2024-09-26 23:31:20"Are you alright? Why on earth would you spill the drink all over the table like that?" Melissa, a middle-aged woman, exclaimed in a sharp, scolding tone.
*Paaaah!*
Melissa’s hand swiftly struck Rick’s cheek, the loud slap resounded through the conference room.
"My father is no longer alive, so don't you dare think you can act all high and mighty around us," Melissa, his mother-in-law, uttered, her eyes narrowing with anger. As the late patriarch's daughter, she seemed intent on asserting her dominance over the situation.
Laura, who was standing by the corner, could do nothing but swallow the pain of seeing her husband get slapped. Laura stood by the corner, her eyes cast down as her family members ignored her.
Rick just stood there, holding his cheek, knowing he was in no position to retaliate. He could only endure the humiliation in silence. Rick Armstrong was merely a live-in son-in-law who had married Laura from the Eldwolf family. The marriage had been arranged due to a vow made by his grandfather and Laura’s grandfather, who had pledged that their grandchildren would marry to solidify their friendship bond.
Laura held no real power in the family; after all, she was the illegitimate child of Melissa’s husband. Melissa never treated Laura as her own, but Laura’s late grandfather, Mike Eldwolf, had been the only one who cherished her.
"Laura, I don't know why you can't teach your good-for-nothing husband proper manners," Damian, Laura's stepbrother, sneered from his seat at the conference table. He then stood up and went where Laura was standing, pushing her head backwards.
"Sorry for your favorite isn't here," Damian laughed, as the other family members joined in.
Laura could only stand there, holding back her tears. "I wish Grandpa was here. All of this wouldn't have happened."
"Please, she isn't at fault here. I'm the one," Rick, who stood apart from the commotion, tried to persuade Damian to stop.
"Oh, the fly is trying to act all mature now," Damian scoffed. "Haha, don't try to act like you are some kind of hero"
The chaos in the room was suddenly interrupted,
*Eeeeemmmmh!*
the sound of someone clearing his throat.
All eyes turned to the far end of the conference table, where the middle-aged lawyer sat calmly, observing everyone.
"Excuse me everyone, may I have your attention," the lawyer said. "I think it’s time we get to the reason we’re all here."
The Eldwolf family members reluctantly settled back into their seats. The lawyer cleared his throat again before continuing.
"As you're aware, we've gathered today to go over the final wishes of Mr. Mike Eldwolf." He paused,
"It’s crucial that we handle this process with respect because whatever that is being said here is what he wants and he knows the best"
Damian turned to Rick, his eyes narrowed. "You're lucky that there are more important things to deal with right now, but mark my words, I will watch you and I will make sure you regret the day you ever set foot in this family."
Damian leaned back in his chair and said, "Can we just get on with it? I don’t have time to waste listening to a dead man’s last words."
The lawyer gave Damian a stern look, unfazed by his dismissive tone. "Very well. If you'll all please direct your attention to the documents before you, I will read the relevant portions of the will."
Rick glance at Laura who was a bit nervous as she stood beside him. He then gently held her hands to comfort her.
Once again, the lawyer cleared his throat and started as he shuffled the documents and read
"I, Mike Eldwolf, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare this to be my last will. To my beloved grandson-in-law, Rick Armstrong, I leave my most prized possession, the Sky Limitless Hotel."
"What!" A collective gasp went through the room, and Melissa's face began bright red. "What?! That can't be right! Rick is nothing but a commoner, how dare can he be given the hotel?"
The lawyer raised a hand, silencing Melissa's outburst. "Please, let me continue. To my grandson-in-law, Rick Armstrong, I leave the Sky Limitless Hotel, which constitutes 50% of my total net worth. The remaining 50% will be divided equally among the Eldwolf family members."
Rick's eyes widened in shock as his heart skipped a beat.
"This is not possible. Did I here clearly?"
The other family members let out a chorus of objections and whispers.
Damian slammed his fist on the table as he was extremely angry
"This is an outrage! How can Grandpa give off half of his estate to that worthless outsider?"
The lawyer waited patiently for the commotion to die down before speaking again. "I understand your concerns, but I must remind you that this was the express wish of the late Mr. Eldwolf. As his legal representative, I am bound to carry out his instructions."
Melissa stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "This is unacceptable! Rick doesn't deserve a single penny of my father's in-laws wealth. He's nothing but a leech, trying to take what's rightfully ours!"
Rick and Laura looked at each other were shocked and surprised that they felt like they couldn't catch there breath. Rick's hands trembled as he gripped Laura's, his heart racing. "I don't understand... How could your grandfather have left me the hotel? This doesn't make any sense."
Laura's eyes widened as tears dropped down from them
"I don't know, Rick. But this means... this means we won't have to worry anymore. We can finally have a future together, without the constant fear of being cast out by my family."
"You! How dare you and your good-for-nothing husband charm my father into giving him the hotel?" Melissa exclaimed, her eyes narrowing at Laura.
*Paaaah!*
Melissa's hand swiftly struck Laura's cheek, the loud slap echoing through the conference room. The other members of the Eldwolf family sat around the table, their eyes widening at the sudden outburst.
"My father-in-law is no longer alive, so don't you dare think you can act all high and mighty around us," Melissa, Laura's mother, uttered, her eyes narrowing.
Rick stepped forward, his voice firm. "That's enough, Melissa. You'd better be careful about laying your hands on my wife, especially now that I'm the majority shareholder of this family's prized possession - the Sky Limitless Hotel."
Melissa's face contorted with rage. "How dare you speak to me like that, you worthless son-in-law? This family will never accept you or your wife as rightful heirs to my father-in-law legacy!"
Rick stood his ground, "Well, you better start accepting it, because the will is legally binding. Any attempts to challenge it will be futile. Laura and I are the ones who will be calling the shots from now on."
The lawyer, who had been observing the exchange, cleared his throat. "Mr. Armstrong is correct. The entire weight of the law will be applied to any interference with or attempts to overthrow the legally valid will. I would advise you all to tread carefully."
Melissa glared at Rick and Laura, as she thought in her mind,
"I will take both of you out if the picture just wait and see"
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Chapter 49: The Unforeseen Trap
The next morning Rick woke up and his brain still was raving from thoughts of the night before’s mission at the Eldwolf mansion. He’d got the evidence on Melissa and now had to work out his next move. He sat in his study, finally, and spread the documents out across his desk as he studied the details of Melissa’s corrupt dealings. He was pleased with the knowledge that her empire was broken as its underbelly was fragile. This was his way of taking down the mighty Eldwolf legacy.Very quietly, Charles entered and set a cup of coffee on Rick’s desk. He asked as his voice became calm, but his eyes showed anticipation, “Everything goes as planned, sir?”Glancing over at his loyal butler, Rick nodded. “More or less. And Damian held up his end of the deal. I’m not sure he’s all with us, but I’m not sure he’s against us either. Yet he may still be loyal to his mother.”A look of caution crossed Charles's face and he sighed. “Damian is volatile. He’s an Eldwolf, but he’s driven by resentment.
Chapter 48: A Dangerous Game
The next evening, Rick geared himself up for what would be one of the most risky moves he’d ever made in pursuit of his vengeance. The whisper in the dark seemed to echo his promise in his mind, and though he still had the glimmer of hope, he was watchful. Melissa’s own son was Damian, a gamble. If it paid off, he’d have the leverage he needed to destroy her for good.Rick’s study was the last place Charles would step into and his expression was one of calm concern. “Sir, are you really sure you want to do this? Even with Damian’s help it’s really risky to infiltrate the Eldwolf mansion.”He slid on a pair of leather gloves and nodded. Charles, I don’t have a choice. It’s the best opportunity we’ve had to do something really damaging to Melissa. If Damian holds up his end then we’ll have the evidence to expose her entire operation.”Charles frowned. “And if he betrays you?”Rick’s gaze hardened. “Then I’ll be ready.”They nodded subtly to each other; Rick checked his watch. When he ch
Chapter 47: Shadows of Betrayal
The dim glow from Rick's desk lamp shot long shadows across the room as he rummaged through files that he had been given by the mystery contact. Each document was a piece of a big puzzle and it showed how big Melissa’s network was. Rick had expected corruption, but offshore accounts, bribed officials and a few unsavory connections suggested something much deeper.Glancing at Rick’s grim expression, Charles entered the room. “Any news?”Rick gestured for him to sit. He handed Charles the folder and said, “Take a look at this. A msterious friend came through.It’s not just about Melissa. It’s just a whole syndicate that she runs under her influence.”Charles furtrowed his brows as he scanned the documents. “I didn’t expect this, sir. If we play this right, she might bring her empire crumbling down. But… there’s a risk.”His fingers tapped against the desk and Rick nodded. “We’ll need allies in this. People who can help us without getting caught in her crossfire.”Charles put the folder d
Chapter 46: A Web of Shadows
Rick’s office window let in the morning sunlight that cast long shadows across his desk. Preparing in his mind for the series of meetings to come, he leaned back in his chair. Melissa was now on edge and every move would have to be overly careful. He didn’t underestimate her, but he knew she wouldn’t be expecting his next play.Charles had compiled overnight, and Daniel entered with a briefcase filled with documents. “These are people who knew Melissa and people who, generally, are allies and business associates to her.nSome of them have questionable ties to illegal businesses. Maybe she has leverage or connections that we need exposed?”With grim satisfaction, Rick nodded and thumbed through the files. “Good work, Daniel. First, let’s call some of these people, if they know we are on to their involvement with Melissa, maybe one of them will cut a deal.”Daniel’s eyes, glinted with interest. “We can move fast, I can reach out discreetly. She’ll find a way to silence them the moment Me
Chapter 45: The Fire Ignites
Rick’s determination was only reinforced by the whispers and wary glances his employees gave him. Rick knew that Melissa’s leak about his prison past had already blown through the news cycle like wildfire. He was sick of being played by her schemes and this time he was going to be the one on the offense.Daniel's voice was low but firm as he headed towards the elevator with them“Your reputation is going to take some heat. a reminder—sometimes the best defense is to get control of the story.Give her a fight she won’t see coming if she wants one.”Rick nodded. “Well, the best way to get all this out of her is to expose her backstory first and maybe nudge her to open the lockers and let the skeletons out but she’s built a wall around herself, she thinks she’s untouchable, but I know people—old contacts—people who remember things she’d rather forget.”Daniel smiled tight lipped, impressed. “Just now you’re thinking like a true player.”They went into the elevator, and Rick’s mind was buz
Chapter 44: The Counterstrike
Charles trailed Rick through the halls of his company’s headquarters, looking worried. Staff and security hurried to their posts beneath the tension in the air, ready to take on an assault from Melissa Eldwolf’s forces that felt to be only moments away. His mind churned as he tried to see what move she’d be making next. If Melissa was ruthless, he had always known it, but sending her private security team to his doorstep was a big move.A guard told Rick as they made it to the executive floor, “Sir, we've reinforced the security perimeter. We’ll be ready if anyone tries to get in,” she said.“Good,” replied Rick, his anger tight in his voice. “Be sure no one enters or leaves this building without my permission. If Melissa thinks she can intimidate me, she’s sorely mistaken,’” he said.Finally, Charles spoke, having been silent during the situation. “This isn’t just her security team showing up, Rick.” Melissa is playing bigger game.. She’s saying something, she’s not scared to get agg
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