The Tycoon Son-in-law

Ch 4

"Oh? Is that really so?” Jordan let out a soft laugh, amused. “And here I thought he’d struggle a little more before folding. At least he understands where he belongs.”

His gaze swept over Drex like something stuck to the bottom of his shoe.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, Drex. You were never part of the frame. You were just the background noise Janice endured because she had no better option. All she ever wanted was someone like me, a real man who can actually give her the life she deserves. She was just waiting for the day she could finally step out of your shadow and into mine.”

Janice and her family nodded along eagerly, faces bright with satisfaction.

Drex stood motionless, his eyes fixed on Jordan, but his face betrayed nothing. He didn't flinch, didn't blink. He just stared as though the words bounced right off him.

Jordan sneered. “And my daughter, Anna? She’s far better off without a deadweight father like you, a man who lives off scraps and pride he can’t afford. She needs someone who can provide, not someone counting tips like they’re lifelines. I’ll show her what a real husband and a real father look like.”

Jordan clicked his tongue, clearly irritated that his jab hadn't gotten a reaction.

He took a step closer.

“Just look at you,” he said mockingly. “Barely staying afloat. And then look at me with wealth, success, and now, your wife and kid. No wonder Janice chose me. You're out of your league, pal..."

Then his smile widened. "... just a few more days after the divorce is finalized, and she’ll be calling me Dad. Kids that age are soft clay, ya know. You mold them however you want. I could whisper any story into her ear, paint you as the villain in her fairytale. Imagine her looking at you with hatred instead of love…”

“Are you the one meant to return my money?” Drex finally spoke, his gaze hard as ice.

Jordan froze, clearly thrown off by his words then he turned to Janice with a scowl. “Why is this pathetic excuse of a man asking me for money?”

Janice laughed lightly. “Don’t mind him.” Then she faced Drex. “I’m not sure my ultimatum has painted your dumb skull yet, Drex. I’ll return your money only after you agree to the divorce.”

Drex’s eyes shifted to her. “And do you really think I have the luxury of standing around for your games?” he said slowly. “I’m already racing against a burning clock. You're the one who's dumb because you refused to understand that my dad doesn't have any time to waste.”

Martha’s anger was going through the roof, and she shoved Drex hard. “Stop being an obstacle to my family, Drex. Haven't you done enough damage?!”

“My daughter has been trapped with you for so long,” Tom added coldly. “Dragged down by a man who can’t even stand upright on his own. Now that my father is dead, may he rest in peace, it’s time for us to gain what we’ve lost. And the only way to do that is for you to get the hell outta our lives!”

Drex let out a dry scoff and nodded slowly, as if humoring fools.

“And you think I want to stay?” he said quietly. “Why would I want to be part of a family this rotten?” His eyes turned icy as they landed on Janice. “All I’m asking for is eight hundred thousand right now so I can save my father’s life. After that, we can talk about the divorce.”

Janice lifted a brow and let out a short laugh. “I don’t trust you, Drex. Not for a second. I’m not handing over that kind of money until I see your signature on the divorce papers. That’s the only door left open to you, and no amount of talking or begging will pry it wider.”

Steven glared from behind Drex, his face twisted with disgust.

“Why are we still wasting breath on that thing?” he snarled, grabbing another wine bottle. “He’s nothing but a beggar who learned to count.”

Before Drex could turn, the bottle smashed into the side of his head. Pain exploded through his skull as he groaned and clutched at the warm blood spilling down.

“Steven!” Janice shouted.

Steven kicked Drex hard in the stomach, then shoved him into the wall, the back of his head slamming violently against it.

That blow knocked Drex unconscious.

Janice stared at the scene, shock flashing across her face. “What the hell was that for? You didn’t have to go that far!”

Steven shrugged casually. “He got too arrogant just because he managed to scrape together some cash.”

Jordan nodded, lips curling. “Exactly. Men like him need reminders. Otherwise, they forget where the ground is.”

Tom exchanged a glance with Martha. She shrugged lightly. “Well, on the bright side, we won’t have to worry about a divorce if he’s dead.”

Janice raised a brow at her mother. “So what are we supposed to do with him? He's staining the floor with his blood.”

Steven’s smile turned cruel.

“Leave it to me. I’ll take out the trash and dump him where garbage belongs.”

A new day dawned, sunlight spilling through the curtains and falling across a figure lying on the bed, his head wrapped in thick bandages.

Drex groaned as consciousness returned, pain throbbing fiercely in his skull. He raised a hand to his head before slowly opening his eyes. The moment he took in his surroundings, unease crept in.

This was not his bedroom.

The room was spacious and unfamiliar, far too grand to belong to him.

Just then, the door opened. Drex jolted upright at once as a well-dressed man stepped inside. He appeared to be in his early fifties, composed and dignified.

“Master Drex, I’m relieved to see that you’re awake,” the man said.

Drex frowned, wariness flashing in his eyes. “Who are you?”

The man inclined his head in a respectful bow. “I believe you may have heard my name before. I am Aric Pierce,” he said calmly. “And you are now my master.”