THE DEJECTED SON-IN-LAW

5

"We're here."

"Already?"

Cal checked Whitmore Industries' address and asked the driver to stop after reaching their destination.

However, Morgan remained unaware of Cal's true intentions. Glancing out the window, she noticed they'd stopped in front of a café.

She immediately understood—or thought she did.

"If you want coffee with me, fine."

"But you only have five minutes."

"After that, I have other commitments."

Morgan's cold gaze settled on Cal.

Though she'd never been in a relationship before, she knew couples in the early stages typically went for coffee or movies to get to know each other better.

She didn't actually like Cal—she was only dating him to infuriate his brother—but if she was going to act the part, she needed to make it convincing. Otherwise, how would that jerk of a brother believe it?

Cal didn't respond. Instead, he pulled out a crumpled five-dollar bill from his bag. "I don't have change. Keep the rest as a tip. Here's five dollars—though back in Stoneridge, this distance would only cost one dollar."

After paying the "fare," Cal quickly rushed toward the office building ahead, leaving Morgan frozen in place with a blank expression.

She stared at Cal's retreating figure, then down at the five-dollar bill in her hand. Her beautiful features began trembling with rage.

Only now did she realize—Cal hadn't gotten into the car because he'd given in to her, nor was it to have coffee and get acquainted.

He'd simply used them as a taxi.

"That bastard!"

Morgan seethed with fury. If he weren't Clayton Reeve's brother—if he weren't still useful to her—she would have already ordered someone to break Cal's legs.

"General, who is this country boy?"

"How dare he insult us like this!"

"Please give the order, General—let us teach this peasant a lesson!"

Even the driver was incensed.

A Rolls-Royce worth millions, treated like a common taxi.

And paid only five dollars?

"Forget it. He's just some poor country boy. What's the point of arguing with him?"

"Let's head back."

"Call the mayor of Riverton. Tell him to meet me at the villa in fifteen minutes. I have matters to discuss."

*Vroom!*

The engine roared again, echoing through Riverton's streets.

Serena, still on the road, slowed down and pulled over to give the luxury car right of way.

She hadn't expected to see this vehicle twice in such a short span.

Moreover, judging from its direction, it seemed to be coming from the office building where her company was located.

"Must be someone heading to work."

"I wonder which company. Seems there's quite the big shot hiding around here."

There were many companies in the building that housed Whitmore Industries, so Serena couldn't be certain.

A few minutes later, she arrived at the company.

After parking, she waited calmly for the elevator.

It was already 9:10.

She'd rushed the entire way but was still ten minutes late.

Serena estimated Cal would be at least twenty minutes late—meaning a deduction of at least twenty thousand dollars.

Thinking of this, a smug smile curved her lips.

Soon, the elevator opened and Serena entered the company.

"Good morning, Ms. Whitmore!"

"Good morning, Ms. Whitmore!"

In the corridor, staff members greeted her one after another.

Serena nodded in response, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor as she instructed her secretary to summon the HR director, Grace Archer, to her office.

"Serena, I was just looking for you."

Soon, Grace appeared in the CEO's office.

The two had been close friends for years, and when alone, Grace addressed Serena by her first name.

"Grace, we'll discuss your matter in a moment."

"An annoying person will be arriving shortly to complete his onboarding."

"Check what time he arrives. If he's even one minute late, deduct ten thousand dollars. I estimate he'll be at least twenty minutes late." Serena spoke smugly.

But Grace looked puzzled. "Serena, are you talking about *him*?"

Behind Grace, Cal stood with an easy smile.

"You... you...?"

"When did you arrive?"

Seeing Cal, Serena shot up from her chair in shock.

"Ms. Whitmore, he arrived fifteen minutes ago," Grace whispered.

"How is that possible?"

"Did he fly here?"

Serena couldn't believe it.

"Ms. Whitmore, if I'm one minute early, should I be rewarded with ten thousand dollars?" Cal smiled at the stunned CEO.

Now it was Serena's turn to feel embarrassed.

She'd intended to give Cal a hard time, but he'd turned the tables completely.

"Being punctual is an employee's basic duty—it doesn't warrant a reward."

"You can go now. I'll discuss your job placement with Director Archer and notify you later."

Serena didn't want to engage further and quickly dismissed him.

"Serena, what's going on?"

"This country boy said you invited him to the company and offered him a salary of five hundred thousand dollars a year?"

With no one else present, Grace immediately launched into gossip mode.

Serena didn't hide anything from her best friend and explained everything about Cal.

"You're saying your grandfather promised you to this country boy ten years ago?"

"And now he's your fiancé?"

"Hahaha..."

Grace burst out laughing.

"Grace, why are you laughing? I'm genuinely troubled here."

"My dad said he'll send him away once I'm better. But I'm afraid he won't give up and will keep ruining my reputation..." Serena looked distressed.

"I'm sorry, Serena. It's just too unbelievable," Grace struggled to contain her laughter.

She couldn't help it. Usually, Serena commanded the corporation with dignity and grace, proud as a swan.

But now she'd become the fiancée of a country boy. The stark contrast was simply too amusing.

"If even you think so, I'm afraid I won't be able to maintain my position as CEO if the employees find out. They'll laugh themselves sick," Serena grew increasingly agitated.

"Serena, don't worry. I'll teach him a lesson and make sure he doesn't dare speak out of turn. As for his position, leave it to me."

"As your best friend, I have to give him a proper lesson—let him know our Serena isn't to be trifled with, especially not by some country boy."

"Who knows? Maybe we won't even need Uncle Shane's intervention. The boy might not be able to handle it and quit on his own." Grace spoke confidently.

Serena was touched. "Grace, you truly are my best sister."

A few minutes later, Grace emerged from the office.

"Follow me to complete your onboarding."

Her expression was stern as she issued the cold command to Cal.

After finishing the paperwork, Cal received his first assignment: deputy head of the security department.

In simpler terms, he was captain of the company's security team, responsible for guarding the premises.

"I've already informed your department head. Just report to him directly."

"However, let me remind you of something—know your place."

"Like a toad, fit only to stay at the bottom of a well."

"Don't do things beyond your station. And don't covet what you don't deserve."

Grace's words carried pointed meaning. After delivering them, she left.

Back in her office, she immediately called the Security Department minister, Wayne Carter.

"He's on his way."

"Understood, Director Archer. Rest assured—wait for my good news." Laughter came through the phone.

---

**Whitmore Industries Security Department**

The security team had their own activity room—quite spacious, equipped with various sports and fitness facilities.

When Cal entered, five or six people sat inside, dressed in suits and looking quite stylish.

"Hello, my name is Callum Reeve."

Cal greeted them first.

No one responded.

Instead, everyone's gaze turned toward a tall, heavyset man.

He was the minister here—Wayne Carter, though everyone called him Big Wayne.

"Brother Wayne, he's here," a man with dyed yellow hair whispered.

Wayne nodded.

Then he stood and walked over, followed by several subordinates.

"You the newcomer?"

"I'm Wayne Carter, the person in charge here—also known as the minister."

"The others are all deputy ministers."

"You came latest, so your rank is lowest. From now on, when you see us, you call us 'brother.' Understand?" Wayne spoke condescendingly.

Cal nodded with a smile.

"Good."

"There's one more thing, though. Here, we have a rule."

"Whenever someone new arrives, they undergo a joint assessment by the department heads."

"The assessment is simple: stand still and let each of us punch you once."

"If you don't fall down, you pass."

"If you fail, we continue tomorrow—and keep going until you pass."

"Understand?" Wayne asked again.

Cal continued nodding.

Seeing him just keep nodding without speaking, Wayne couldn't help shaking his head and muttering, "What a coward."

After laughing, Wayne announced the start. "Leon, you go first."

"Sure thing, Brother Wayne." Leon Shaw cracked his knuckles, rolled up his sleeves, and prepared to punch Cal in the face.

"Hey..."

"You don't have long to live."

Cal suddenly shook his head and spoke these words out of nowhere.

Leon froze. "What the hell did you just say, punk?"

Cal smiled calmly. "Brother, have you been having trouble sleeping lately? Can't fall asleep easily, and when you do, you can't stay asleep? Do you often wake from nightmares?"

"And do you frequently break out in cold sweats, lose lots of hair, and feel like your body isn't what it used to be?"

Leon looked shocked. "Are you... spying on me?"