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.

The arrogance, the haughty pride, and the sense that the bank belonged to them-all of it evaporated in an instant, shrinking their courage to nothing.

Suddenly, the woman in the black blazer and white shirt shuffled forward and clutched Jackson's foot-his worn-out sandal barely hanging on.

"Forgive me, Sir. I truly was wrong. Please forgive me," the woman who had been so loud earlier now whispered weakly. The way she pleaded instantly reminded Jackson of his mother-in-law, who was always yelling and insulting him.

"What's your name?"

"S-Sintya, Sir."

"Where's the mirror you used earlier to reflect my face and my clothes?" Jackson asked, lowering his voice-not out of calmness, but from holding back his rage.

Hearing Jackson's softened tone, Sintya's heart leapt with joy. Surely this meant he would forgive her-perhaps even take a liking to her. After all, she was the branch's darling. With her striking beauty and voluptuous figure, she took pride in being a prized asset.

Sintya quickly pulled out the compact mirror she always carried to check her flawless appearance. She could not stand even a speck of dust or a stray hair marring her perfect face.

Excitedly, she opened the compact and handed it to Jackson, tilting her face upward hopefully.

"Stand up!"

Sintya shot to her feet instantly, now standing right before Jackson. At his chin's height, she had to lift her face slightly to look into his eyes.

Glukk!

She swallowed hard. Only now did she realize how truly handsome Jackson was. Beneath his shabby clothes, he was a man with strikingly sharp features and an undeniable aura of charisma.

He had a sharp aquiline nose, thick black eyebrows with a bold line, long dark lashes, and eyes that were a shade of deep brownish-black. His jawline was strong and well-defined, and his lips... Jackson's lips could make any woman forget how to breathe when close enough. Those full lips had a natural reddish tint. Unlike most men whose lips turned dark from smoking, Jackson's lips were strikingly different.

"Try turning this mirror toward your own face now."

Sintya obeyed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Her heart pounded wildly, a feeling she wasn't used to. If every day she acted aloof and hard to get with men, this time she found herself completely captivated by Jackson's striking looks and commanding posture. Unfortunately, this realization came only after she had made the biggest mistake of her life.

Her reflection appeared in the mirror, showing Sintya's own beauty and her sweet smile.

"Do you see that terrifying face of yours?! That heavy makeup and lipstick make you look like an old woman who just chewed betel nut and areca leaves! Is this how you've been serving customers here all this time?! Tch! This is beyond embarrassing!"

Sintya's heart nearly stopped. The insult she had hurled at Jackson had been thrown back at her tenfold. Her self-confidence, which had been fluttering with butterflies, felt as if it had just been drenched in filthy sewer water.

How could this be? Right in front of her was Wijaya Kusuma, who had been pursuing her for a long time and had once confessed his feelings-only to be harshly rejected. And now?! She was being humiliated by the very man she had insulted-right in front of three other men! This would be a lifelong lesson for Sintya, a black mark full of exclamation points in her memory.

"Wijaya Kusuma!"

"Yes, Sir Pres-?"

"Don't just keep upgrading your advanced technology system! If the staff's attitude and service are this terrible, there's no need for tolerance! Give them a strict punishment! These three will replace the cleaning staff and clean every room for the next three months. If they can't...."

Silence.

Everyone waited for Jackson's next words, though they still had no idea who he truly was or how important he was in this branch of the World Bank where they worked.

"Then get out!"

The three men who had confronted Jackson earlier widened their eyes and swallowed hard. How could they possibly refuse? Their company was known for giving overtime pay even for the slightest extra work. Where else could they find such benefits?

"Yes, Sir!"

Wijaya Kusuma didn't dare make another mistake. Twice now, he had almost let slip Jackson's true identity, and both times his words were cut off. Slowly, he began to understand what the only son of the owner of hundreds of World Bank branches across nations wanted.

Jackson walked out of the room calmly and headed toward the teller without further obstacles.

That evening, after returning from his father-in-law's plantation, Jackson saw Jacob's car parked in front of Madam Ester's grand house once again.

Just as Jackson was about to step inside, he heard Jacob's loud voice, clearly intended for him to overhear.

"This is a genuine diamond I ordered from South Africa. The finest diamond, and I present it to you, Brielle. You are the most beautiful woman in the entire country I've ever met."

Jacob's words dripped with flattery as he opened a jewelry box the size of a bowl.

Jackson froze, watching his wife happily accept the blue velvet box, her face glowing with joy.

"Oh my, Jacob! This is gorgeous! You truly are the ideal son-in-law!"

Madam Ester exclaimed excitedly, praising Jacob's generosity. She picked up the diamond necklace and held it out to see it more closely.

"Are you serious about giving this to me, Jacob?" Brielle asked, her cheeks tinged pink.

"Of course, Brielle. Can't you see? I brought this here especially for you," Madam Ester quickly chimed in, putting the necklace back into its box.

"Do you know, Brielle? This cost four hundred thousand dollars-about five billion in rupiah."

Jacob lifted Brielle's chin, making her look directly at him as he spoke loudly.

"Wow! You truly are an incredible man, Jacob!"

Madam Ester gasped when she heard the price of the diamond necklace Jacob Wagendez had brought for her eldest daughter-the daughter she was most proud of.

"Thank you for the compliment, Auntie. Now, let me place it on your graceful, fair neck, Brielle."

Jacob took the necklace and began to fasten it around Brielle's neck.

Jackson stepped forward. Normally, he would have stayed silent. But not this time. He had had enough of watching Jacob get closer to his wife.

Clink!

Jackson snatched the necklace from Jacob's hands and let it fall to the floor.

"Jackson!"

Madam Ester screamed in shock as her eyes fell on the diamond necklace worth billions lying on the ground.

"How dare you?! Do you know how much that diamond necklace costs?!"

This time, Jacob, equally stunned, grabbed the collar of Jackson's simple shirt tightly, ready to throw a punch.

Thud! Thud!

Jacob landed a punch on Jackson's solid shoulder, then swung again toward his handsome face. But while the first blow struck his shoulder, the second was swiftly blocked by Jackson's quick reflexes.

"A beggar like you deserves to be beaten, Jackson! How could a penniless fool like him ever understand the value of such a fine diamond necklace, Jacob?!" Madam Ester lashed out furiously.

"What are you doing, Dear?!"

Brielle, too, burst out in anger at Jackson's actions. She had been waiting for that diamond necklace to be placed around her neck by Jacob-the genuine diamond necklace she had always dreamed of.

Jackson was stunned. He had just been punched, and yet his wife cared only about the necklace?!

"You are my wife, dear. Why would you accept gifts from another man?"

With boldness, Jackson asked that question. This time, he didn't care if his mother-in-law grew furious again.

"But you've never given me anything, have you, Dear? Let alone an expensive piece of jewelry like this-you can't even afford to buy me simple makeup, right?"

"Darling?! You can't compare things like that. No matter what, we are husband and wife. You must listen to what I say, my love."

"A poor beggar like you has nothing to be proud of! All you do is bring trouble!"

Unable to hold back any longer, Madam Ester stepped forward and shoved Jackson, who was still holding his wife's hand.

Jackson staggered back a few steps but remained standing tall. He had braced himself beforehand.

He was stunned. What had all his efforts been worth, then? Every day he worked tirelessly without choosing what kind of work-doing everything sincerely. He alone managed their vast plantation, cleaning and tending to it himself. The sales profits reached hundreds of millions every month, yet not a single percent ever went to him. Still, Jackson had never complained or kept score.

"Mother. No matter how poor or wretched I am, I am still Brielle's husband."

"Brielle will divorce you! What else do you have to say now?!"

Madam Ester's voice thundered, leaving Brielle utterly shocked.

Not because she feared separating from Jackson, but because if they divorced, they would need to hire servants again-just as before-to clean their large house. Their palm oil plantation would also need several workers, all of whom required expensive wages. No. Brielle couldn't bear to see tens of millions spent each month just to pay for labor again.

Quickly, Brielle bent down, picked up the diamond necklace that had fallen earlier, and showed it to Madam Ester.

"Mother, it's fine. The necklace isn't damaged, just a small scratch. You can't even see it. It's still very beautiful and perfect for me to wear."

Jackson smirked slightly. From the way the so-called diamond from South Africa had glimmered earlier, he had already doubted its authenticity. His suspicion was confirmed after hearing his wife's words.

He stepped forward, pulled some cash from his pocket, and handed it to his mother-in-law.

"This is to repay Jenny, Mother."

Madam Ester froze for a second, then gave a mocking smile.

"Where did you borrow this money from?! Whoever was foolish enough to lend money to someone useless like you must regret it. Hmph! Just don't let debt collectors come here and cause a scene later!"

"Don't worry, Mother."

"Unless he stole it or even robbed someone, Auntie! Haha! To get that kind of money, he must've stooped to the lowest of lows. Pathetic."

Jacob sneered, laughing arrogantly.

"Oh, I just want to remind you all. A real diamond would never scratch so easily-not even if stepped on. Especially one supposedly from South Africa."

Thud.

Jacob swallowed hard at Jackson's words.

Jackson spoke calmly, then walked away.

"Worthless beggar! What would he know about diamonds? This is probably the first time he's ever seen one!"

As always, Madam Ester's words cut deep, aiming to wound Jackson.

But he didn't care. He kept smiling faintly as he walked to the back to wash himself.

The night wore on, but Jackson still couldn't close his eyes. His mind was restless, his heart unsettled since noticing strange things about his wife lately.

He glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Half past midnight," Jackson muttered, deep in thought.

Determined, he rose and left his room.

The house was dim, silence covering every corner-everyone was surely fast asleep by now.

Jackson walked toward his wife's room at the front.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Darling. Please open the door for a moment."

He knocked and called softly.

"Darling?"

A few seconds later, the door opened.

"What is it, Dear?!" Brielle asked groggily, her voice heavy with sleep.

Jackson stepped inside, took her hand, and closed the door behind them-locking it.

"What are you doing, Dear? Why did you lock the door?!"

Brielle's eyes widened, startled awake by Jackson's unexpected action.

"Darling, I miss you. We've been married for two years. Tonight, I want to claim my right as your husband."

Jackson placed his hands on Brielle's shoulders, his breath ragged with longing.

After all, he was a normal man. A grown man of twenty-eight, already married. He was grateful he had managed to wait two long years before asking to touch the wife who was rightfully his.

W-what do you mean, Dear?! I'm not ready."

Brielle's voice trembled as she backed away in panic.

"You've finished college, haven't you, darling? I've waited two years for this night. You are my wife, and I am your husband. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine. I don't want to delay this any longer. I want us to have an heir."

"W-what are you saying, Dear?! That's impossible. Leave. I'm not ready!"

"Darling, until when will you be ready?!"

"Until you can give me a life of luxury. Until you can buy me a grand palace to live in. Until you can buy me the most expensive car in the world. Well? Can you do that, Dear?!"

Silence.

Jackson's heavy breathing slowed. The fiery passion in his eyes dimmed. His heart, which had been racing with desire, steadied again.

"Don't you love me, darling?" Jackson asked suddenly.

His voice wavered slightly, filled with the desperate need to know the truth. After two years of marriage, he wanted-needed-to understand his place in her heart, here and now.