The Absolute Son-in-law And The Ten Rings Of Power

A second chance

It ached Zeke in the chest to see his lovely wife in this position, begging like a street beggar.

"Mei," Zeke knelt beside her, resting his hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to do this. It's not necessary."

"Let me be, Zeke," She said sharply. "I have to do this. Don't make this harder than it looks."

Anna Zhao scoffed. "This is ridiculous. How the hell does she plan to raise $80 million back?" She turned to face Zhao Long. "She's a lost cause, dear. I say we banish her from the family."

Zeke stiffened.

Banishment from the House of Zhao was a cruel punishment.

A banished member of the family would be kicked out of the family estate... Never to return.

All family funding would be cut off immediately, and personal properties like cars, lands and jewelries would be seized until the punishment is lifted.

"I second that, father," Jason said, stepping forward. "Our biggest mistake was giving Mei total control over the family's investment. I won't make the same mistake twice. That's why, with your permission, I'll be glad to take over Mei's position as the new CIO of Zhao Dynasty."

Zeke gritted his teeth.

Jason had always been jealous of Mei for as long as he remembered. He yearned to overthrow her someday, this was a golden opportunity he couldn't afford to fumble.

"I agree," Anna Zhao gestured to Jason in support. "Jason is more capable and full of bright ideas. I believe if there's anyone who can bring us out of our financial problems, it would be Jason."

Zeke knew Anna was only talking like this because Jason was her biological son.

Just like her other children, Anna despises Mei. After all, she was Mei's step mother.

The other members of the Zhao family were in agreement with her. They were quick to take Jason's side.

"Yes, Mei has had her run. Kick her out of the family!"

"It's time for a new beginning."

"Jason is the future. He would save us."

All who were in favour of Jason, supported Mei's banishment. Not a single person stood up for her.

As a matter of fact, majority of the Zhao family were happy for Mei's downfall.

They literally prayed for this day to come because they were jealous of her good fortune.

Meanwhile, Mei remained on the floor, groveling before her father.

Zhao Long had always been fond of Mei. He knew none of his children could ever match her intelligence nor business I.Q.

Under her leadership, the company had seen unprecedented gains over the last five years.

Her decisions had helped Zhao Dynasty to triple their networth in a short time.

That's why he never questioned Mei. Even when she married Zeke, a nobody, he allowed her to do whatever she wanted.

Until now.

Zhao Long took a deep breath as he glared at Mei.

"One month," he said firmly. "I'm giving you one month to bring back our money."

Every was startled. Even Mei was shocked.

"All of them?" Mei asked.

"Yes," Zhao Long repeated himself. "Every cent."

"But that's impossible," Mei swallowed. "We're talking $80 million. It'd take months to recover. I need like a year."

"That's your problem," Zhao Long slammed his hands on the table. "Four weeks from now, I'll be expecting some good news. In the meantime, Jordan would substitute your office as the new CIO."

Jordan hide a grin. This works for him.

Zeke knew there was a catch. "And what happens if she fails to raise the money?"

"I'm glad you asked," Zhao Long said. "She'll be banished along with your broke ass. You've been a useless husband for three years, Zeke. Now is the time to support your wife."

Anna Zhao protested. "Darling, this isn't the right thing to do. Why not banish her now? There's no way she can raise $80 million in a span of four weeks. We're wasting time."

"I'll do it," Mei said sharply, giving no room for a compromise. "I'll work hard. I won't eat, sleep or drink until I've restored Zhao Dynasty to it's former glory. This I promise you."

Zhao Long rubbed his nose. "No, you don't have to go that far. Just get my money back."

"I will," Mei rose to her feet, bowing slightly. "I won't disappoint you again, father. I swear it."

Anna Zhao tsked, drumming her nails on the table. "Pathetic, despite the ruin she's brought upon this family, you still defend her? You're showing this girl too much favour and it speaks ill of you."

Zhao Long's face hardened. "Regardless of her error, Mei is still my daughter. Before I banish her, I will give her a second chance. She knows better not to fail me again."

With that, Zhao strode out of the boardroom, leaving his children and wife behind.

Jason chuckled, circling Mei like a predator. "Well, how do you intend to recover all that money back, Mei? I'll love to hear it."

Mei's throat tightened. That was a question she had no answer to.

"Thought so," Jason shook his head in mocking pity. "Save yourself the humiliation and give up. You will never raise $80 million in four weeks."

Zeke stepped between Mei and Jason. His eyes were as hard as nails. "She doesn't have to answer to you, Jason. I'll refund the money."

Jason threw his head back and boomed with laughter. "Oh this is priceless! Mei, does your useless husband speak for you? He seriously thinks he can refund $80 million."

The boardroom erupted in mocking laughter.

"Perhaps Zeke has a billion dollars stashed somewhere," Anna Zhao choke with laughter. "Just stick to your delivery job, idiot."

"Speaking of job," Jason added. "As acting CIO, you're fired, Zeke. We have no money to pay you $1,000 per week. I suggest you start being a supportive husband and find yourself another job. That is if you're lucky to find one."

Zeke smirked. "Let's wager on it, Jason. If Mei refunds the family's funding, you will resign from the company, deal?"

"You dirty rat," Anna Zhao shrilled at Zeke. "How dare you open your gutter mouth and sprout such nonsense?"

"With all due respect, mother-in-law," Zeke said. "Jason tried to undermine and discourage my wife. I will not give him that liberty. I believe in Mei. She will get the money and shut his mouth up for good."

Anna Zhao cursed under breath. "You insolent—"

"I accept your bet, Zeke," Jason said, interrupting his mother. "But let's raise the stakes a little. When Mei fails, you'll divorce her and work in my house as a lowly servant. Permanently!"

To everyone's surprise, Zeke leaned forward, a confident glint in his eyes. "You have yourself a deal, Jason."