Two men in black suits and dark sunglasses walked straight toward Jackson and bowed respectfully before the young man in shabby clothes.

Instantly, Jackson glanced left, right, and behind him-checking if anyone else was watching what was happening.

"What are you doing here?!"

Jackson knew these men must have been sent by his father. He knew for certain that his father would never stop looking for him.

"We bring a letter from the Master for you, Young President," one of the men said as he extended an envelope toward Jackson, still bowing respectfully.

Jackson quickly turned away and walked past them. But before he could go far, one of the men slipped the letter into his pocket. In the blink of an eye, both of them rushed back into the luxury car, and the vehicle sped away.

"Damn it! I told you I don't want to see this letter!"

Jackson shouted in frustration, throwing a punch into the air to release his anger at their audacity for leaving the envelope in his pocket so boldly.

After returning from his father-in-law's oil palm plantation, Jackson went to help Jennyfer gather the laundry at the back of the house, just as he did every day.

Usually, his wife would be coming home from campus around this time. Even though her studies were finished, Brielle had still been going there daily to take care of administrative matters related to her degree.

Jackson hurried through his chores so he could finish early and clean himself up after a long, sweaty day of work. But since there was too much to do, he hadn't managed to wash up yet. So, when he saw his wife walk through the door, he immediately went to greet her.

"Darling, you're home. Let me carry your bag for you."

"You haven't showered yet?! Ugh, you reek of sweat. Don't touch it, I don't want my bag smelling like you. Go wash up first," Brielle said, unwilling to get too close to her husband.

"Alright. You should wash up too, Darling, so you won't feel so tired. After that, I'll make a special dinner just for you."

"Hmm."

"Or... why don't we take a shower together, Darling?" Jackson whispered with a grin, gazing at his beautiful wife, whose face was always polished with makeup, making her look even more dazzling.

"Jackson! What did you just say?!"

A shrill voice suddenly cut through the air. Jackson flinched as Madam Ester, who had been standing nearby, grabbed his ear and twisted it painfully.

"Uh?! I-It's not what you think, Ma'am, I-I was just-" Jackson stammered, his words cut off by the searing pain shooting through his ear.

"Go to your room at the back! Now!"

"Y-Yes, Ma'am."

Like a scolded child caught stealing, Jackson could only obey, enduring the humiliation as always. Madam Ester had never allowed him to be close to Brielle-even though Brielle was his lawful wife.

"Hahaaa!"

A mocking laugh rang out from the front of the house.

Jackson froze when he saw the same man who had humiliated him yesterday-Jacob-standing there, smirking.

"Jacob? You didn't go home yet?" Brielle asked in mild surprise.

"I couldn't leave without greeting my future mother-in-law, Darling. Hehee. How are you, Auntie?"

Jacob strode confidently toward Madam Ester and extended his hand.

"Oh, so you're the one who brought Brielle home. I've been wanting to meet you, Jacob. Ckckck... rich and handsome. Today you look especially striking," Madam Ester praised, already enamored with the idea of having a wealthy son-in-law like Jacob.

Jackson's chest burned hot as he listened, his heart pounding heavily.

"You flatter me, Auntie. Hehee."

Jacob, dressed in the latest stylish fashion, ran his hand through his slicked-back hair, exuding charm for everyone in the room. Jackson silently clenched his jaw.

"Come, come inside. Brielle, take our special guest to the living room."

"Yes, Mother. Jacob, this way."

"Hey! What are you still standing here for?!" Madam Ester snapped at Jackson, furious to see him lingering.

"Uh? O-of course, Ma'am," Jackson muttered nervously, turning away, though his chest burned even hotter.

"Wait! Make a drink for our guest!"

Jackson turned back, stunned, pointing at himself. "M-Me, Ma'am?"

"Yes, you! Who else? Make Jacob a hot coffee with milk. And don't take too long!"

"... Y-Yes, Ma'am."

"Does that man even know how to make a drink for me, Auntie?" Jacob asked loudly, his face full of disdain.

"Of course, he does. He's the house servant, after all."

"Oh, having a male servant isn't bad at all, Auntie," Jacob said mockingly.

Helpless, Jackson did as he was told. His chest was shaking with anger, but as always, he stayed silent. Madam Ester and her family treated him however they pleased.

The truth was, Brielle had only married him because her grandfather, Jakara, had insisted. He had plucked Jackson, a poor street orphan, and demanded that Brielle marry him.

After hearing Jakara's condition, Brielle's parents had no choice but to agree-for if they complied, they would inherit ten percent of the old man's wealth.

And so it happened. Jackson had been married to Brielle for nearly two years, but the two of them had never shared the same room. The excuse was always the same: Brielle needed to focus on her studies and couldn't risk getting pregnant.

It was an utterly absurd reason. But what could Jackson do? With no wealth, no career, and no background beyond the streets, he had nothing to his name except his looks.

Yes, even in worn-out clothes, his handsome face was undeniable. Yet that was the only thing he could claim as his own.

He obeyed. Always. And he wasn't allowed to complain.

Sometimes, Madam Ester even punished him by refusing him dinner-just because he hadn't finished cleaning the countless glass doors in the mansion, having been too busy working on the plantation.

But in truth, that wasn't the real reason.

The real secret... was something only Madam Ester and her eldest daughter, Brielle, knew.

-

"Jackson! Jackson!!"

Just as Jackson finished cleaning himself, suddenly his name was shouted out loudly once again. Without a second thought, Jackson jogged toward the dining room, since that was where his mother-in-law's voice had come from.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"What on earth were you doing?! Why does it take you so long to bathe? Hurry up and help Jenny bring the rice and set the dinner table!"

Jackson was a little startled to see that not only Jacob was there, but also the dining room was now crowded with relatives from his mother-in-law's side: the Samuel family and the Firdaus family.

"Oh, yes Ma'am."

There were also three young women present. They were Brielle's and Jennyfer's cousins. Samuel, who was Madam Ester's older brother, was a widower with two daughters, and tonight he had brought them along-Dinda and Kanya. Meanwhile, Firdaus, Madam Ester's younger brother, had come with his wife Fitri and their only daughter, Fernita.

"Jacob, you don't have a girlfriend yet, do you? How about becoming my son-in-law?" Fitri, the wife of Firdaus, asked with a smile, glancing at Jacob who was now seated between Madam Ester and Brielle.

"Well, not yet, hehee. Sure, why not, Auntie. But you see, Jacob isn't arrogant or anything, but whoever wants to be with me has to be patient. I mean, besides being this handsome, Jacob is also well-off. So yeah, naturally, there are plenty of women lining up."

Jacob spoke casually, though his eyes occasionally flickered toward Jackson, who at that moment was busy helping Jennyfer place plates of rice on the table. His words were clearly meant as a jab at Jackson, who was never admired, praised, or even wanted by anyone.

"You're absolutely right, Jacob. I'm standing in that line too," Madam Ester said with a laugh.

"Hahaa! You want to give a dream son-in-law like Jacob to Jenny?! That naïve youngest daughter of yours?" Fitri asked her sister-in-law in a serious tone.

"Not naïve, Ma'am, but stupid," Fernita, Firdaus and Fitri's daughter, cut in mockingly.

"Hahaaa!"

The room erupted with laughter. Everyone laughed heartily except for Jackson and Jennyfer.

"Yes, that wouldn't be a match at all. Better let Jacob be my son-in-law. He can choose between Dinda or Kanya, whichever he prefers. Both of Uncle Sam's daughters are young, educated, and highly accomplished. There's no doubt about their quality."

Jacob smiled proudly, brimming with arrogance as everyone competed to praise him and even fight over the chance to have him as a son-in-law. It was a moment that made him feel utterly superior.

"Oh please, don't fight over him. Of course I wouldn't give my stupid daughter away. Naturally, I'll match Jacob with my most precious, educated daughter. You're all misunderstanding," Fitri declared.

"Exactly. I think you should throw away this useless son-in-law of yours. He's completely worthless!" Samuel added, casting a sharp, disdainful look at Jackson.

"Sure, he's got a decent face. But look at him-even after a bath, his beggar's face still shows. Haizzz!" Fitri sneered again.

"You're not deaf, are you?! Didn't you hear what they said? If you're done helping, get out of this dining room! Don't ruin our appetite!" Madam Ester barked at Jackson, who could hardly believe that even when he had done nothing wrong, he was still scolded and insulted like that. After all, he had only come because she had called for him.

"Mother, Aunt, Uncle-please don't say that. No matter what, Brother-in-law is Sister Brielle's husband. He is your son-in-law," Jennyfer finally spoke up, unable to hold it in any longer. All this time, she herself had been scorned and marginalized, and she had endured it silently. But Jackson? He was just an outsider, their son-in-law, and Jennyfer couldn't bear to see him constantly humiliated like that-especially by his own wife's family.

"You stupid child! How dare you?!"

Madam Ester exploded in anger upon hearing her youngest daughter's defense of Jackson. The middle-aged woman rose from her chair, glaring furiously at Jennyfer.

"Your youngest daughter isn't just stupid, Ester-she's got too much guts as well. You should've married her off to that worthless son-in-law of yours instead of Brielle. That way, the two fools could live like beggars together. Isn't that a perfect match?!" Fitri chimed in, fanning the flames.

"Hahaaa! Now that's more like it. I totally agree with Aunt Ester," Jacob added smugly, backing Fitri's words with a mocking grin.

Jackson froze when he saw Brielle remain silent, even smiling, as Jacob wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Jackson's fists itched to smash Jacob's smug face for his arrogance and audacity. But his reason still held him back. How could he lash out at that scoundrel when his own wife accepted it so passively, even smiling?

"You insolent child!"

Fueled by provocation, Madam Ester strode furiously toward Jennyfer, who was now standing right in front of Jackson.

Her hand shot up, swinging hard-but in a flash, Jackson caught her palm before it could land on Jennyfer's delicate cheek.

"Please don't hit Jenny, Ma'am. It's my fault. I'll leave right now."

Bracing himself, Jackson held her hand firmly as he spoke. All this time, he had endured everything in silence, fearing that if he ever lost control, his anger would spill over. His chest was already heaving with fury, but still he forced himself to stay calm.

The entire room fell silent at the sight of Jackson daring to stop Madam Ester's hand-his own mother-in-law's hand.

Seeing an opportunity to shine, Jacob leapt up and stormed over toward where Madam Ester, Jackson, and Jennyfer were standing.

"You filthy beggar! How dare you?!"

Smack!

Madam Ester slapped Jackson across the face with her free hand. Jackson didn't resist. He was used to his mother-in-law's blows, and he didn't mind them-as long as Jennyfer didn't suffer because of him.

Thud! Thump!

Suddenly, Jacob threw a punch at Jackson's face and followed with a blow to his stomach. Caught off guard, Jackson staggered and fell hard to the floor.

"You worthless beggar! How dare you defy Aunt Ester?!" Jacob shouted, playing the hero while pretending to defend Madam Ester's honor.

"Brother Jacob?! Why did you hit my brother-in-law?!" Jennyfer cried out in shock, running to Jackson's side and crouching down beside him. Her heart seethed with rage-this wasn't the first time she had seen Jacob deliberately abuse her brother-in-law.

Jackson looked briefly at Brielle, then smiled. He tried to endure-not the sting of the slap or the pain of Jacob's punches. No, the real pain came from seeing the woman he loved treat him as if he didn't exist.

"It's okay, Jenny. Brother-in-law is fine," Jackson whispered with a faint smile before forcing himself to his feet and walking away, leaving behind the wealthy family that had always trampled on his dignity.

-

Night fell deeper. By now, Jackson had finally eaten dinner. It was only because Jennyfer insisted, after all the guests had left, that he had sat down to eat-even though earlier he had already been lying down in his room.

After dinner, Jackson helped Jennyfer clean up the kitchen before returning to his room, where he lay back down on his bed. His thoughts, however, were restless. He kept dwelling on the money that his sister-in-law had paid Jacob on his behalf. Somehow, he was sure that his wife had given Jacob's account number to Jennyfer.

In his hand, Jackson now held the letter that had been delivered earlier by his father's men. Inside wasn't just a handwritten letter from his father, but also several cards and important documents.

The words of the men echoed in his head: "Mr. President..."

Questions swirled endlessly in Jackson's mind. Why had his father entrusted him with so many cards and important documents? Especially after their falling out, when Jackson had stormed off in anger because his father planned to remarry-barely months after his mother's death. That betrayal had left Jackson furious and heartbroken.

As his thoughts drifted, Jackson suddenly heard a commotion nearby. It was coming from the room next door. He stepped out of his room and found himself standing in front of the door right beside his own.

"You think you're rich, huh?! How dare you pay off that worthless beggar's debt-the debt that he should've repaid himself!"

Silence. It was clear now-Madam Ester had just discovered the truth. And no doubt, it was Brielle, her beloved daughter, who had told her everything.

It was certain that Jennyfer only kept silent, not daring to answer at all. Yes, that had always been her habit.

"Useless child! Where did you get that much money, huh?! From where?! Did you steal Mother's money?!"

"No, Mother. That money was given to Jenny by Grandpa long ago. There's no way Jenny would steal from you."

This time, Jenny gathered her courage to answer the accusation made by her mother, Madam Ester.

"When did Grandpa give you that much money, huh?! He's been dead for almost two years! How could that money still exist?!"

"It's still here, Mother. Jenny never used it."

"How dare you talk back! Worthless child! Liar!"

Slap!

"Ahh! That hurts, Mother. Please don't do this. Jenny isn't lying to you."

Jennyfer's muffled sobs could now be heard, making Jackson's heartbeat pound faster in his chest.

"You'd better not be lying!"

Jackson froze, hearing his sister-in-law crying after being scolded and treated so harshly by her own mother-all because she had tried to help him.

Quickly, Jackson walked back into his room and quietly closed the door behind him.

Now, Jackson sat still, staring blankly as he turned several cards over and over in his broad palm.

Morning came. As usual, Jackson had finished all his chores at dawn, and now he was about to have breakfast before leaving for his father-in-law's palm oil plantation. But just as he began to eat, his mother-in-law stormed in and suddenly kicked the plate he was holding while sitting on the kitchen floor.

Crash!

It wasn't the sound that shocked Jackson, but the fact that his mother-in-law had suddenly treated him that way. Hadn't he finished all his chores this morning?!

"Useless beggar son-in-law! You worthless trash! Earn money and replace Jenny's money first before you dare to eat! How dare you spend my money! Do you know?! The money Jenny used was mine!"

Jackson stiffened, his mind instantly recalling the conversation he had overheard last night. Jenny had clearly said that it was her own money. Why was his mother-in-law twisting the facts now?

"Mother, enough. Don't be like this. Jenny will give you all of Jenny's money. Here, take Jenny's ATM card and passbook. Jenny doesn't have anything left."

Jenny rushed over, handing her mother the ATM card and passbook that her grandfather had given her when she was a child.

"Good! At least you know your place. All this money rightfully belongs to me. I've fed you since you were little, and now you dare to talk back? Move aside!"

Not only Jackson, but now Jennyfer too was berated by her own mother-and this was still early in the morning.

After taking what she wanted, Madam Ester left without looking back.

Jackson was stunned at what his sister-in-law had just done. Jennyfer then picked up some tissues to help Jackson after he gathered back his food. Luckily, the plate was plastic, so it hadn't broken.

"Forgive Mother, Brother-in-law. There's still another plate of breakfast on the table. Please eat that one."

Jackson's chest tightened again at her words. He wondered what kind of heart his sister-in-law had. How could such a fragile girl act so calmly after experiencing so many cruel things that should never have happened to her?

"No need, Jenny. That's for you. I'll eat outside later. I'll be going now."

With that, Jackson went into his room, then soon after walked out to take his tools for the plantation.

Just as he stepped out of the mansion, Jacob appeared with several of his neatly dressed friends in suits.

"Hey, worthless beggar! Where are you going?! Off to slave away at the plantation? Tsk tsk tsk... how pathetic your life is."

"Haha! Why not just be a toilet cleaner in my house instead? I'll pay you fifty bucks a month!"

Suddenly, one of Jacob's friends chimed in, raising an eyebrow smugly.

"Hahaa! That's a good idea, Hendrik! He could work mornings at your place, afternoons at Dirman's, and evenings at Santoso's. Just like those daily-wage washerwomen. Not bad, right? Fifty bucks per house per month. Save up enough and maybe you could buy yourself a little motorcycle, so you wouldn't have to wear out your feet walking everywhere. Don't they hurt?!"

"Hahahahaaa!"

Hearing the mockery from Jacob and his friends, Jackson simply walked past them without a single word.

His chest had been pounding since earlier, and now, after all the insults, his heart felt like it was racing uncontrollably. Jackson's teeth clenched tightly, his jaw trembling as he tried to suppress the pain and fury. His breathing grew heavier, holding back the anger boiling inside him.

No! This is enough!

Jackson strode into the parking lot of the biggest bank in town and made his way to the entrance.

The security guard, busy with his phone, didn't notice him, so Jackson went straight inside.

"Hey! Stop right there!"

A shout came from the Customer Service desk, and a man quickly blocked Jackson's path as he moved toward the tellers.

"We don't accept charity collections here! Get out!"

Jackson frowned, glaring sharply at the man who was trying to drive him out. But then he took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

"I want to withdraw money," Jackson said firmly, glancing at the man's nametag. Johardi, S.E.

"Withdraw money?!" Johardi sneered.

Just then, the security guard rushed in after hearing the commotion.

"Yes, sir!" the guard said, saluting Johardi.

"Throw this beggar out!"

Thud!

Jackson stiffened again at Johardi's words. He had clearly said he wanted to withdraw money. A cold smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.

"So this is how you treat customers?!"

"Of course, we respect our customers. But not a beggar like you! Security! Drag this man out right now!"

The guard immediately grabbed Jackson by both arms and shoved him roughly.

"You dare mess with me?!" Jackson barked firmly.

"Oh, heavens, this beggar! Sir, if your house doesn't have a mirror, let me lend you one so you can take a good look at yourself!"

Just then, a woman dressed in a black blazer and white long-sleeved shirt walked over, pulling out a small mirror from her pocket as she lectured him.

"Your face may be a little handsome. But look at this," said the woman in the black blazer again, holding up the mirror toward his worn-out shirt and shabby work pants-showing just how pitiful Jackson looked.

Jackson, feeling his time had already been wasted and humiliated enough by these lowly people, immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Yes, Mr. President Director."

A voice answered from the other side.

"Wijaya Kusuma. Get down here right now!"

"Yes, Mr. President Director."

Wijaya Kusuma was the branch manager of this very bank, appointed by the Central Bank and tasked with overseeing this branch under his responsibility.

Hearing the manager's name mentioned so casually, and being ordered around so easily, the three people surrounding Jackson frowned in confusion. Before they could even finish processing what was happening, Wijaya Kusuma came jogging over to Jackson.

"Ready, Mr. Pres-" his words faltered.

"Silence! Do you know what they've done to me?!"

Wijaya Kusuma froze, his eyes darting toward the three staff members encircling Jackson.

Glukk!

He nearly died on the spot when he saw the furious face of Jackson-the only son of the owner of World Bank, which had hundreds of branches across the globe.

"I am a customer here. No matter how I dress or how I look, I am still a customer. Do I deserve to be treated like this?!"

Jackson's voice remained calm as he pulled out the black card he had been holding earlier.

Death!

That was the only word flashing in the minds of the three who had mocked, belittled, and even tried to throw Jackson out with such degrading words.

They had never seen a customer carry a Jackson Card with that special engraving, the glint catching all three pairs of eyes at once. That black card was said to belong only to a handful of people across all branches of the World Bank owned by Emerald Raksa Hethawey-or perhaps only to the Raksa Hethawey conglomerate family themselves. Who knew? Small employees like them certainly didn't.

Without warning, the three who had mistreated Jackson instantly lowered their heads and dropped to their knees before him.

But what did Jackson do?

He simply walked away into a room-as though he knew exactly what it was and where it was located in every bank owned by his family.

Wijaya Kusuma's eyes bulged at the sight of the three kneeling employees. Bewildered, he quickly signaled with his fingers before hurrying after Jackson, followed by the troublemakers as well.

The room immediately grew heavy with dread. The man who had appeared like a beggar moments ago now looked terrifying to those three. Jackson's face, now brimming with barely contained fury, made even Wijaya Kusuma's heartbeat stumble in fear.

"Wijaya Kusuma. Explain to me why they still deserve to remain employees here!"

Rrzzzz!

It was as if a high-voltage current had struck the three wrongdoers. Their legs trembled violently before they collapsed into full prostration before Jackson, who stood with his arms crossed.

"M-Mr... they..." Wijaya Kusuma stammered, unable to defend them, terrified by the rage of the Sultan's heir.

"Honored Sir. Forgive me, I was wrong. Please don't fire me, Sir. Have mercy. I swear I'll change my behavior toward anyone who comes here, no matter how they look or what their status is. Please, Sir, pity me. My wife is heavily pregnant and about to give birth to our first child. Please, just give me one more chance, Honored Sir."

The security guard begged in desperation, knowing the three of them were about to be immediately fired. Forget the hospital fees-up until now, the company had even covered employees' family medical care and pregnancy checkups. What would become of him and his family now?!

"Mercy, Honored Sir. Please don't fire me. I've been saving for my wedding next year. If I lose my job, how can I get married?!" added Johardi, the Customer Service officer.

"That's your problem! It has nothing to do with me!" Jackson snapped, his fury rising. After all, Johardi was the very first one who had stopped him.

Silence.