Chapter 6: David Preston’s Return

The door to the Miller family estate creaked open, revealing a well-known figure who came in with an air of confidence that soon caught everyone's attention. Clark, who was strolling back and forth in the living room, paused when he heard the thundering footsteps.

"Clark, meet David Preston," Harold Miller began with a smile that barely masked the strain in his eyes. "An old friend of the family."

Clark turned, his instincts immediately on high alert. David Preston. The name stuck in his head like a foul taste. Mary's ex-boyfriend. The man who had left from her life long ago, suddenly showing up unexpectedly, at the most horrible conceivable time.

David Preston was everything Clark wasn't. Charismatic, successful, and dangerous. A person who can captivate and influence others. He wore a grin that could sell ice to an Eskimo.

"Clark, it's been some time," David said, his tone silky, laced with just the perfect degree of affection. He extended his hand. "I've heard so much about you."

Clark hesitated but shook his hand. "Likewise."

Mary, who had been quietly watching from the corner, stirred restlessly. She had not anticipated David's unannounced visit, and the atmosphere in the room was clearly tense.

"What brings you back to the here?" Clark asked, keeping his tone calm.

David grinned. "Business, of course. I've been working on some new activities, and I thought I'd pay my old associates a visit."

Fred Miller, who had been reclining against the wall, joined in, "David's been doing very well for himself, Clark. You should take notes."

Clark's eyes narrowed. He realized something was wrong, but he was unable to identify what it was. "It's great to see you again, David," he said, attempting to keep a low tone. "However, I'm uncertain about what you truly want."

David's smile didn't falter. "Straight to the point, huh? I ."

He switched his focus to Mary, who was still patiently watching. "Mary, you appear just as stunning as always." "I've missed you," he continued, his tone pouring with sincerity—or so it appeared.

Mary stepped clumsily, avoiding eye contact. "David, I—"

David cut her off, his eyes never leaving hers. "I've been thinking about us. About what we had. "I've make a few mistakes, but I want to put things right." 

Clark felt a knot building in his stomach. He could see the influence David had on Mary. It was slight, but it was there. The old attraction. He wasn't going to let it slip.

"Mary," David said, his voice quiet, "we were wonderful together. You know that."

Clark went forward, interrupting. "David, this isn't a good time for this."

David turned to him, his eyes cold. "I wasn't talking to you, Clark."

Clark gritted his teeth but held his ground. "Mary's married. I think it's time you go."

David smirked, unfazed by Clark's words. "You're still playing the dutiful husband, huh? How's it working out for you?"

The jab hit its mark, but Clark refused to let it show. "What do you want?"

David leaned back, his smile expanding. "Actually, I've got an offer for you. A business opportunity I think you'll find it interesting."

Clark's doubts grew. "Go on."

"I've been expanding my portfolio," David remarked, "and I think we could do fantastic things together. I've been watching you, Clark. You've got potential. With my resources and your... devotion, we could make great impact."

Clark's mind was racing. This wasn't just about business. David was hoping to get under his skin, to entice him into anything. "What's the catch?" Clark asked, his voice low and unsure.

David's smile didn't waver. "There's no catch. I'm recommending you a partnership, Clark. You need help. I can give it to you. You've been down on your luck, but with my connections, we could turn things around. I can help you reclaim your life back, your role in the family, everything."

Clark's eyes turned to Mary, who was now standing at the window, apparently conflicted. He could sense the temptation in her face. But was it worth the price?

"Let me guess," Clark said, his voice strained. "This 'opportunity' comes with strings attached, doesn't it?"

David's grin faded, but only for a second. "No strings. Just a mutually advantageous arrangement."

Clark could detect the underlying menace in David's remarks, a risky promise veiled as a commercial deal. His instincts screaming that this was a trap. David had always been a manipulator, and he didn't trust him for a second.

"I'm not interested," Clark replied firmly, his gaze meeting with David's. "I don't need your help."

David's attitude transformed, the charm leaving as soon as it had appeared. "You'll regret this, Clark," he warned, his voice stern. "I'm offering you a chance. Don't be foolish."

Clark stood his ground "I am not the one who is being foolish." I know exactly who you are, David. "And I'm not interested in what you're offering."

David's eyes darkened. "You're making a mistake. But don't worry. You'll come around."

With that, David turned and proceeded toward the door, his feet purposeful, as though the conversation had already been determined in his thoughts. He paused before leaving, glancing back at Clark. "You'll see, Clark. "Such chances are rare."

Clark's face wrinkled, but he stayed mute. The door clicked shut behind David, and silence descended upon the room.

Mary slowly turned, analyzing Clark's looks. "I had no idea he would arrive in that way."

Clark took a deep breath, his thoughts still racing. "It doesn't matter. I don't trust him."

"You think he's trying to manipulate me?" Mary questioned, her voice low, afraid.

"I think he's trying to manipulate everyone," Clark commented, his eyes set on the door David had exited via. "And I'm not falling for it."

But when the door closed behind David, Clark couldn't shake the idea that this was just the beginning. That David Preston was playing a much greater game—and Clark was there in the heart of it.

And as much as Clark wanted to admit it, he knew he had just made an enemy.