Double Life of the Useless Son-in-law

The sudden ringing of a phone brought Coulter's cleaning to a sudden halt, and he turned, grabbing his phone off the dresser where he had left it.

"Hello?" He said into the phone, his voice low.

"Sir. The Martinez Corporation, Madam's company, has finally been approved for listing. Tomorrow, during the prime time slot, she will be ringing the Nasdaq bell."

Coulter's eyes immediately lit up, a smile spreading on his light pink, cupid bow lips. "That is good news. Very good news, Ian."

"Yes, sir," Ian breathed, relief that stemmed from Coulter's pleasure obvious in his voice. "As a matter of fact, Madam Melissa is on the news right now. The press conference for the company is being broadcast on live TV."

Coulter broke into an even bigger smile. "I appreciate your competence, Ian. Thank you very much for handling everything so efficiently. I will greatly reward you."

"Yes, sir, thank you, sir."

Coulter hung up the phone, then quickly packed up the dirt he had been sweeping before making his way downstairs to share the good news.

Madam Gabriella, Melissa's mother, leaned forward, carrying a cup of tea elegantly in her hands. She was surrounded by four other women, each elegantly dressed, with the same air of importance and influence.

"Oh please," one of the women said, her eyes falling on Madam Gabriella. "You remember my son, who came to pick up up the other day at the store? Well, he got promoted. He is now the head of the law firm he works at. It is crazy hours, but he makes me so proud."

Madam Gabriella said nothing as she sipped on her tea. Her heart, however, felt like the green arrow had sliced through it brutally, but she maintained her poised smile, occasionally acknowledging the discussion.

"The head of a law firm?" Another woman said, laughing a little mockingly. "My little Isaac now owns his own law firm. He has very important clients, and he, in fact, will become the legal counsel of the prestigious Andre family."

A laugh ripped through the women, as the goorst woman grew a little quiet. Her brows furrowed, and she let her eyes fall on Madam Gabriella again.

"Well, how about you, Madam Gabriella?" She asked, efficiently taking the topic away from her son, who was now perceived to be lesser than the other woman's son. "I know your daughter does quite a bit, but what about your son-in-law? The last time I was here, he was in the kitchen like some maid!"

Laughter erupted between the women, and Madam Gabriella leaned forward, dropping her tea. Before she could speak, a knock came on the door.

She turned, just as Coulter pushed the door open and walked in. He was carrying a large tray of scones and carefully decorated croissants, his smile small and pleasant.

"I have brought you some snacks," he said politely.

"Well, isn't that great of you?" A woman perked up, laughing.

"It is," another supported. "He found out early enough that he wasn't so capable as a man, so he did well to take up the work of women!"

Madam Gabriella's face flushed, and her fists clenched hard eith anger and embarrassment. How could this useless bastard give these women even more ammunition to use against her?

"What are you doing here?" She asked, venom lacing her voice. "Leave this instant. This is not a place for people like you."

"I apologize," Coulter said, his voice so neutral that it seemed he might have already gotten used to the taunts. "But I came to inform you about something."

If he noticed the scowl on Madam Gabriella's face, he chose not to acknowledge it.

"Well, my wife, Melissa's company has just gone public, and I couldn't wait to share the good news with you."

Madam Gabriella's eyes widened in shock. "Is this really true?"

"Yes, Madam, in fact..." he trailed off, then grabbed the remote and turned the TV on. "She is live on TV right now."

Madam Gabriella could not contain her joy, as they waited for it to finally come up.

It took a few seconds, and sure enough, there she was. Radiant and beautiful on screen, her beautifully tailored suit fit to her body, and she carried the aura of a true CEO.

"Oh my God, Your daughter is truly outstanding, Madam Gabriella."

Madam Gabriella beamed, her heart swelling with pride. This news couldn't have come at a better time.

"Yes, she is. Look at her, doing the work of ten men! It seemed like she compensated her choice in men with her exceptional abilities!"

Madam Gabriella rolled her eyes as she turned to Coulter, who was smiling at tbe screen, his joy evident. Seeing him felt like an eyesore, and heet out a sneer.

"Your work here is done, isn't it? Get lost from here and ensure all the chores are done. Now."

Coulter immediately nodded, and saw himself out without an argument.