Chapter 4

Not long after they had settled in, the door sprang open, and Clara's parents, Philip and Margaret Johnson, rushed in. Their expressions were distorted with fury.

"How dare you embarrass us like that!" Philip shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Andrew. "You're nothing but a loser!"

Margaret rushed forward, her voice full of hatred. "You are a disgrace, Andrew. How could you allow Clara to beg for money in front of everyone? "Do you have no shame?"

Andrew maintained silence, his jaw tight. Clara attempted to stand beside him, but her father's voice stopped her. "Clara, you need to leave this worthless man," Philip said, his tone hard. "He cannot provide for you. "You deserve better."

Clara's eyes widened with shock. "How can you say that, Father?" "I love Andrew.

Margaret sneered. "Love? What good is love if you can't even afford the basics? Gideon is willing to provide you with a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. He is affluent and well-respected. Clara, think about your future.

Andrew's fists tensed, but he stayed mute, knowing that his turn to speak would arrive shortly. Clara's voice faltered, but she held her ground. "I don't want to live in comfort with Gideon. I want to live a life of love with Andrew. "We'll get through this together.

Philip's face went red with rage. "You are making a mistake, Clara. This man is pulling you down. "He is a burden, not a partner."

Finally, Andrew spoke, his tone calm but forceful. "I may not have the wealth you all flaunt, but I do have something far more valuable: honesty and dedication. Clara is with me because we believe in one another."

Margaret sneered. "Integrity will not pay the bills, Andrew. You are a nobody. You always will be. Do the right thing by letting Clara leave.

Andrew's eyes tightened. "I will never let Clara leave. "We will prove you all wrong."

Philip's voice was chilly. "If you truly love her, you will move aside. Give her a chance at a better life.

Andrew shakes his head. "I will not give up on her, nor will she give up on me. "We will face whatever comes our way together."

Clara's voice was unwavering. “Andrew is my husband. I'll always be there for him.

Margaret's face was one of absolute contempt. "You are both fools. Clara, you'll regret this decision. Clara's parents stormed out and slammed the door behind them.

The house was peaceful save for Clara's soft weeping. Andrew took her into his arms, his heart hurting for her. "Clara, we'll get through this," he muttered. "I promise you, things will change."

Clara nodded against his chest, tears seeping into his shirt. "I trust you, Andrew. "I know you'll make things right."

Andrew hugged her close, his mind already racing with plans. The humiliation they experienced tonight was only the beginning. He would soar above it all, making those who questioned him regret their remarks.

Even though Lord Johnson betrothed him to Clara five years ago due to his good behavior and intelligence, he never knew he could come to love Clara dearly.

Now, with the entire Johnson family making sure to kick him out after Lord Johnson’s death, his situation has become more challenging.

He had the power now, and he planned to use it to protect Clara and deliver punishment to those who had mistreated them. His plan was simple:

he would stay hidden, quietly and strategically demolishing the lives of those who had humiliated him, until the day they would all bow before him, pleading for the pity he would not grant.

Clara turned to Andrew with concern on her face as the tension caused by her parents' departure began to evaporate. "Andrew, how is Mrs Jameson doing? Have you received any updates on her health?

Andrew sighed and ran a hand over his hair. "She's stable for now, but the doctors said she needs surgery as soon as possible."

Clara's eyes softened with worry. "I've saved $200,000." We can utilize it to cover her medical expenses."

Andrew shook his head softly. "No, Clara." "The bill is already paid."

Clara's eyes widened with shock. "What? "Who paid for it?"

Andrew instantly devised a plausible lie. "An unknown benefactor. Mrs. Jameson has helped many people throughout the years. Someone she has helped in the past must have gone to her aid."

Clara's face brightened with relief and delight. "Oh, that is amazing! She deserved it. I'm relieved we won't have to worry about borrowing money or being compelled to do anything with Gideon again.

Andrew nodded and smiled slightly. "Yes, it's a huge relief."

Clara gave him a reassuring hug. "I'm so glad things are improving. I have a lot of work to do at the company tomorrow, so I'll go to bed now. "Goodnight, Andrew.

"Goodnight, Clara," Andrew said, watching her make her way to the bedroom.

Andrew's smile vanished after Clara was out of sight, and was replaced by a deep contemplative expression. He couldn't sleep, his mind racing with anticipation of the evening's events and the plans he needed to make.

His foes had no idea what was coming. He intended to protect Clara and elevate her position first in the family, before executing his revenge to face-slapping without disclosing his true identity. Lying in bed, he glanced at the ceiling, remembering every insult and humiliation they'd faced.

He would make those who had mistreated them pay terribly. But for the time being, he needed to carefully plan his next steps, all while keeping his newfound wealth and power hidden from Clara.

Andrew understood that he needed to proceed carefully. His first aim was to safeguard Clara's position and keep her safe. As the night progressed, ideas began to emerge, each more strategic and careful than the previous.

By dawn, he had the beginnings of a plan to turn the tables on everyone who had ever humiliated him. With a determined sparkle in his eye, Andrew eventually fell asleep, knowing that the road to their vindication was just beginning. He would begin putting his plans into action, one step at a time, until every single person who had looked down on them would have no choice but to bow to him.