs Aderson added, and for once there was no cattiness…only genuine awe. “That’s extraordinary. Simply extraordinary.”

“Such poise,” Mrs.Bennett chimed in. “Like she’s been doing this for decades.”

Mrs Stone   waved her hand in false modesty, but her smile was triumphant. “Well, I always knew she was special. From childhood, I could see it…the way she’d organize everything, the way she’d command attention. I told everyone she’d do something remarkable someday.”

The women murmured their praise, their earlier superiority evaporating.

But as Mrs Stone   basked in her moment of glory, her eyes slid sideways.

Adrian Cole still stood by the door, hands clasped, that hopeful smile lingering on his face. Like he thought he’d earned something. 

The sight of him poisoned her happiness.

“Adrian Cole.” Her voice cut through the congratulations like a blade. “You can leave now.”

His smile faltered. “I thought…since it’s good news…”

“I said leave.” She didn’t shout but the coldness in her voice was worse. “Do your job. Don’t stand there looking useless in front of my guests.”

Something flashed across his face…hurt, perhaps, or anger…but it vanished so quickly she might have imagined it.

He nodded once. “Of course, Mother. Forgive the interruption.”

The door clicked shut behind him.

Mrs Stone   turned back to the television, her smile returning as her friends resumed their praise.