Reincarnated With the Ultimate Son-in-law System

Chapter 21

The Hamilton Luxury Cruise's main deck glittered with exclusivity as society's elite examined displays of next-generation luxury innovations. Michael, masked as the Black Investor, moved through the crowd with Sophia by his side, aware of the whispers and sideways glances that followed them.

"Your entrance certainly made an impression," Sophia remarked, accepting champagne from a passing server. "Hulio's face when I intervened was quite satisfying."

"Strategic alliances have their benefits," Michael replied, echoing her earlier words.

The showcase area featured a central platform where Hulio now stood proudly beside a sleek sports car prototype, its metallic surface gleaming under specialized lighting.

"The Hamilton Velocity," Hulio announced grandly, "represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Zero to sixty in 2.3 seconds, with revolutionary carbon-ceramic brake technology and a patented aerodynamic profile that reduces drag by seventeen percent compared to competing models."

As applause rippled through the audience, Michael leaned closer to Sophia. "The brake caliper positioning creates heat distribution issues they've clearly not addressed," he whispered. "And the aerodynamic coefficients he's claiming are mathematically impossible with that front fascia design."

Sophia's eyebrows rose slightly. "You're certain?"

"Absolutely," Michael confirmed. "The specifications contradict fundamental physics."

When Hulio opened the floor to questions, Sophia raised her hand with elegant confidence. "Could you elaborate on the heat management system for the brake assemblies? The caliper positioning appears problematic for sustained performance."

Hulio's smile faltered momentarily. "The... heat management system utilizes proprietary technology that, um, effectively disperses thermal accumulation."

"Fascinating," Sophia pressed. "And how exactly does the front fascia design achieve the aerodynamic coefficients you're claiming? The current configuration seems to create turbulence points that would increase drag rather than reduce it."

A murmur spread through the crowd as Hulio fumbled for a response, technical jargon spilling out in increasingly desperate combinations. Potential investors exchanged doubtful glances while engineers in the audience shifted uncomfortably, recognizing the legitimate flaws in his presentation.

"Perhaps these technical details would be better addressed by your engineering team?" Sophia suggested helpfully, the perfect balance of polite interest and professional skepticism.

"Of course," Hulio agreed, relief evident as he signaled for a technical representative to take over. As they moved away from the increasingly awkward presentation, he shot Michael a venomous glare.

"That was delightfully brutal," Sophia murmured. "I'm curious how you developed such specific knowledge of automotive engineering."

"Diverse interests," Michael replied enigmatically. "Much like yourself."

Before she could pursue the topic, a ship-wide announcement summoned guests to dinner. They made their way to the elaborately set dining area, where Michael found their assigned seats at the captain's table—a position of honor that reflected both Sophia's standing as a featured presenter and the mysterious Black Investor's growing reputation.

Hulio's father, Robert Hamilton, presided over the table with charm that didn't quite mask his assessing gaze. The shipping and automotive magnate had built his empire through shrewd evaluation of both opportunities and threats. Michael recognized the calculation behind the man's hospitable facade.

"So," Robert addressed Michael after introductions had circulated the table, "our mysterious masked investor. The art world is still buzzing about your dramatic revelation at the auction. What brings you to our humble showcase?"

"Opportunity recognizes innovation," Michael replied smoothly. "Your family's reputation for pushing boundaries drew my attention."

"Indeed?" Robert's tone carried polite skepticism. "And what field of expertise allows you to evaluate such diverse ventures as fine art and luxury innovation?"

"Pattern recognition," Michael said. "Whether in brushstrokes or engineering designs, excellence follows recognizable principles."

Robert raised an eyebrow. "A philosophical investor. Refreshing, if somewhat abstract." His dismissiveness was subtle but unmistakable. "I prefer more concrete foundations myself. Thirty years building factories across three continents tends to ground one's perspective."

"Speaking of factories," Michael responded casually, "the recalibration issues at your Singapore facility must have caused significant concerns. Misalignment in the primary assembly sequence would affect precision across all luxury models."

The table fell silent. The Singapore facility issues had been discovered barely two weeks earlier and kept strictly confidential while solutions were implemented. Even most board members hadn't been briefed on the specific technical problems.

Robert's expression shifted from dismissive to intensely focused. "You seem remarkably well-informed about proprietary matters, Mr... Black Investor."

"Information finds those who understand its value," Michael replied. "The solution your engineers implemented was elegant, though perhaps overly complex."

The remainder of the dinner proceeded with Robert Hamilton treating Michael with newfound respect, engaging him in increasingly specific conversations about industry trends and technological innovations. By dessert, the shipping magnate was openly soliciting Michael's views on their upcoming ventures.

"I'd be interested in your assessment of our newest prototype," Robert said as the meal concluded. "Perhaps a private tour before the evening's award ceremony?"

Sophia raised an eyebrow but made no comment as Michael accepted the invitation. The prototype in question was a next-generation yacht design not scheduled for public unveiling until the following year.

"Your companion is welcome to join us," Robert added, acknowledging Sophia with courtesy.

"I'd be delighted," she replied, her scientific curiosity evident.

Robert led them through secured areas of the vessel to a private design suite where detailed models and technical displays showcased the prototype. Using his System-enhanced perception, Michael quickly identified crucial flaws in the propulsion system design—issues that would cause catastrophic engine failure under specific conditions.

As Robert proudly explained the innovative features, Michael studied the engine schematics displayed on a large monitor. "The counter-rotation balancing mechanism is impressive," he commented, "though I notice the thermal expansion coefficients might create issues at the primary junction points under sustained high-speed operation."

Robert froze mid-explanation, his attention suddenly laser-focused on Michael. "Could you elaborate?"

Michael gestured toward the schematics. "The titanium alloy you've specified for these components will expand at a different rate than the surrounding assembly when operating at maximum capacity for extended periods. The tolerance gap here," he indicated a specific point in the design, "would eventually lead to misalignment and potential catastrophic failure."

Robert's face paled as he examined the area Michael had identified. After a moment of intense study, he turned to his chief engineer who had joined them. "Is he right?"

The engineer reviewed the specifications, running quick calculations on a tablet. "He... he is, sir. Under extended high-performance conditions, we could see component failure within 200 operating hours. How did you see this?"

Michael shrugged slightly. "Pattern recognition, as I mentioned."

Robert dismissed his staff with quick instructions to implement immediate design revisions. When they were alone except for Sophia, he turned to Michael with new intensity.

"You just saved us from a potential disaster that would have cost millions in recalls, not to mention incalculable damage to our reputation." His tone had transformed completely from skeptical host to respectful peer. "I'd like to discuss a partnership opportunity with Hamilton Industries. Someone with your insight would be an invaluable addition to our development team."

"I'm not seeking partnerships at present," Michael replied. "But I appreciate the recognition."

"Name your price," Robert insisted. "Consultancy, investment opportunity, board position—I'm open to discussion."

"I was simply glad to help," Michael said, genuine in his response. "Though perhaps we could discuss potential applications for Dr. Morris's adaptive materials in your next generation designs. Her technology offers solutions to several efficiency challenges you're facing."

Sophia's surprise at being brought into the conversation was momentary but evident to Michael's enhanced perception. Robert turned to her with new interest.

"A mutually beneficial introduction, then," he acknowledged. "We should certainly explore that possibility."

After scheduling a follow-up meeting between Sophia and Hamilton's R&D department, they made their way back toward the main deck for the evening's award ceremony.

"That was unexpected," Sophia said quietly as they walked slightly behind Robert. "You just redirected a personal opportunity into a professional one for me."

"Your technology deserves recognition," Michael replied. "And sometimes the best moves aren't the obvious ones."

As they approached the main deck, Michael noticed an illuminated side corridor leading to an observation lounge. "I'd like to explore the ship's architecture before the ceremony," he told Sophia. "I'll join you shortly."

"Don't be long," she replied. "The awards begin in fifteen minutes, and I'd rather not face Hulio's wounded pride alone."

Michael assured her of his prompt return, then made his way through the ornate corridors. His enhanced senses detected familiar perfume—Katherine's signature scent—coming from the observation deck ahead. As he approached silently, voices became audible through the partially open door.

Positioning himself carefully to remain unseen, Michael peered into the room to find Katherine and Eric in a secluded alcove, their bodies pressed together in an intimate embrace. Eric's hand caressed Katherine's face with familiarity as they spoke in hushed tones.

"We need to accelerate the timeline," Eric was saying. "Father's recovery is proceeding too well."

"Patience," Katherine counseled, her fingers tracing Eric's jaw. "Michael suspects nothing, and we can't afford mistakes."

"I don't like how he's connecting with the Morris woman," Eric muttered. "She has influence with the medical board."

Katherine silenced him with a kiss that left no doubt about the true nature of their relationship. "Let me worry about Michael. You focus on the financial preparations."

The sight sent ice through Michael's veins despite having known of their betrayal. Seeing it unfold before him—the casual intimacy built on planned murder—made it viscerally real in a way that memory alone had not.

As he watched his wife and brother plotting his downfall, the System interface flashed an urgent message:

[Special Task: Expose Katherine and Eric's meeting without revealing yourself. Reward: Enhanced Memory Access.]

Michael retreated silently, mind already racing with possibilities. The game had shifted once again—and this time, he had the opportunity to change everything.