Reincarnated With the Ultimate Son-in-law System

Chapter 23

The System message appeared just as Michael was reviewing the final prototype designs for the first generation of Buzzer phones:

[New task assigned: Attend Millennium Business Forum. Save Claire Thornton from public humiliation. Reward: Enhanced Strategic Thinking.]

Michael paused, the name immediately triggering recognition. Claire Thornton heiress to Thornton Enterprises, the chief rival to Wagner Industries in the luxury hospitality and commercial real estate sectors. In his previous timeline, the Thornton and Crawford families had maintained a carefully polite public rivalry while privately engaging in ruthless competition.

What caught Michael's attention wasn't just the task itself but the timing. The Millennium Business Forum was the premier gathering of the city's corporate elite, scheduled annually at the Grand Millennium Hotel. Crawford Enterprises always maintained a significant presence—but why would the System direct him to help a Thornton?

"Something interesting?" Olivia asked, noticing his distraction.

"Just a calendar alert," Michael replied smoothly. "The Millennium Business Forum is tomorrow. I should make an appearance as Crawford Enterprises' COO."

"While maintaining your mysterious Black Investor persona elsewhere?" Olivia raised an eyebrow. "You're developing quite the compartmentalized existence."

"Necessary compartmentalization," Michael corrected. "Each identity serves a specific purpose."

"And what purpose does Michael Crawford serve now?" Olivia asked, her tone casual but her eyes searching.

Michael considered the question more deeply than she likely intended. "He maintains the foundation while we build something new. The Crawford name opens doors that would remain closed to anonymous innovators."

"For now," Olivia agreed. "Though I suspect the Black Investor might soon command more influence than the Crawford heir."

"Different kinds of influence," Michael replied. "Both useful in their own ways."

As he drove home that evening, Michael researched Claire Thornton's recent activities using his Buzzer phone's secure connection. Her public appearances had been limited in the past year—unusual for the heir to such a prominent family business. Social media showed a careful curation of professional achievements but little personal content. Articles mentioned her "reserved demeanor" at industry events—a diplomatic phrase often used to describe awkward public performances.

The System's instruction to save her from public humiliation suggested something specific would occur at the forum. Michael needed to determine what—and why the System considered it significant enough to assign as a task.

The Millennium Business Forum occupied the Grand Millennium Hotel's entire conference center—a sprawling collection of meeting rooms surrounding the massive Grand Ballroom. Corporate displays lined the corridors, each company showcasing their latest innovations and achievements. Crawford Enterprises maintained a commanding presence near the main entrance, their display highlighting the Smart Buildings Initiative Michael had introduced.

Michael arrived early, greeting board members and key investors with ease while carefully observing the growing crowd. His enhanced perception allowed him to catalog faces and interactions with remarkable precision, creating a mental map of the event's dynamics.

He spotted Claire Thornton within the first hour—tall, auburn-haired, with the poised demeanor of someone who had been trained since childhood to represent a corporate dynasty. Yet Michael's enhanced perception caught subtle signs of anxiety: the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers repeatedly adjusted her watch band, the careful regulation of her breathing when approached by strangers.

More concerning was the presence of Aiden Wells, the notorious business reporter whose "candid executive profiles" had destroyed several careers in the past year. Wells specialized in ambush interviews, catching executives off-guard and editing the footage to emphasize any signs of weakness or uncertainty. His recent targets had included several executives with anxiety disorders, their visible discomfort under his aggressive questioning portrayed as evidence of incompetence or dishonesty.

Michael watched as Wells and his camera crew positioned themselves strategically near the refreshment area, their equipment partially concealed behind a decorative plant arrangement. The reporter's gaze repeatedly returned to Claire Thornton as she engaged in conversation with potential investors, clearly waiting for an opportune moment.

"Predatory," Michael thought, recognizing the calculated patience of someone who had identified vulnerable prey. Claire's anxiety indicators increased as she moved closer to the refreshment area, perhaps unaware of the trap being set.

As Wells began moving toward Claire with his camera crew falling into formation behind him, Michael calculated his intervention. The reporter's path would take him past a crowded cocktail table. Michael timed his approach perfectly, appearing to check his phone while navigating through the crowd.

Just as Wells reached the optimal position for his ambush and Claire's anxiety symptoms became more pronounced—her breathing visibly quickening, a slight tremor in her hand as she reached for a water glass—Michael executed his plan.

He "accidentally" collided with a server, sending a tray of coffee cups directly into Wells' path. The hot liquid splashed across the reporter's suit and, more importantly, his camera equipment. The resulting commotion drew immediate attention, providing Claire the perfect opportunity to compose herself and move away from the area.

"My sincere apologies," Michael said loudly, helping the flustered server. "Entirely my fault—I wasn't watching where I was going."

“Are you blind!?” Wells fumed as he attempted to salvage his equipment, his cameraman confirming that the primary recording device had been compromised by the coffee.

“I-I-I apologize,” Michael stuttered.

The ambush interview was effectively neutralized.

Michael continued through the forum, participating in panel discussions and networking sessions while monitoring Claire's movements from a distance. Her composure had returned, and she was now confidently engaging with industry leaders in a quiet corner away from the media presence.

The System message updated: [Task progressing. Claire Thornton successfully protected from initial threat. Remain vigilant.]

As the afternoon sessions concluded, Michael found himself approached by Eric, who had been conspicuously avoiding him since Richard received the anonymous video.

"Quite the accident with Wells earlier," Eric commented, his tone casual though his eyes were calculating. "Father would appreciate your discretion around reporters, especially given recent... family discussions."

"I value privacy as much as anyone," Michael replied evenly. "Though Wells seems to have a particular talent for exposing what people prefer to keep hidden."

Eric's jaw tightened slightly. "Indeed. Fortunately, some stories lack sufficient evidence to be credible."

"For now," Michael agreed. "Though digital records have a way of emerging at inconvenient moments."

Before Eric could respond, they were interrupted by the forum director announcing the final keynote session. As attendees moved toward the main ballroom, Michael noticed Claire Thornton detach herself from a conversation and move deliberately in his direction.

She approached with confident strides that contrasted with her earlier nervous demeanor, her gaze fixed directly on him. When she reached Michael, she extended her hand with a polite smile that didn't quite mask her intensity.

"Mr. Crawford," she said as they shook hands. "I believe I owe you thanks for your timely clumsiness earlier."

Michael maintained a neutral expression. "I'm afraid I don't understand, Ms. Thornton."

Her smile sharpened slightly. "I know you helped me today. What I don't understand is why." She tilted her head, studying him with new interest. "Why would Richard Crawford's son care about a Thornton?"