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

Alone

The hired performers, sensing the tension rising in the room after being caught, began slipping out of the dining room one by one.

By the time they were gone, it was just Mei, Zeke, and Craig—alone.

Craig didn't even notice their absence. His eyes were locked on Zeke.

"How did you know?" Craig asked Zeke, his voice trembling slightly.

Zeke scoffed. He slipped a hand in his pocket while wrinkling his nose. "Of course I'd know. Don't underestimate me, Craig. Your tricks might fool Mei, but they'll never work on me. You're busted."

Craig clenched his fists, gritting his teeth bitterly.

This loser had ruined all his carefully orchestrated plans. If Zeke hadn't butted in, everything would've worked out perfectly.

However, Craig wasn't the type to back down in tight situations like this. He always finds a way to make a comeback.

"Yeah, and so what if I tried to trick Mei?" Craig snapped like a dog. "Did you really think I wouldn't go any length for Mei? Despite what I've done, I stand corrected—you don't deserve her."

Zeke narrowed his eyes. "It still pisses me off you're running your foul mouth even after being caught red-handed. I admire your guts."

"Of course I'll run my mouth," Craig retorted, turning towards Mei. "If you think anyone would be sensible to invest $80 million in Zhao Dynasty during these hard times, then you're living in a dream world. I tricked you just to give you false hope because I intend to invest my own money into Zhao Dynasty."

This was of course, another lie. Craig didn't have $80 million to invest in a sinking company. He'd go broke.

Mei glared at him, her voice ringing out with frustration. "Craig, that's totally wrong. You manipulated me to leave my husband. Did you realize how messed up that is?"

"It isn't messed up because I love you, Mei," Craig said stepping close to her, his tone softening. "Everything I've done up to this point, was done with good intentions. No matter how you look at it, Zeke can't be of any help to you."

"Well, he won't lie to my face," she spat back, her voice trembling with anger. "And he wouldn't try to manipulate me for selfish purpose. You're a sick man, Craig. I regret ever coming here."

"That makes two of us," Zeke muttered. "I'll leave you lovebirds alone. Enjoy your dinner."

He turned sharply and strode towards the door.

Mei's heart lurched the moment Zeke walked away. Without sparing Craig a second glance, she pursued Zeke, calling after him.

"Zeke, wait! Don't go."

Craig watched her go, his chest burning with jealousy. For a moment, he had been so close at owning Mei.

"Shit!" He slammed his fist on the table, seething in rage. "If only that bastard hadn't intervened. He ruined everything."

After a few seconds, a wide grin stretched across his face.

"No... this is good," he straightened himself and adjusted his suit. "This is really good. Zeke will never forgive Mei for betraying him. They'll eventually get a divorce. And when the marriage falls apart, she'll come running back to me."

* * * *

Outside Craig's villa, Mei caught up to Zeke before he could reach the car.

"Zeke, stop," she pleaded, standing between him and the car. "Craig tricked me. You can't possibly be mad at me for falling into his trap."

"There's no excuse, Mei," Zeke snapped, his voice cracking like a whip. "You promised you wouldn't see him. And yet you broke your promise."

"I had no choice," Mei muttered. "I thought he was being sincere with me. I thought if I came, I'd finally be able to save Zhao Dynasty."

"Your desperation sickens me," Zeke said sharply, his nose wrinkling in disgust. "You could have had faith in me and do what I say. But no, you chose to drug me so that you could sneak out to be with Craig."

"I'm sorry for drugging you and sneaking out," Mei said, her voice cracking. "Could you just forgive me for that?"

Zeke took a step closer, his eyebrows knitted in a frown. "Mei, I forgive you for drugging and sneaking out on me. I would've taken you home, sat you down and talk about this."

He paused, his hands clenched into fists. "But tell me—why? Why the hell did you humiliate me before all those people and Craig? You slapped me and chose that scumbag over me. How I'm I supposed to get over that?"

Mei swallowed, a tight knot forming in her chest.

She knew she messed up. There was no coming back from what she did to Zeke. The guilt ate her up from inside like a mealworm.

"Zeke, I was conflicted," She whispered, her eyes restless. "It was a matter of choosing the better option."

"And Craig was your better option?" Zeke asked.

"No," she cried. "Hell no. He was never my first choice. But in that moment... his offer was too irresistible. I couldn't help myself. I thought—"

"You know what this tells me?" Zeke cut her off sharply, his tone as cold as ice. "You thought I was worthless. You see me the same way everyone else does: a pauper. A useless husband you could trade away for big dollars."

Mei reached out and grabbed his hand. Her eyes brimmed with tears. "Zeke, no. Please, I'm sorry. Give me a second chance. I promise it won't happen again."

But Zeke pulled his hand away and stepped back, widening the distance between them.

"I've had enough with your promises," He tossed her the keys to her Lexus IS300. "As far as I'm concerned, this marriage is over. You may go ahead and marry Craig."

Mei felt something snap inside her.

A cold realization settled in the pits of her stomach as she realized she had lost her husband.

The only person who absolutely cared about her.

Zeke turned his back on her and walked into the night, his hands buried in his pockets.

Just then, a back sedan pulled up beside him. He climbed inside the passenger seat and shut the door.

The sedan sped away, it's taillight fading into the darkness. Mei stood alone in the driveway, tears rolling down her face.

For the first time in her life, she felt completely alone.