Reincarnated With the Ultimate Son-in-law System

Chapter 20

The rooftop garden of the Metropolitan Design Center offered a stunning view of the city skyline, the perfect backdrop for the Crawford Enterprise Spring Innovation Showcase. Michael adjusted his cufflinks, surveying the crowd of industry leaders, fashion innovators, and technology pioneers mingling among displays of cutting-edge designs.

His target stood near the textile innovation display—Sophia Morris, dressed in an impeccably tailored navy suit that managed to be both professional and fashion-forward. In the day since the auction scandal, "The Black Investor" had dominated social media, spawning countless theories about his identity. Now, Michael needed to approach Sophia as himself, establishing a connection that would serve his larger plans.

The System message remained steady in his vision: [Contact with Sophia Morris initiated. Continue developing relationship. Reward pending.]

Michael approached, timing his arrival as she examined a display of smart fabrics.

"The carbon nano-threading is impressive," he commented, "though I imagine the conductivity issues still present challenges for mass production."

Sophia turned, recognition flickering in her eyes as she assessed him. "Mr. Crawford. I didn't expect the COO of a real estate empire to be knowledgeable about textile engineering."

"Crawford Enterprises has diverse interests," Michael replied smoothly. "Your recent paper on thermo-adaptive materials caught my attention. The potential applications for building infrastructure are fascinating."

Her eyebrow raised slightly, surprised at his familiarity with her work. "Most people focus on the fashion applications rather than structural integration possibilities."

"Most people lack vision," Michael said, maintaining eye contact. "Your innovation could revolutionize energy efficiency in high-rise construction."

Sophia studied him with politeness, but Michael's enhanced perception caught the subtle shift in her posture, and interest replacing professional courtesy. "And is that why Crawford Enterprises sent its COO to charm me? Looking to acquire my research?"

"I'm here representing our family foundation," Michael clarified. "Though I'd be lying if I said I didn't see tremendous potential in collaboration."

From across the rooftop, several board members noticed their conversation, exchanging glances at the unexpected connection. Eric, deep in conversation with potential investors, frowned slightly upon noticing Michael's engagement with Sophia.

"Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Crawford," Sophia responded, her tone revealing nothing of their previous interaction at the auction. "Though I wonder how much is corporate inheritance and how much is earned expertise."

Before Michael could respond, a sharp voice interrupted from behind.

"Sophia Morris, still passing off derivative concepts as innovation, I see." A tall woman with severe features approached, her British accent precise and cutting. "These adaptive materials are hardly revolutionary—my fall collection featured similar concepts months ago."

Michael recognized Victoria Harlow, fashion industry titan known for ruthlessly undermining competitors. Sophia's expression remained neutral, though Michael detected the slight tightening around her eyes.

"Victoria," Sophia acknowledged coolly. "Always a pleasure to receive your... feedback."

"Hardly feedback, darling. Simply observation. The industry buzz around your work is wildly disproportionate to its actual innovation." Victoria smiled thinly. "These construction methods are fundamentally derivative."

Michael stepped forward smoothly. "Actually, Ms. Harlow, the differential between Sophia's nano-carbon integration and conventional adaptive textiles is immediately apparent to anyone familiar with molecular binding techniques." He gestured toward the display. "The cross-hatch weaving pattern creates conductivity without sacrificing tensile strength—a manufacturing challenge your fall collection notably failed to address with its simplified lamination approach."

Victoria's mouth opened slightly, clearly unprepared for such a technically precise critique from an unexpected source.

Sophia turned to Michael, genuine surprise breaking through her professional mask momentarily. "You've studied the technical specifications?"

"Among other things," Michael replied with a slight smile.

Victoria retreated with a muttered excuse, leaving Michael and Sophia in what felt like a suddenly private conversation despite the crowded rooftop.

"Most executives can't distinguish between lamination and molecular integration," Sophia observed, studying him with new interest. "Where did you develop such specific knowledge?"

Before Michael could formulate a response, Richard Crawford approached, clapping his son's shoulder affectionately.

"Don't let him fool you, Dr. Morris," Richard said warmly. "Michael has been obsessed with design principles since childhood. I still remember finding him at twelve years old, completely absorbed in deconstructing his mother's silk scarves to understand the weaving patterns."

Michael blinked in genuine surprise. The memory surfaced hazily—he had indeed done this, but had completely forgotten the incident from his original timeline.

"Father exaggerates," Michael said, recovering quickly. "It was a passing curiosity."

"Nothing passing about it," Richard countered good-naturedly. "He converted his entire bedroom into a textile lab for months. His mother was horrified when he dyed the bathroom fixtures trying to create a color-changing shower curtain."

Sophia laughed—a genuine sound quite different from her polite social chuckle. "A budding materials scientist diverted to corporate leadership. Fascinating."

Michael recognized his father was deliberately establishing credibility for him—but how had Richard known to share this particular story? The older Crawford had never mentioned these childhood incidents in his previous timeline.

"Innovation takes many forms," Richard continued. "Michael's always had an eye for recognizing transformative potential where others see only incremental change." He nodded toward Sophia's display. "Your work falls firmly in the transformative category, Dr. Morris. Crawford Enterprises would be interested in discussing potential applications."

"I'd welcome that conversation," Sophia replied, her interest visibly increased. Michael noticed her assessing him with new eyes—seeing genuine knowledge rather than researched talking points.

Richard excused himself to greet other guests, leaving them in a comfortable silence that felt significant. The moment was interrupted by Eric's arrival, his smile practiced and perfect.

"Dr. Morris, I've been hoping to speak with you," Eric said smoothly. "Crawford Pharmaceuticals has a particular interest in your smart fabric technology. The medical applications could be quite lucrative with the right development partner."

Michael observed the subtle microexpression that crossed Sophia's face—a flicker of annoyance despite her maintained composure. She glanced briefly at Michael before addressing Eric.

"An interesting proposition, Mr. Crawford. Though at present, I'm more focused on structural applications than medical." She turned to Michael. "Actually, I was hoping your brother might show me the botanical installation on the upper terrace. I understand it demonstrates some innovative irrigation concepts."

The graceful extraction was masterfully executed. Eric couldn't object without appearing rude, yet the preference was unmistakable.

"Of course," Michael agreed. "The vertical gardens are particularly impressive."

As they moved away, Eric's eyes followed them, calculation evident in his expression. Michael guided Sophia toward the private upper terrace, aware they were creating a potentially significant moment away from watchful eyes.

The upper terrace was deserted, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the city below. Experimental vertical gardens created natural privacy screens, their innovative irrigation systems precisely what Sophia had pretended interest in.

Once alone, Sophia's demeanor transformed completely. Gone was the carefully calibrated professional politeness, replaced by direct, analytical focus.

"You play your role convincingly," she said, moving to the terrace edge. "Corporate executive, dutiful son, innovative thinker—all perfectly projected."

Michael maintained his calm exterior despite his internal alertness. "Everyone has roles they play in professional settings."

"Indeed," Sophia agreed, turning to face him directly. "Some more than others."

She leaned casually against the railing, the city lights creating a dramatic backdrop. Her next words came in a conversational tone that belied their impact.

"Interesting that Crawford Enterprises' COO shares the exact height, speech pattern, and right-hand gesturing habit with an anonymous investor recently disrupting the technology sector." Her eyes met his directly. "We should discuss your double life, Mr. Crawford"