OMEGA

The faint hum of the vacuum cleaner filled the silent residence as Mark moved methodically across the polished marble floor.

He wiped an invisible bead of sweat and glanced at the sparkling floor, nodding in satisfaction. He was done. Just then, the phone in his pocket buzzed, breaking his concentration. He frowned and wiped his hands with a rag before pulling it out.

When he saw the caller ID, his eyes darted around to make sure no one was nearby. After confirming, he answered, his entire demeanor and aura shifting instantly.

"Yeah?"

"Boss," a calm and collected voice came from the other end, "it’s done. Madam’s company has just been approved for listing. Tomorrow, during the prime slot, she’ll be ringing the Nasdaq bell. The press conference is currently being broadcast live on TV," the caller reported.

Mark’s face lit up. As expected, his subordinates were very efficient. He felt deeply satisfied as he imagined her expression at that moment. All those nights she had worked while others slept, all those sleepless hours spent trying to achieve this—he would make sure her efforts were rewarded. It was the least he could do to encourage her further.

"Alright, you did a very good job handling things very efficiently. Send me any updates or new developments. That’s all for now."

"Affirmative, boss!"

The call ended, and Mark exhaled deeply. He could almost picture Charlotte flashing that confidence she wore so naturally, about to ring the bell. The thought pleased him a lot.

"I think Mother-in-law would like to hear the news. She’s in the living room with her friends. Maybe I should make them some tea and snacks," he muttered thoughtfully.

***

The smell of rich, expensive perfumes wafted through the living room.

Four women were seated in the living room, looking like they were having a good time. They were in the middle of a heated conversation. One of the women shifted uncomfortably now and then. From their sitting positions, it was clear that she was the host, but her expression didn’t look all that good. Her name was Beatrice—Charlotte’s mother.

"Kelvin just closed another deal with that tech startup," one of the women said loudly, as if afraid the others wouldn’t hear her. "He might even be nominated for the Young Entrepreneur Award this year. I’m so proud."

"Oh, that’s nice," another chimed in. "These kids always make us proud, I must say. My daughter Lilian just bought a penthouse downtown, thirty floors up. The view is incredible."

Beatrice forced a fake smile as she watched them brag. Her daughter wasn’t all that successful yet, but she had faith in her ability to make her proud one day. If only that useless son-in-law of hers was any better.

"And Beatrice," one of the three women—a mature blonde beauty—suddenly called out, "how’s that useless son-in-law of yours?"

Just as Beatrice was about to reply, a knock sounded at the door. "Come in," she called. The door to the living room opened, and Mark entered with a tray of tea and snacks, his steps steady and composed. He was wearing ordinary clothes because he was cleaning earlier.

"Hello, Mother-in-law. I brought tea and snacks for you and your friends," he said as he set the tray on the table and began serving them one by one.

"Hehehe, Beatrice, your son-in-law is such a good man. Even if he’s useless in other areas, at least he still knows how to treat people and serve tea. He’ll make a good live-in son-in-law," one of the women — a plump lady with heavy makeup joked.

The others all laughed, but Beatrice could sense the mockery hidden behind her words.

Her face turned red, flushed with embarrassment.

"What are you doing here, Mark? Don’t you know we’re dealing with serious business?”

“Get the hell out of my sight and go back to the gutter where you came from!”she snapped

Her friends sipped their tea, talking in hushed voices, clearly enjoying the scene.

"I'm sorry for my misconduct, mother-in-law. I only interrupted because it was something important. I just got news that Charlotte’s company has been approved for listing."

"Eh… what?" Beatrice, who was about to retort, suddenly froze, speechless.

"Yes, it’s true. A friend of mine just called me. The press conference is being broadcast live right now."

The atmosphere in the room shifted immediately. Everyone looked at each other, trying to process the news.

"Quick, someone switch on the television!" Beatrice shouted. The waiting housemaid came forward and turned on the huge plasma TV. The room was immediately filled with the soft hum of the broadcast.

And there she was, Charlotte—standing among a group of executives, she looked so beautiful, her posture elegant and a dazzling smile on her lips. 

They were all surrounded by members of the press, and she was easily the center of attention. She smiled so beautifully as she answered the reporters' questions.

Beatrice quickly covered her lips, her eyes glistening with excitement. Her friends were speechless, staring at Charlotte on the big-screen television.

"She’s gorgeous," they thought as they watched her talk to the reporters so professionally.

"How old is she again? She’s already leading a company to this extent," one of the women said enviously. The others nodded in agreement.

Beatrice was feeling smug.

"Of course, she’s my daughter after all. There’s no way she’d ever disappoint me, her mother. I always trusted her ability," she said, her chest swelling with pride.

Her friends started gushing about Charlotte’s achievement, throwing out flattering words that made her feel elated.

Her gaze shifted to Mark, who was standing a few feet away. She frowned, his presence suddenly souring her mood as she thought of how useless he was.

"And you—what are you still doing here? Don’t you have anything to do downstairs? Get out of my sight this instant!" she scolded.

Mark hesitated, his gaze flickering between his mother-in-law and the TV. After a moment, he nodded and calmly left the sitting room without looking back.