Chapter 13 Enigmatic Identity!

• The young man raised his hand, but it wasn't to answer a question or offer a passive gesture. He raised it with clear intent—to strike Sheldon.
• To everyone's shock, Sheldon neither dodged nor flinched. Instead, he lowered his head in a gesture of acceptance, ready to take whatever might come his way. It was a startling display of submission, as if he were prepared to endure the blow without resistance.
• The suppliers in the room were wide-eyed, their disbelief palpable. Who was this young man, the husband of Emelia, to command such deference from Sheldon? What kind of power or authority did he wield to warrant such respect and fear?
• The employees of Parker Group inhaled sharply in disbelief. Who was Chester? Initially, they had speculated that he might know Sheldon, perhaps a friend or someone connected to an executive at Callister Group. But this scene painted a different picture, one that suggested a far more intimidating reality. Could Chester's true identity be even more formidable than they had imagined?
• Despite the raised hand, Chester hesitated. He did not strike Sheldon as he was not only an elder but also a respected figure within the family. Striking him in front of so many witnesses felt inappropriate, a breach of decorum that even his anger couldn't justify.
• Suppressing the fury within him, he turned to Sheldon, his voice calm but firm. "Sheldon, did you change my decisions on your own accord?"
• Sheldon's voice trembled, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Yes..." he admitted, the single word carrying the weight of regret and resignation.
• Earlier, when Chester summoned him to Parker Group, Sheldon had sensed that something was amiss. Thus, he had already braced himself for whatever consequences might arise from his actions.
• When Chester's slap came, Sheldon didn't dodge it. He couldn't, really; he didn't have the courage to even try. But to his surprise, Chester, known for his kind heart, held back a little.
• "Why?!" he roared, his voice echoing with frustration and anger.
• "Sir," Sheldon began, his voice barely above a whisper, yet steady, "for the past two years, I've watched you live with the Parker Family as a son-in-law. During this last year, I've witnessed the endless humiliation you've endured. I've seen it all, and it has pained me deeply." His eyes were filled with sincerity as he spoke. "When you were cast out of the Parker Family, instead of harboring bitterness, you allowed Callister Group to continue working with them. I was furious for you. I wanted to make them understand the error of their ways, to teach them a lesson they wouldn't forget."
• Those gathered around listened in disbelief. Sheldon, known for his stoic demeanor and being a steel-hearted leader, was actually crying in front of this young man!
• "Sheldon, you also understand the family's rules," Chester said, his voice icy and firm.
• "Yes, I understand," Sheldon replied, his shoulders slumping with acceptance. "I'll submit my resignation immediately, make preparations to leave, and wait for someone from the family to come and take over my duties." His head was bowed, and the weight of his decision was evident in his posture.
• What!
• Sherry's mouth dropped open in astonishment. With just a few words, Chester had managed to prompt Sheldon's resignation. It was inconceivable! After all, he was the president of Callister Group!
• "Sheldon, there's no need for that," Chester interjected, his voice softening slightly. "What happened stays between us. However, the collaboration between Callister Group and Parker Group must continue. Moreover, I want you to ensure that Parker Group remains safe and secure in Kinlande. Can you handle that?" His gaze was unwavering as he spoke, his authority undeniable.
• "I can," Sheldon responded, pausing for a moment before nodding with determination.
• He was taken aback by Chester's willingness to let bygones be bygones.
• "Go now," Chester said, waving his hand to dismiss Sheldon.
• As Sheldon turned to leave, he glared at the suppliers who had come to demand money. "What are you all standing around for? Are you here to get money from me?" he demanded, his eyes fixed on them.
• The group of suppliers had just witnessed an unusual scene: Sheldon, who was normally so authoritative and intimidating, had shown a rare moment of vulnerability. Now, as they shuffled out of the room, they kept their heads down and didn't dare to speak. None of them even thought about asking for the money they were owed. They all knew that as long as he was in charge, a single word from him could destroy their businesses in Kinlande.
• Meanwhile, their minds were swirling with questions about the young man they had seen earlier—Emelia's husband. Who exactly was he?
• "I'm sorry, Chester... Mr. Newman… I apologize for earlier... it was a misunderstanding," Katherine stammered nervously to Chester. Her voice trembled with fear and embarrassment.
• Everyone else in the company, whether it was Katherine, Sherry, or any other senior executives, was extremely shocked and their emotions were a mixture of awe and confusion.
• Chester remained standing while no one else dared to sit. They all stood there with their heads bowed. This was a man who could make Sheldon obey him and could prompt him to resign with just one word. His identity was beyond their comprehension.
• What surprised them even more was the realization that such a powerful man had become Emelia's husband, living as a live-in son-in-law for the past two years. During that time, he had endured humiliation and dedicated himself to caring for her without complaint. His devotion to her must be genuine.
• Their gazes toward Chester were no longer just filled with fear; they were also filled with admiration and respect.
• "You all know what happened, right?" he began, his voice calm and composed as he addressed the employees of Parker Group. "Even though I wasn't aware of these issues, it all started because of me. I failed to manage things properly, and I apologize."
• "Mr. Newman, please don't say that… We were in the wrong. We misunderstood you," they hurriedly replied, astonished that he would apologize to them.
• "Yes, Mr. Newman, we're sorry..." The room was filled with their sincere apologies.
• Watching the scene unfold, he allowed himself a small smile. He understood that now that his true identity had been revealed, people would treat him with the deference and respect that came with his status.
• As the only young member of his family who had undergone such rigorous training, he sometimes truly appreciated the simplicity and authenticity of ordinary life.
• Once people knew the truth about someone, they could never look at him the same way again.
• For this reason, he decided it was best not to dwell on the past.
• "It's okay. It's all in the past now. Everything's been settled," he began, his voice calm and composed. "I'm leaving tomorrow. You all are the top executives at Parker Group, and friends of Emelia as well. In the future, I'll have to rely on you to take care of her," he said with a smile.
• "Don't worry, Mr. Newman," someone said quickly.
• "We'll definitely take good care of Emelia," added another.
• The group murmured their agreement, though there seemed to be a certain emotion clouding their eyes.
• Sherry, however, refused to echo the promises of the others. Instead, she fixed her gaze on him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of hesitation. "Mr. Newman, are you really leaving Kinlande?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
• "Yes, I am leaving. I came here for Emelia, and now that we're divorced, it seems this chapter has ended. It's time for me to leave this painful place," he sighed, the words heavy with resignation.
• A collective sigh of regret rippled through the room.
• They had all witnessed the humiliations he had endured during his time in Kinlande. Some had even contributed to those indignities, knowingly or unknowingly, through snide remarks and dismissive attitudes. He had uprooted his life for Emelia, and now that their relationship had ended, what reason did he have to stay?
• Sherry pressed a hand to her mouth, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. If only Emelia doesn't divorce Chester, how different things might be…
• Under Chester's leadership, the company was bound to thrive, and many believed it could eventually rival the might of the Callister Group.
• But now… Forget it. There's no point in dwelling on "what if." Two years—two long, arduous years—have passed. That's more than enough time to wear down someone's patience and hopes completely, she mused.