Orphaned Son-in-law is Billionaire Heir

Ch. 3 - The Secret Owner

Connor's electric scooter puttered to a stop outside the gleaming glass facade of Jarrah Properties. The luxury real estate company stood like a monument to wealth, its marble entrance gleaming under the morning sun. Connor parked his modest vehicle among the Bentleys and Maseratis, looking completely out of place in his simple orphanage work clothes.

As he approached the main entrance, a woman with layers of makeup and designer clothing blocked his path, her nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Excuse me! Where do you think you're going, garbage man?" she snapped, eyeing his worn clothes with disdain.

"I need to speak with someone about—"

"About what? Cleaning the bathrooms?" The woman laughed harshly. "Service entrance is around back, roach. Don't track your filth through the main lobby."

Connor studied the woman's face, recognition dawning. "Daintree?"

The woman's eyes widened, then narrowed into cruel slits. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Connor the orphan! What kind of sewer did you crawl out of?"

"Hello, Daintree. You work here now?"

"Work here? I'm one of their top salespeople, you pathetic maggot!" Daintree circled him like a predator. "Look at you! Still dressing like the charity case you've always been!"

"I just need to—"

"Need to what? Beg for scraps?" Daintree's laughter was like nails on a chalkboard. "I remember you from high school, always sniveling about being kidnapped, living in that sad little orphanage like some abandoned puppy!"

Connor's jaw tightened, but he remained silent.

"And now what are you? Still playing house with those unwanted brats and old people nobody wants?" Daintree stepped closer, her voice dripping venom. "I heard you married some middle-class girl. What a joke! Even she probably thinks she married a cockroach!"

"Daintree, I'm not here to cause trouble—"

"Trouble? You breathing is trouble, you bottom-feeding slug!" She pointed toward the back of the building. "Security will drag you out if you don't leave voluntarily. This place is for people with money, not parasites who smell like disinfectant and failure!"

"What seems to be the problem here?"

Both Connor and Daintree turned to see a well-dressed middle-aged man approaching with quick, nervous steps.

"Mr. Boroondara!" Daintree's voice immediately shifted to sickeningly sweet. "I was just removing this vagrant from the premises!"

Boroondara's face went pale as he looked at Connor. "Mr... Mr. Waratah?"

Daintree blinked in confusion. "Waratah? This termite's name is Connor—"

"Ms. Daintree," Boroondara's voice was sharp with warning. "Please return to your duties immediately."

"But sir, this insect was trying to—"

"NOW!" Boroondara barked.

Daintree retreated, shooting Connor a look of pure hatred. "This isn't over, orphan boy," she hissed before clicking away on her high heels.

Boroondara led Connor through the staff entrance, his hands trembling slightly as he opened doors.

"Mr. Waratah, I sincerely apologize for that... unfortunate encounter," Boroondara said, wiping sweat from his brow.

"It's fine," Connor replied quietly.

"No, it's not fine! That employee will be dealt with appropriately!" Boroondara ushered Connor into a luxurious office. "Please, have a seat. I have all the documents prepared for your review."

Connor sat in the leather chair, still processing the surreal situation. "Before we begin, I need to ask something of you."

"Anything, Mr. Waratah. Absolutely anything."

"If the Kuranda family approaches about purchasing property, I want you to accommodate them. But discreetly—they can never know I'm involved."

Boroondara nodded eagerly. "Of course! Should I offer them our premium properties at discounted rates?"

"Just... be reasonable. Fair prices, good service. My wife works hard for her family's business."

"Your wife?" Boroondara's eyebrows rose slightly.

Connor's voice softened. "She only married me so she could run the family business according to their traditional rules. She needed a husband, and I... I needed someone who didn't look at me like I was worthless."

"Sir, if I may—would you like me to simply gift them an entire building? We have several prime locations—"

"No," Connor said firmly. "She has her pride. I just want to remove the obstacles, not hand her everything. She deserves to earn her success."

Boroondara smiled with understanding. "A wise approach, Mr. Waratah. Your wife is fortunate to have someone who respects her strength."

Connor signed the ownership documents with steady hands, officially becoming president of Jarrah Properties. The weight of the keys to Waratah Estate felt heavier than the responsibility they represented.

"Would you like to see our luxury model homes?" Boroondara offered. "We have some extraordinary properties that—"

He suddenly doubled over, clutching his stomach. "Oh! Forgive me, Mr. Waratah. I think something I ate... would you excuse me for just a moment?"

"Of course. Take your time."

"Please, feel free to explore the sales lobby. I'll return shortly!" Boroondara hurried toward the bathroom, leaving Connor alone.

Connor wandered into the main sales lobby, admiring the elaborate property displays and scale models of mansions worth millions. The craftsmanship was impressive, each miniature home a work of art.

"What the hell are you doing here again, you disgusting roach?"

Connor turned to find Daintree storming toward him, her face twisted with rage.

"I told you to get out! Are you too stupid to understand basic English, you brain-dead maggot?"

Other customers and staff began to stare as Daintree's voice echoed through the lobby.

"Look everyone!" she announced loudly. "We have a sewer rat pretending to shop for luxury homes! Isn't that hilarious?"

A few people chuckled nervously, unsure how to react.

"This pathetic worm thinks he can afford a Jarrah Properties mansion!" Daintree cackled. "He probably can't even afford the doormat!"

"Daintree, please—"

"Please what? Please stop embarrassing you in front of your betters?" She circled him again, her voice growing louder. "You're nothing but a glorified janitor who cleans up after unwanted children and forgotten old people!"

More people gathered, some pulling out phones to record the spectacle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, witness the delusion of poverty!" Daintree gestured dramatically. "This cockroach actually married someone and thinks that makes him respectable! What kind of desperate woman settles for human garbage?"

Connor's hands clenched into fists, but he remained motionless.

"I bet she regrets it every day! Waking up next to this walking disaster, wondering how her life became such a joke!" Daintree's laughter was vicious. "You're a stain on decent society, a parasitic slug who should have stayed in whatever dumpster you crawled out of!"