The Revenger's System

10. I Accidentally Buy A Company

Ryan’s in-laws were still in shock after what happened in the restaurant. They stayed silent on the way home, sending side-eyes and mean glares to Ryan, who drove.

Finally, when they arrived home and plopped themselves in the family room, his mother-in-law said something. “Make us some hot cups of tea,” Marissa ordered, “Your magical lies disgust me.”

Sighing, Ryan went to the kitchen. It didn’t take long for the waiter to boil, and the teas were made. He brought a tray and went back to his in-laws. Usually, he’d kneel and serve the tea on the table, not making eye contact with them.

However, after their disbelieving and condescending comments, he didn’t have the energy to act so humbly. He just placed the tray on the table and went to leave them.

But his in-laws stopped him.

“Don’t get cocky just because you bought a restaurant,” Marissa said without preamble, a deep scowl on her face after her seventh annoyed huffs.

“Silver Bay Leaf was probably going bankrupt, that’s why they sold the restaurant,” Robert commented as he switched the channel to watch late news. “Or, maybe what Ashton said was true.”

Horror flashed on Ryan’s face. “I don’t have a sugar daddy. I bought the restaurant myself.”

They didn’t look convinced. It was apparent that they still denied the bitter truth, no matter how many times the restaurant’s previous owner said that Ryan was the new owner of Silver Bay Leaf. Protesting against such bull-headed people was exhausting.

‘–by an unknown person. Vernest’s owner, Thomas Friedman, acquired $5.79 billion in wire transfers and 85.6 million shares. Friedman’s managing partner, Michelle Stephen, is expected to join the new Vernest board. A last-minute meeting is being held at the Vernest company, with a press release ready to air in about five minutes.’

The newscaster on the television said, picking Marissa’s interest at once. “What did she say?”

Robert shrugged, “Someone is about to buy Vernest.”

His mother-in-law repeated, “Buy? Like, the whole company?”

“Yes, they’ll have a press release.”

“I hope they don’t raise the price too much under the new owner.”

Ryan scoffed as his mother-in-law worried about the handbag prices.

Unfortunately, Marissa heard that. She turned to face him and mockingly said, “You may laugh now, but we know you’re just a big fat liar, Ryan.”

He was neither big nor fat, and definitely, “I’m not a liar.”

“Keep saying that. You said you’ll buy me a Vernest. Now, someone is going to buy the company, but you can’t even buy me a handbag? Ridiculous.” Marissa had fun insulting him.

“I said it’ll arrive tomorrow.”

“Yes, yes, whatever you say,” Marissa waved her hand dismissively, “You’re just a lying scum of a son-in-law. I don’t know what father sees in you that he married a useless man like you to his only granddaughter.”

Ryan clenched his jaw to stop himself from telling the truth. He didn’t want to reveal it so early. Before he could tell the truth about the reason Albert married Violet to him, he had many things to do first.

The television now displayed an empty stage. Vernest’s press release about the company’s acquisition was broadcasted live. Ryan stayed behind the couch where his in-laws comfortingly watched. Soon, three people walked on the stage, wearing sophisticated suits representing the company’s luxury brand.

Peeep!

Before the spokesperson said anything, Ryan heard the usual chime whenever TEETS was about to inform him of something.

[Congratulations!]

[Transaction success.]

[Host is the new owner of Vernest Limited Company.]

The realization started to set in Ryan’s head as he watched the spokesperson on the television tell the news. ‘From now on, Vernest Limited Company is officially sold–‘

Ryan’s mouth hangs open. ‘This is not what I meant when I wanted to buy Vernest!’

[TEETS only buy what the Host desire.]

‘I surely did not desire a luxury brand company!’

[TEETS never make a mistake.]

[TEETS will remind Host about his request this early morning.]

‘Huh?!’

[Host: Can I but Vernest?]

[TEETS: Of course.]

[TEETS: Transaction on process.]

[TEETS: Please wait for a minute.]

[TEETS: Apologize.]

[TEETS: Transaction process is on hold.]

[TEETS: The second party seemed unable to make a quick decision right now.]

[TEETS: The second party asks for  hours before making a final decision.]

[TEETS: Waiting for Host’s confirmation.]

[Host: It’s fine.]

[TEETS: Understood.]

[TEETS: The second party will contact TEETS 24 hours from now.]

[TEETS: Apologies for the inconvenience.]

Ryan rubbed his face in frustration. Indeed, he had said that, but he only meant to buy one random handbag just to prove to his mother-in-law that he could buy a mere luxury brand and a helicopter.

‘Cancen it.’

[Pardon?]

‘Cancel the company purchase. I don’t want a freaking luxury brand company in my hands right now.’

[Understood.]

[Transaction cancellation on process.]

[Please wait for a few minutes.]

Dreading what he’d see, Ryan watched as the three people on Vernest’s press release stage paused on their announcement. A new person rushed on the stage, whispering something to the three people already there. They all shared a look at each other, and the fourth person left the premise.

Once again, the middle man spoke, ‘Apologies for the wait. It seems that we have a new development regarding the company acquisition.’

Peeep!

[Transaction cancellation success.]

Ryan sighed.

Vernest’s spokesperson continued on the live broadcast. ‘Vernest Limited Company’s acquisition was canceled.’

“What?” Marissa looked at her husband. “Can they do that?”

Robert shrugged, “It’s a hasty decision. I wouldn’t do it if I were them. It wouldn’t be good for the company in the long run. But, super wealthy people, you know? They’re easily bored.”

“Well, as long as they still produce high-quality luxury brands, I don’t really care.” Then, she turned to her son-in-law. “You hear that, scum? Only super-wealthy people got to pull big pranks like that. Unlike you and your helicopter rent.”

“I bought the restaurant too, but you don’t believe me either, Mrs. Crowne.” Ryan easily replied.

“What can I say? You’re a useless scum of a son-in-law who had nothing but the clothes on your back when you came here. How can we believe such a lie like that when we have given you food and a place to stay, you ungrateful trash.”

Ryan got fed up with this bullshit. ‘Buy the Vernest.’

[Please elaborate to minimalize any possible mistake.]

‘Buy me the company, I want all of Vernest to be mine and shut their mouths right here, right now.’

[Understood.]

[Transaction on process.]

[Please wait for a few minutes.]

[…]

[Congratulations!]

[Transaction success.]

[Host is the new owner of Vernest Limited Company.]

On the live broadcast, the spokesperson was once again interrupted. The fourth person came back on stage to deliver the news. Frowns decorated their face, but they quickly smothered them and plastered a smile on the camera.

‘Apologize, everyone.’ The spokesperson said again, ‘It seems we had miscommunication earlier. Vernest Limited Company is once again being sold on an acquisition–‘

“Are they joking?” Marissa shook her head.

‘–new owner of Vernest Limited Company is Mr. Ryan Wilder.’

“What the–“

Ryan enjoyed the sight in front of him.

His father-in-law couldn’t even say a word. On the other hand, his mother-in-law had too much to say that all her words stumbled over each other in her mouth.

“Now, for a small celebration, which handbag do you want again,” Ryan gave them an evil smile, “Mother?”