The Original Son-in-law

Chapter 6: Bad News

Chapter 6

He had decided to tease even though he wasn't ready to reveal his true identity to his family yet.

Dorcas spat to the ground as if she had just tasted the most forbidden fruit.

“You, the new chairman?” She scorned. "That can never happen! Not in this lifetime!” She uttered.

However, what she didn't know was that Henry, standing right in front of her, was the newly elected chairman of the Eminence Group.

Overfamiliarity had made them think Henry could never be a prominent person.

"Just shut up your mouth and stop saying nonsense!” Hunter snapped. “Your mates are becoming the real thing, and here you're making assumptions that would never come to pass. When are you even going to be profitable to this family?”

“Will he ever?" Kate, Hunter's wife, asked disdainfully.

Then, Dorcas sighed before saying, "Caleb's family will be coming over for dinner today; make sure all dishes are well prepared. And most importantly, make sure you behave in your best behavior today. Put on decent wear!”

"Okay, Grandma! I'll do just that.”

At that, the trio sighed and turned almost simultaneously, backing Henry while returning to their earlier discussion. Their hate for him was so much that they hadn't dropped their gazes low to notice the bags he was carrying in both hands.

Soon, Henry got to his room after leaving the living room. He dropped the shopping bags on the bag before settling on it.

He stared at nothing in particular, a smirk parting his lips. “They don't believe I'm the new chairman," he murmured to himself. “Ignorant people!"

Then he suddenly thought about Caleb's family. Earlier today, when he went to Eminence Group, he had instructed Dorothy to halt all ongoing collaboration with the Maxwell's family and to avoid having anything to do with them in the future. However, the announcement should be made tonight.

When Henry was heading toward the building, he heard Caleb say that the Maxwell's family were invited to have dinner at the Grahams' villa, so Henry concluded that that would be the perfect time to humiliate Caleb and his arrogant son, Mario.

That was the main reason he told Dorothy to make the announcement tonight.

His mischievous smirk grew wider.

“I'll be watching the sweetest drama tonight," Henry said

At that, he got up and started to carefully arrange the items he had bought from the store into the wardrobe.

He was in the middle of arranging when the door swung open, and Margaret walked in, shutting the door behind her.

She wore a tired expression, her shoulders slumped as she dragged herself further, collapsing on the bed.

Henry paused. "You're back!” He hurried to her side. “How was today? You look exhausted; hope you're good!”

Margaret nodded her head wearily. "I'm good,” she replied weakly. "Just that today's work was cumbersome, and I couldn't help but multitask.”

Henry looked at her with worry. Reluctantly, he offered. "Is there anything I can do to ease your tiredness? I mean, I can help to massage your feet with some warm water,” he said, his voice laced with care.

Margaret looked at him and declined politely. “Thanks, but no need."

Then her gaze shifted, landing on Henry's items.

"What are those?” She asked, pointing her finger toward them.

Henry's gaze followed her finger. "Oh, that? They're the new outfits I bought. I've outgrown some of my old outfits, while some are worn out, so I thought of getting some fresh outfits for myself."

Margaret furrowed an eyebrow at him. "Where did you get the money you used to buy them?" She inquired suspiciously.

Henry scratched the back of his head, trying to think of the best response to give. Finally, “That time when I was little, my Mum used to buy small stocks from companies. She disclosed every detail to me back then, so I decided to resell them today after I discovered the price per share had increased."

He halted, observing Margaret's expression. “That's what I used."

Margaret scrutinized the clothes from afar, then her gaze went back to Henry, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "And you think that was the best thing to do? Why didn't you hold them a little longer? Why do I even have a say, anyway; they aren't mine.”

Henry bit his lips. Margaret was spot on, and this showed how much she cared. However, Henry wasn't that worthless husband he used to be; he's now a billionaire.

Silence dwelled in the room for a short moment.

Before Margaret broke it. "The Maxwell's family are coming over for dinner today, and Mum is in the kitchen preparing a meal. I think it's best you go and assist her. I'll take some rest before that time comes.”

Henry tilted, then moved to continue arranging the outfits into the wardrobe. When done, he went to the kitchen to assist his mother-in-law.

The day drew closer to dinner than expected.

Around 9 in the evening, the large family table was occupied with bowls filled with different meals. Tall glasses stood on the table, and an enormous, expensive bottle of wine also stood gallantly.

Dorcas Graham had deliberately decided to make the dinner a grand one. She intended to treat the family well so that, in the end, she could get a favour from them since Caleb, alongside his son, Mario, had gone to Eminence Group today.

Around the large table, Dorcas sat at the head, her presence exuding dominance. Next to her was Hunter, his eldest son, followed by Kate, his wife, before Margaret.

On the other side of the table was Maxwell Johnson. He was the Lord over Maxwell's family. His presence had never gone unnoticed. He was the Chairman of the Maxwell family's company. When ranking based on the pyramidal structure among the top wealthy families, his family is undoubtedly second in hierarchy.

His presence alone carried enough weight that people trembled at his feet; however, it couldn't be compared to what Eminence Group chairman's name alone could pull.

If not for the little connection binding them together, Dorcas couldn't have had the courage to approach Maxwell Johnson.

Seated next to him was his son, Caleb, followed by Mario, his grandson, before his granddaughter-in-law, Shirley, from the Graham's family.

Henry was the only person who wasn't seated; he was busy serving the family.

“Take it easy and don't ruin the expensive dress that my sweet fiancè bought for me, okay?" Shirley said mockingly to Henry when he was trying to pour wine into her glass.

Mario glared at him indignantly. He was still harboring resentment of how Henry had spoken to his father when they came across him in the Eminence Group earlier today.

"You can't afford just that one dress for your wife in your entire life, so be wise!” He growled with irritation.

Henry tilted his head with a forced smile.

However, in his mind, ‘You arrogant brat, watch what happens to you tonight!’ he said through gritted teeth.

Dorcas shot Henry a furious stare, but chose to ignore it, not wanting to piss Lord Maxwell off. Instead, she forced a bitter smile, leaned forward before starting.

"I'm deeply grateful, Mr. Maxwell Johnson,” she began, "for choosing to dine with us today! It may be an insignificant thing to you, but to me, it means a whole lot. Thank you!" She said, her voice laced with extreme gratitude.

A small smile flashed across Lord Maxwell's face. "I consider this to be a family gathering, so it's nothing,” he replied.

Dorcas smiled widely. Reluctantly, she said, "Please, let's eat.” She gestured to the table.

Soon, the clinking of forks and knives filled the room as they started to savor the prepared fried rice and chicken.

A short moment later, while they were still in the middle of eating, Dorcas Graham paused, sipped her own wine, before leaning backward.

"So, how was the meeting with Mrs. Dorothy Lewis today?” She threw her query at exactly no one.

Caleb immediately jumped to answer. "We were able to talk face to face with her,” he lied. "She promised to convince the new chairman to accept our proposal!”

Henry raised an eyebrow in surprise. So, this is what both father and son had decided to come up with? A lie?

Anyway, time will reveal the truth.

Dorcas's face lit up. "Really? That means your family is worth eight hundred million dollars?”

"One billion!” Lord Maxwell corrected her immediately.

Dorcas's eyes swung open, her mouth opened in great astonishment.

At this moment, Lord Maxwell's personal bodyguard walked in and strode to where Maxwell was. He whispered something in his ear, handed him a brown envelope, and turned around before exiting.

Lord Maxwell's lips curled with a smile. He hadn't unwrapped the envelope when he said, “A letter from Eminence Group; probably they've accepted our proposal.”

He opened it fully and began to read it, only to be met with something that struck him.

"What?!” He shouted, bolting upright in his seat.