The Underdog Son-in-law

007

 Shockwaves ran through the halls.

Phones continued vibrating.

At first it was isolated—one device lighting up, then another. A murmur rippled through the table as people checked their screens, brows furrowing, expressions shifting from curiosity to confusion.

“What’s this?” someone asked.

Another frowned. “A board notice?”

A man near the end of the table scrolled rapidly, his face tightening. “Aurex Strategic Holdings just issued a restructuring memo.”

The name cut through the room.

Chairs scraped softly as people leaned forward. Even those who had pretended disinterest moments ago now focused sharply, attention pulled toward the sudden development.

“What kind of restructuring?” Lady Halwen demanded.

“Interim authority reassignment,” the man replied slowly. “Management oversight transferred pending review.”

Murmurs broke out immediately.

“That doesn’t happen without cause.”

“Who’s taking control?”

“This is sudden.”

No name appeared. But Caelen knew about it because so did his cell phone. The family wanted him to run the company and make it successful at that.

"How did the trash hole know about it!"

Shocks humped after shocks.

"He's just lucky. Heard the news earlier and decided to brag about it!" Someone added.

"Such a hopeless peacock."

Lyra however was more worried for Edrin's partnership and she quickly leaned in with an anxious look. "Isn't this going to affect your company?" She hinted quickly.

"Definitely not. It would make it even better and besides, I was aware discussions were ongoing but couldn't say anything for Confidentiality. Even heard the new boss is someone young."

"And thus, he would need supporters as he's known to the system, I would easily warm my way into his arms and indirectly control him!"

Someone laughed in relief. “Of course you were.”

Another added quickly, “Then this is good news, isn’t it? If you’re involved, everything’s fine.”

Edrin didn’t deny it.

He allowed the assumption to settle.

“I’ll handle communication with the interim controller,” he continued smoothly. “These transitions require familiarity. They won’t want strangers complicating things.”

The room relaxed around him.

Lyra exhaled again, slower this time.

She turned toward Caelen, her expression tightening as control reasserted itself.

“Don’t misunderstand,” she said quietly. “What happened earlier doesn’t change anything.”

Caelen met her gaze.

“I didn’t say it did.”

She frowned. “Then don’t act like it does.”

Just then, Aldric Halwen pushed himself up from his chair with visible effort.

“I’m tired,” he said. “This has been enough for one night.”

A servant moved quickly to his side.

Before leaving, Aldric paused, looking between Lyra and Caelen with tired eyes. “You two,” he said, voice weak but insistent. “Don’t bring foolishness into this house. Whatever disagreements you have can wait.”

Lyra nodded immediately. “Of course, Grandpa.”

She glanced at Caelen sharply. “We’ll keep things as they are. For now.”

The warning was clear.

Caelen inclined his head slightly. “I’ll think about it.”

Her jaw tightened.

She turned away without another word.

Not long after, Caelen left the estate.

The night air outside was cool, quiet, carrying none of the tension that had filled the dining room. He had taken only a few steps when his phone vibrated again.

It didn’t carry board seals or corporate phrasing meant to be misread.

It was brief.

> Interim authority confirmed.

Side assessment activated.

Item designation: Sovereign Seal ( you're to get it at an auction house holding tomorrow )

Auction access granted.

He frowned deeply, he was like they were puppets for the family now.

He instantly sent a message to the Vice president of the competition who had already sent a message to him earlier to congratulate him and ask if there were any instructions.

"First instruction, cut ties with Edrin and anyone blood related to him!" The message rool pressed by the weight of his authority.

---

The auction house rose from the street like a monument to quiet power.

Lights glowed softly behind tall glass panels, illuminating polished stone and discreet security stationed at every entrance.

 Cars lined the curb, each one more expensive than the last, their arrivals staggered to avoid spectacle while creating it nonetheless.

Caelen entered without hesitation.

Inside, conversation hummed with restrained excitement. Bidders moved in small clusters, voices low, eyes sharp.

He felt it immediately, the shift in the atmosphere.

Heads turn from the Sudden disruption.

A ripple moved through the crowd as a new presence entered behind him.

The doors opened again.

She stepped in calmly, her appearance cutting through the room with effortless authority. There was no need for an announcement. Attention found her naturally, drawn by a combination of composure and distinction that did not ask to be noticed.

Whispers followed, face palling at such a stunning beauty. Most people only heard about her in public and had nor seen her before. The third most beautiful lady in the world, Seraphine.

People shifted their suits, hoping she would walk to them.  

Her gaze swept the space once before settling briefly on Caelen.

She didn’t smile until she got to him 

She simply moved to stand beside him, as though the decision had already been made.

Across the hall, Lyra froze.

Her fingers tightened around her clutch as she stared, disbelief flickering into anger, then something sharper. Edrin followed her gaze, his expression darkening as he took in the scene, eyes narrowing for just a moment too long.

He recognized her almost instantly.​