His Return: Revenge Of The Rejected Son-in-Law

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Alexander was led into the sleek, glass-walled office, leaving Ethan and Geraldine outside,just as he’d instructed.

Their stunned expressions when he was announced as CEO had been priceless.

Turning to Clara, he asked, “So my sister promised them a deal… and they’re actually in debt to us?”

Clara slid a thick file across the desk. “Exactly, Master. Their debt has only worsened. For months, the Brooks family’s been quietly collapsing. Only Geraldine knew how bad it was until now.”

She tapped the file. “Now they want a deal without paying what they owe.”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the file. How did their family even secure a Steele loan? Our grandfathers were allies. Something doesn’t add up...

Still, this was his moment. His chance.

“Bring them in,” he said, spinning his chair before rising and walking to the window.

From the 28th floor, he looked out over the city. Unbelievable, he thought. From a discarded son-in-law to this. This’s my kingdom now.

Outside the office, Ethan and Geraldine paced nervously.

“I still can’t believe this,” Ethan muttered. “Maybe he’s faking it.”

Geraldine shot him a look. “She called him her brother, Ethan. That wasn’t fake.”

Ethan’s voice dropped. “Then how the hell are we supposed to close this deal? How did Gilbert become powerful enough to stop us?”

Before she could respond, Clara opened the door. “Master will see you now.”

They exchanged a tense glance before stepping into the luxurious office.

Geraldine scanned the space, once Alessandria, now ruled by her ex-husband.

Alexander’s gaze met hers, calm and unreadable. He looked transformed: sharper, more commanding. His tailored blue suit hugged his lean frame perfectly, and his hair was meticulously styled, framing a face she hadn’t fully appreciated before. Handsome, yes, but also colder and more controlled.

“Well, well… if it isn’t the golden couple,” he said smoothly, voice edged with steel.

Even Ethan was speechless, jaw tight as the reality sank in. Gilbert had risen.

“Take a seat,” Alexander said with a sly smile. “Or are you just here to admire me? Can’t blame you, I do look good.”

“So arrogant now, aren’t we?” Ethan sneered, circling the glass table. “Putting on a show to get back at us? You’re not fooling me. Someone like you couldn’t possibly—”

“Watch your words, Ethan Dalon,” Clara interrupted sharply. “You’ll respect my master.”

Ethan shot her a cold look, then turned back to Alexander.

“Sit down, Mr. Ethan,” Clara said firmly. “Or I’ll call security.”

Alexander leaned back, amused, watching.

Ethan glanced at Geraldine, who gave a slight nod. With a tense sigh, he sat, still brimming with defiance.

A heavy silence followed. Then Alexander spoke.

“I hear you’re seeking a deal with Steele Corporation.”

Geraldine nodded, palms clammy. Who would've thought Gilbert could rattle her?

“Why should I consider it?” he asked. “Convince me.”

She took a breath and met his gaze.

“This partnership could be powerful. Steele has legacy; we bring innovation. Together, we could reshape the market.”

She continued, her confidence growing with each word…

Alexander studied her, then gave a slight nod.

“You make a compelling argument, ma'am Geraldine,” Alexander said at last. “But it’s not enough. Your company is in decline. Partnering with you is a risk.”

He stressed the word risk and ma'am.

Geraldine’s breath caught. No one was supposed to know. How did he? Was it from his past connection to the family? Just how much did he know?

“You bastard!” Ethan snapped, standing abruptly—

But before the tension exploded, the television on the wall Alexander flickered on.

All eyes turned towards it.

The headline blazed: “Once-Rejected Son-In-Law, Gilbert Brook, Now CEO and Grandson of the Almighty King: Richard Steele!”

Gasps filled the room. Even Geraldine froze.

King Richard Steele’s grandson?!

The anchor continued:

“But despite his newfound power, Alexander Steele, an ex-convict is under fire. The family of his alleged victim has reopened the case, claiming he never completed his sentence and demanding justice.”

A dramatic pause.

“Would he be forced back into prison despite his current status? Or is this a calculated move by the victim’s family now that Alexander has risen to power?”

A photo of Alexander filled the screen, the banner below reading: Runaway Trillionaire Prisoner.

Before the shock could deepen, Clara stepped forward and shut off the TV.

Silence fell.

Alexander exhaled, locking eyes with Geraldine, now pale. Ethan sat frozen, thoughts spinning.

He’s King Richard Steele’s grandson? How?

“I’m sorry for that, Master,” Clara said, trying to ease the tension. “I'll have it fixed, I promise."

“No need,” Alexander replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Geraldine could see the smile meant nothing good and it made her uneasy.

“What are you planning, Gil—” she caught herself, “—Alexander.”

“It’s Master Alexander, Ma’am Geraldine,” he said smoothly, his smile deepening.

“You’re really full of yourself now, huh, runaway prisoner?” Ethan snapped.

Alexander ignored him completely.

“You both want a deal,” he said, folding his hands. “Then let’s start with the truth.”

He looked directly at Geraldine.

“Tell the world what happened that night. The truth about the old man. The lie you told when you accused me of rape.”

Geraldine froze, color draining from her face.

“And only after that,” he added coldly, “we'll discuss the deal... and your family’s debt.”

A heavy silence fell.

“What?!” Ethan and Geraldine gasped.

Alexander leaned back with a dismissive smirk. “Come back when you're ready. Until then, we're done. I've real business to handle.”

Geraldine sat in stunned silence. Confessing meant prison and Alexander knew it.

“Why are you treating me like a stranger? If I do what you’re asking, I could go to jail,” Geraldine said, wiping the sudden sweat from her brow.

“Well,” Alexander said coolly, not looking up, “firstly…you're a stranger to me, Ma'am Geraldine. And secondly…”

He glanced at Ethan, brow raised. “Your fiancé should be willing to take your place, if he truly loves you. Right, Mr. Dalon?”

Ethan paled.

“Are you insane? I’m not going to jail for anyone!” he snapped, avoiding Geraldine’s eyes.

Alexander let out a quiet laugh, clearly enjoying the tension.

“Clara,” he said smoothly, “show them out. Let me know when they’re ready to act properly.”

“You’re… kicking us out?” Geraldine asked, shocked.

But Alexander was already buried in a file, ignoring her completely. Geraldine's face burned with embarrassment.

Without a word, Clara gestured for them to leave. Still dazed, they had no choice but to follow.

*****

Geraldine stepped into the family home, her steps heavy. The living room was already packed with faces turned toward the glowing television where Alexander’s image dominated the screen.

Before anyone could speak, she brushed past her worried mother and collapsed into a chair, visibly shaken.

Ethan had already retreated to his own house.

“Is it true? What we’re hearing about Gilbert?” her mother and uncle asked, crowding her.

She raised a trembling hand. “Yes. It’s true. But please… I need space.”

The room fell into stunned murmurs.

“Gilbert… King Richard’s grandson?”

“This changes everything!”

“I still can’t believe it.”

But Geraldine sat frozen, haunted by the image of the man in the blue suit confident, powerful… nothing like the Gilbert she once dismissed.

“Wait,” Granny Brooke’s voice cut through the noise. The room stilled. “Geraldine, what about the deal?”

Geraldine sat up, steadying herself. She recounted everything, Alexander’s cold demands, the humiliating terms, the ultimatum.

The room erupted.

“What?!”

“He said that?!”

“That’s inhuman!”

“You expect us to believe Gilbert of all people said that?”

“How dare he!”

Geraldine stood. “If any of you had suffered what he went through because of us, you'd understand. You’d probably do worse.”

Silence fell. Some looked away in guilt. Others frowned, still conflicted.

Her uncle muttered, “Still… that demand’s too much.”

“Who reopened that old case anyway?” Granny Brooke asked at last.

No one answered.

“I still can’t believe Gilbert is King Alexander’s grandson,” Sierra muttered. “That boy—”

Her words faded into the silence.

“We won’t let you do what he’s demanding,” Granny Brook said firmly. “It would shame our family. But… we’ll beg him. Win him over quietly.”

“What?!” Sierra snapped. “I will never beg that boy. He used to clean my toile after I poo. Sweep my floors. That boy was nothing! He was beneath me! Even till now, he still is.”

“Count me out too,” others agreed.

Geraldine stayed silent.

Then Uncle Ryan spoke up, “What if we tell him about Geraldine’s pregnancy? We could use that to manipulate him.”

The others hummed, thinking about it.

Geraldine gasped. “What?!”

“But it might work,” Sierra admitted.

“At least her baby’s father wouldn’t be a nobody now,” Robert added.

Granny Brook turned to Geraldine. “Well?”

She stared blankly, thoughts swirling. How had Gilbert become Alexander Steele, powerful enough to turn their world upside down?

“Are you sure this will work?” she finally asked.

“It will,” her mother said.

“Absolutely,” others echoed.

Hope crept in… but if only they knew.