The Live-In Son-in-Law Is the Supreme Tycoon

Chapter 4: Part 1 The Contract Husband

The laughter that had filled the Sterling family’s dining room only moments earlier faded into nothing, leaving behind a strained and uneasy quiet.

The long mahogany table, once lively with conversation, now felt like a stage where every movement and glance carried weight.

Richard Sterling fixed his gaze on Jack, studying him as though he were a problem that refused to be solved. “…A janitor?” he repeated, his tone low and carefully controlled.

Jack met his eyes without hesitation. “I work at Greenwood Holdings.”

Richard frowned slightly. “I heard that part,” he replied. “What I don’t understand…” He leaned forward, placing both hands firmly on the table as his voice sharpened, “…is why my daughter intends to marry someone who cleans the floors of the very company I have spent three years trying to partner with.”

Jack answered without a trace of embarrassment. “Every job deserves respect.”

His calm response deepened the silence rather than easing it. Several board members exchanged glances, clearly surprised by his composure.

One elderly director gave a slow nod of approval. “I will admit,” the man said thoughtfully, “that is a respectable answer.”

Richard, however, remained unconvinced. “Do you not find it limiting?”

Jack allowed himself a small smile. “I have never measured people by their titles.”

Richard exhaled quietly. “I suppose someone has to clean the building,” he said, though his tone carried little warmth.

Margaret placed a gentle hand on her husband’s arm. “Richard,” she said softly, urging restraint.

“What?” he asked, though the edge in his voice softened slightly.

“At least hear him out.”

“I have heard him out,” Richard replied before turning back to Jack. “Tell me, then what are your plans for the future?”

Jack paused briefly, considering his answer. “I intend to keep helping people.”

Richard blinked, clearly dissatisfied. “…Doing what?”

“Whatever needs to be done,” he said without thinking twice.

The vagueness of the response only added to his frustration. Everything about this young man seemed undefined.

There was no visible ambition, no impressive résumé, no recognizable family background, nothing that fit the world Richard had spent decades building. And yet, Jack spoke with the quiet certainty of someone who had already reached his destination.

Richard could not explain why that unsettled him.

Across the table, Diana watched the exchange in silence. She had expected Jack to defend himself more forcefully, perhaps even to challenge her father. Instead, he answered every question with calm honesty, though never in the way anyone anticipated.

She could not decide whether that made him admirable or reckless.

Margaret cleared her throat, attempting to shift the atmosphere. “Jack,” she began with a polite smile, “tell us about your parents.”

Jack’s expression softened slightly. “My father passed away several years ago.”

“I’m very sorry,” she replied. “And your mother?”

“She lives a quiet life.”

“Does she know about this engagement?”

“Not yet.”

Margaret nodded, maintaining her composure. “We will have to meet her.”

“I think she would like that.” Once again, his answers were simple and unadorned. He offered no attempt to impress, no excuses, and no complaints.

At that moment, the servants entered carrying dessert, and for a short while the conversation drifted back toward business matters. Richard spoke with several board members about upcoming acquisitions, his tone regaining its usual authority.

Jack listened without interruption.

He recognized every company they mentioned. He knew which mergers would succeed, which investments were doomed to fail, and which individuals seated at the table were already planning to betray Sterling Group within the year.

Still, he said nothing. It was not his place yet.

Without warning, Richard set his coffee cup down with a sharp, decisive sound that echoed across the room. “No,” he said firmly.

Every head turned toward him as he slowly rose from his chair. “I cannot accept this.”

The declaration hung in the air, heavy and unavoidable.

Diana stood as well. “Dad—”

“No.” He raised a hand, cutting her off. “I have spent thirty years building Sterling Group.”

“I know.” Diana looked confused, trying to understand where her father was driving at.

“I made a promise to your grandfather that this company would remain in capable hands.”

“It will,” she added.

Her father continued, “Not if you are making decisions like this,” he replied sharply, gesturing toward Jack. “You met him today.”

“Yes.” The response was sharp.

“You know almost nothing about him.”

“I know enough,” she said, holding his hands

Richard shouted in frustration, “You know his job.”

“I do,” she responded as her grip tightened.

Richard clenched his fist. “You know he has no influence.” 

Diana hesitated briefly. “…That does not matter.”

“It matters to me,” he says as he bangs the table.

Richard took a slow breath, trying to steady himself. “This family is not ordinary, and neither is our company. Every decision we make affects thousands of employees.”