Chapter 4

The gates of the Ben family mansion swung open as soon as the sleek black BMWs arrived at the grand estate.

I sat quietly in the back seat, looking out the tinted window with an empty expression.

A number of employees at the entrance, bowed in respect just as I stepped outside. They greeted me warmly, and their voices were filled with honor.

"Welcome back, Young Master!" 

"It has been so long, Young Master Johnson!"

Even though I their greeting was warm, I still felt something, like a burden on my chest. Although I was born and raised here, I still had the feeling of a stranger coming home from war.

Something in me had changed as a result of the torture and humiliation I had experienced. I became more tough.

Our butler, Mr. Raymond, an old man who had served the family for decades, bowed deeply as he came closer. "Your parents are inside waiting for you, Young Master. But first, you should refresh and rest."

I nodded, despite the fact that my thoughts were not specific.

I was shown a bedroom that was much more opulent than the small hospital room where I had experienced my worst humiliation. There was a clear difference.

A team of maids took care of me, cleaning my bruises, and helping me get dressed in an elegant black silk robe. With some respect on their faces, they moved with skill.

I rested back in the comfortable chair and looked up at the golden chandelier. Even when I had seen the ceiling's large design so many times as a child, it still felt strange.

I had left this place, hopeful and was in love. But the woman I had once thought would stay by my side had divorced me with thinking twice, and I had came back broken.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I said, my voice was calm despite the frustration inside me.

My parents came in.

Mr. Ben and Mrs. Clarissa Ben are strong individuals who command respect.

Despite being in his fifties, my father maintained the image of a successful businessman. My mother, who was beautiful and graceful, gave me a worried look.

"Johnson," my father said first, in a deep, commanding voice. "Why did you return alone? Where is the lady you said you loved so much?"

My mom sighed and shook her head in pity. "We were told you were in the hospital. Why, what exactly happened?"

I took a deep breath before I spoke about Isabella's humiliation of me, Haven's mockery of me, and how my so-called mother-in-law, Mrs. June, had made Isabella hateful of me.

I told them about the number of false charges, how Isabella had hit me when I was at my weakest, and how she had thrown the divorce papers at me as if I were a piece of trash.

As I continued to speak, my father's expression was clearly showing anger. When my mother reached for my hand, tears was already rolling down from her eyes.

Her voice trembled with pain and rage as she whispered, "How dare they treat you like this?"

My father had hardened and folded his hands. "Enough already. I will get things set up right away. You will become the new president of both businesses, and we will—"

"No."

My voice was composed but firm.

My father was taken aback by my response. "No?"

"I do not want to be President. Not just yet," I replied. My eyes were focused. "I would like you to introduce me as General Manager 2."

My mother exclaimed in surprise. "Why? You are worth more than that!"

My father gave me a frown. "Are you telling me you want to work under Haven? The same guy who made fun of you?"

My head nodded. "Yes. Allow him to have his moment of glory. I will be working for him and learning everything from the inside. Let him and Isabella keep believing that I am nothing. For now."

My mother and father exchanged concerned glances. "But, son...why?"

I lowered my eyes. "Because I want to make them feel my wrath bit by bit."

The room fell into a thick silence.

My father exhaled slowly and gave me a long, assessing look. He nodded at last. "Alright. If you want this, I will not stop you."

My mother was hesitant, but she nodded and sighed when she saw it in my eyes that it was my decision.

"Just one more thing," I said.

My dad's eyebrows shot up. "What is this?"

"Can I manage all of the Ben family's properties by myself? I do not want anybody else to touch them."

My mother looked perplexed and blinked. "But why—?"

"It is my decision," I said calmly but firmly. "You just have to trust me."

My father examined me for a moment before saying, "Fine. You are free to do whatever you want with the properties."

I reclined in my chair, satisfied. My mind was sharper than ever, but my body was still hurting.

After that, my dad took a tiny black card out of his pocket. He extended it toward me.

"Take it," he said. "Use it for anything you require."

I slid my thumb over the smooth card's surface. A black card—unrestricted access to riches, influence, and power.

I wrapped it in my fingers. "Thanks, Father."

He let out a smirk. "You do not need to thank me. Just make sure you use it properly."

A small, knowing smile appeared on my lips. "Oh, yes, I will."

My mother gently placed her hand on my shoulder. "Johnson, you are our son. We will always be there to support you."

For the first time in a long time, I felt warm—not the hypocritical, but cold warmth of those who wanted me to do something, and the true love of a family that had always been there, waiting for me to come back.

However, I was not at home merely to recover.

I came to rise.

After my parents left the room, I sat quietly and looked out the large windows at the city lights. My heart was no longer filled with grief.

Isabella and Haven believed they had crushed me.

They thought I was powerless and a poor cripple.

But they had no idea who I truly was.