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Language: English
Tags: Weak to strong, son-in-law, revenge, conglomerate, secrets, rich.
Status: Ongoing, Daily Updated
"You're powerless, poor, and pathetic. Do you think anyone would believe you?"
Laughter filled the whole room, but August didn’t even flinch nor be intimidated even though everyone seemed against him.
"Watch and learn, Samantha," August answered as a deadly smile escaped his lips before he spat blood on the floor again. "On how the person you called a pathetic commoner would be the one to bring you to your knees."
Augustus Fordman was an outcast— someone people won’t want to be involved with because he might bring them at a disadvantage. Growing up at an orphanage, he worked hard to survive, maintaining his mediocre and pathetic life.
But when his girlfriend, betrayed him for power and money with Bruce, whose power was beneath his capacity, his world crumbled. They even destroyed his reputation, making August lose everything more than he ever had.
Little did he know, he was the son of the great Charles Remington, the highest-ranking family in the whole country. As August regains his power and claims his real identity, he vows to himself that he will return the same pain everyone made him feel.
CHAPTER ONE: SAMANTHA'S BETRAYAL
IT WAS almost midnight, yet someone was still sitting in front of the computer and working late. He’s determined to finish some tasks before going home.
“Crap,” the man complained as he stretched his arms.
He was wearing a faded black polo shirt that seems to be worn out, and black faded slacks. It’s the only thing he has, so no wonder it faded for a short amount of time.
His name is Augustus Fordman— A passionate and hardworking guy working as a strategy developer at Sandoval Corporation.
It is one of the most influential companies in the gaming industry despite its family ranking being in the top fifty only.
Aside from that, despite being in good company, his co-workers mistreat him.
His old clothes partnered with his black and thick eyeglasses were enough for his co-workers to think that he was portraying his nickname well.
Pathetic commoner.
“Hey. Aren’t you going home? Are you planning to sleep here?” said Kaylee, one of August’s co-employees. “You’re not doing overtime just to get the pay, aren’t you? Because if you do, you’re dead!”
“N-No,” August stammered as he pointed at his overheated computer. “I need to finish a lot of things.”
Kaylee suddenly grimaced as she saw the tons of documents on August’s left side. She suddenly forgot that almost all his co-workers in the strategy department make him do a lot of things.
Since August is stupid and poor, he always took their tasks even if it’s unnecessary.
"Okay, dummy." That was the only thing she said before immediately leaving the room.
After that, August continued working as he crumbled onto his favorite dragon seeds. It was the only thing he could eat, unlike his co-workers who could go to restaurants after work.
His co-workers weren’t that rich, but they also weren’t that poor. Unlike him— Who doesn’t even have a single penny to take a cab way home.
He’s dead tired, but he’s determined to finish all his work today.
For him, he was blessed to be able to work at Sandoval Corporation despite his social status. His hard work and intelligence brought him to where he was now.
Now, he only wanted another promotion, so if he could have a higher salary, he could buy Samantha everything she wanted.
It was all he could ask for to give Samantha, his girlfriend the things she deserved.
After two hours, August was done working. He won’t take overtime tomorrow and will take Samantha on a date.
He already planned everything for his surprise date. He bought a ticket to her favorite movie without her knowing.
‘She would love this, for sure.’ August smiled as he thought of that.
He fixed his things, and documents, and shut down his computer.
As he walked outside the company to walk back home, he pulled his phone from his pocket and called Samantha. He wasn’t able to talk with her for today as they were both busy with their work.
Both of them were working for the same company, yet Samantha was rotated into a different department recently. As tiredness succumbed to his body, he only wanted to hear her voice.
“Who’s this?” asked Samantha in a weak, sleepy voice.
"Yes?" August smiled from ear to ear as Samantha already answered his call after a few rings. "Who's this?" she even added to ask in a weak, sleepy voice.
“It’s me, love.” August smiled as Samantha answered immediately like she was waiting for his call.
But that’s just what he thought.
"How have you been? I miss you—"
“You just disturbed my peaceful sleep, Augustus,” exclaimed Samantha, interrupting him. “Don’t you know what time is it? Goodness. If you're just going to have a chit-chat with me, adjust it at the right time!”
August suddenly stopped walking as he heard how angry Samantha was on the other line. She was like that for months, and honestly, it’s starting to worry him. Samantha was a sweet girl back in college, but she changed now.
He wondered what happened to her, or if something bothered her.
"Stupid," Samantha even added, which he heard loud and clear.
He clenched his chest, trying to control himself. He wanted to burst out as he was tired and exhausted. However, the only thing he could do was heave a sigh.
"Okay, Sam," answered August, surrendering. "See you tomorrow. I love you—”
But he wasn’t able to finish his sentence as the call disconnected. It was Samantha who already ended the call without even hearing what he wanted to say.
August only shook his head as he continued walking down the road.
If he can have enough patience to deal with her secret relationship with Samantha, which she requested because they were colleagues and it would be awkward, then he could deal with her sudden mood swings as well.
But, for how long?
IT WAS almost eight o’clock in the morning when August arrived at the strategy department.
Despite the lack of sleep, he was still him the smile never left his face. He couldn’t wait to see Samantha. He just arrived at work, yet he was excited to time out.
‘How ironic.’ He laughed because of that.
As he entered the room, no one even greeted him. He was used to people not trying to befriend him because he was pathetic and poor.
Even Samantha wasn't talking to him every time they were in the company unless it was for work purposes.
He just silently sat down in his cubicle as he opened his computer, but he stopped moving when Peter, one of his male co-employees, shouted inside their room while holding his cell phone in his right hand.
“Guys, look!" Peter told everyone as he pointed at his screen. "Open your Ashbook accounts, quick! Something’s happening!”
It looks like there was a live broadcast happening, but he didn't mind as he wasn't fond of knowing the latest news.
For him, it’s a waste of time. He would rather read his favorite non-fiction books than gossip about other people’s lives.
August doesn’t have an Ashbook account, or any social media accounts to be exact. Samantha told him not to download applications like that.
He wanted to make the relationship work, so he always obey what she told him.
“Shit!” Kaylee exclaimed. “How romantic! I hope someone rich would also date me in a place like this!”
‘Date?’ asked August at the back of his mind as he stared at Kaylee. ‘Maybe I could bring Samantha there, too.’
“Can I take a look?” asked August in a low tone, which startled Peter a bit. They were seatmates.
"I don't have an Ashbook, that's why," he explained as he saw Peter’s confusion.
August showed Peter his phone. There were no other applications except the default ones and an ebook reader.
"Are you a caveman, dude?" Peter felt amazed and disappointed at the same time, as it was his first hearing that someone didn’t have an Ashbook account.
August didn’t answer.
'Pathetic,' said Peter as he shook his head. ‘No wonder he’s an outcast here.’
Peter found it the right time to teach August about basic things and to boast as well.
"You know Bruce Sandoval, right? The son of our CEO?” asked Peter, and August nodded. “He will propose to Samantha today!"
August suddenly flinched as he heard the name of the woman the CEO would propose with.
"Samantha…" August trailed off. “Do you mean… Samantha Evergreen?"
‘It should just be a coincidence, right?’
August tried consoling himself, but he was also afraid. He even couldn’t look at Peter’s phone, even if it will help him answer his question.
“Yes, one of our colleagues! How amazing that you know her—”
Peter stopped speaking as he realized something. "Right! You were in the same college, weren't you?"
"Give me that."
Suddenly, August had a sudden gush of anger on his body. He pulled the phone from Peter, who couldn’t resist now as Bruce started to kneel in front of Samantha.
‘That dress… I bought it for her before!’ exclaimed August as he suddenly recognized Samantha’s clothing.
He remembered how he saved money for that dress because Samantha told him she badly wanted it— Not knowing it was because of this special occasion.
"Will you marry me?" Bruce asked her in a low and soft tone.
'Are you really going to betray me, Sam?'
August shut his eyes and clenched his left fist. Even though his heart was hurting, he was still hoping she would reject Bruce and return to him.
But it was only his wishful thinking.
"Yes!"
And as both of them kissed passionately, August's world fell apart.
CHAPTER TWO: BRUCE, THE CEO'S SON
AUGUST WASN'T able to move at first. His lips parted, and his eyes widened as he realized how Samantha betrayed him. Based on Peter and his other co-employees, Samantha and Bruce had known each other for a very long time.
Which means that Samantha was also cheating on him for a long time as well.
'Is this the reason why you've been acting cold at me for all this time?'
August breathed heavily. Every realization hit him right now—On how she wanted to make their relationship a secret. On top of that, she doesn't even want to acknowledge August as a colleague in the Sandoval Corporation.
What Samantha asked was difficult for him, but because he loved her so much, and he wanted to make her stay, he never questioned everything she asked for. He promised to understand her, no matter how hard it was.
'And yet, this is what I got?'
August clenched his fist tightly as he continued to watch the live broadcast. Bruce was still kissing Samantha passionately. His hands traveled onto her waist, while Samantha's hands clung to his neck, deepening the kiss.
'Samantha never got intimate with me like that.'
It was enough for his heart to break, and for his mind to get back to his senses.
The anger took over his body. August slammed the cell phone on the table, and held Peter on the collar, causing the latter to flinch. His gaze was cold and deadly— like he could kill someone at any second.
His co-employees gasped in shock as they noticed what he did.
"Where can I find this place?" asked August in a low, intimidating tone.
He pointed his index finger at the screen where the live broadcast was showing.
"What are you planning to do— "
"Don't let me ask you for a second time." August's voice was full of rage. He tilted his neck to stretch it a bit. "What place is this? How can I go here?"
Both his hands were placed on Peter's neck this time, fully prepared to strangle Peter at any second. His legs were also on both sides of Peter's lower body to prevent him from moving.
He may be an outcast, but with his muscular body, he learned how to fight.
No one tried to stop them because suddenly, they became afraid of August. However, Kaylee couldn't take the situation anymore. She went in front of August with her feet stomping, while her other hand was placed on her waist.
"August— Are you out of your mind?!"
Kaylee held onto his shoulder, but August effortlessly pushed her to the side. She didn't stumble as they impact isn't that strong, but still, Kaylee felt upset.
"How disrespectful!" Kaylee commented with anger.
But August didn't care at all.
"I-It's fine, Kaylee. I can handle this," Peter reassured her as he made a thumbs-up.
Judging by August's appearance, he would never back down as long as he couldn't get an answer.
"I-It was The Rosehouse, a five-star hotel t-that was near from here. You can even walk."
Having no choice, Peter told him the truth.
"It costs sixty thousand dollars for one night, and approximately twenty thousand dollars for one meal—"
"Stop," August cut off his sentence. "That's the only thing I need to know."
August finally let go of Peter's neck. He took two steps away from him before he massaged his forehead using both of his hands.
It felt like there was too much information coming onto his mind, and he didn't know how to deal with it.
'She betrayed me because of money… She cheated on me because I'm poor...'
August's eyes began to weep as he came to that realization. Even though his heart was already breaking, he still wanted her. He's still willing to hear her explanations.
And even if she lies, he would accept her… as long as she comes back for him.
Feeling agitated, August immediately ran out of the room. He ran outside the Sandoval Corporation and tried finding a hotel named The Rosehouse.
'Once Samantha sees me, she'll get back to her senses. She'll realize that she loves me, and he'll leave Bruce...' August consoled himself.
As August was out of sight already, a few of Peter's coworkers in the room walked up to him. They asked if he was okay and if there was something between the two of them that would have caused the pathetic commoner to behave in such a manner.
"I'm fine, everyone," Peter reassured them.
He fixed his collar that got crumbled because of August's grip on it. Peter snorted afterward as he realized he let someone inferior like August scare him like that.
'What the fuck is wrong with him? He acts like he's Samantha's boyfriend, asked Peter at the back of his mind. 'That freak. That's why no one likes him in this company.'
He got his phone again to watch the live broadcast on Bruce's account. However, his eyes widened as he saw a familiar figure on the video.
'Why... Why is he there?!'
"THIS IS IT," said August as he stared at the building in front of him.
August was glad that the information Peter gave him was right. He reached that place even if he just walked. It was really near their company, although he wasn't able to see this place since it was out of the way towards his unit.
He went inside the hotel. Despite wearing a faded t-shirt, pants, and slightly worn shoes, he confidently tried to find the restaurant he saw on the live stream earlier. However, as he explored the place, some people took a judging glance at him, and some even stared at him from head to toe.
By their stares, they were telling him that he doesn't belong in this place… which he already knows from the start.
'Got it!'
After a few minutes, he finally saw the restaurant. At the corner, he saw Samantha and Bruce who were sitting beside each other.
"You smell so good," said Bruce as he brushed Samantha's straight black hair to the side and gave her tiny kisses on her neck.
"Gosh, Bruce! Stop it!"
Samantha laughed as she tried to stop him, only to moan a little afterward as Bruce's expert tongue started sucking on her skin.
"That bastard."
August wasn't able to contain his emotions anymore. He clenched his fists in anger as he stomped his feet towards the entrance.
However, three bodyguards having muscular bodies, and wearing black suits, blocked his way.
"You can't go inside," one of the bodyguards told him. "Wait, are you lost? Because you look like you do," he added before laughing.
The three bodyguards stared at August, obviously mocking his appearance.
"Look— I don't want to make a scene here," said August as he raised both of his hands, like surrendering to someone. "I just want to talk with Samantha. That woman in the corner."
He pointed at Samantha. "Can you tell her that a guy named August Fordman is here?"
"Why would we?" asked one of the bodyguards, raising a brow.
"Please. She knows me. I just want to talk to her."
"She's one of our VIPs here. She didn't tell us that another guest would come." The other bodyguard pierced him with his deadly gaze. "If you really don't want to create a scene, get lost."
The bodyguards in front of him were big. Although he was also muscular and knew how to do basic fighting skills, there was no way he could win against skilled bodyguards.
However, he doesn't want to leave. He needed Samantha to see him.
August sprinted to the side to go inside the restaurant, but the third bodyguard was able to catch him. He carried August by his waist and slammed him onto the wall.
"Do people like you don't know how to listen?" the bodyguard told him and snapped his neck. "Let us give you a good beating, freak."
Meanwhile, Samantha and Bruce heard the commotion outside. They turned their heads to see what was happening.
"What the!" Samantha's eyes widened as he saw August being beaten up. "What are you doing here, nerd?!"
"Sam…" August mouthed as one of the bodyguards punched him in the face.
Samantha gasped and covered her mouth using her hands. She felt a little hint of conscience, but it suddenly faded when Bruce held onto both her arms and turned her body at him.
"Let me handle this. Alright?" said Bruce, and Samantha had no choice but to nod her head.
"Fuck!"
August wanted to escape from the bodyguards desperately. Samantha had already seen him, and he hoped she might change her decision about the proposal.
However, the bodyguards were beating him up to their heart's content. He couldn't even move his hands or feet.
August was about to lose hope, but someone spoke behind him.
"Release him."
CHAPTER 3: THE TWISTED TRUTH
WITH JUST one command, the bodyguards let go of him and took one step away from him. August turned his body to see who ordered them, only to see Samantha and Bruce.
“So, it’s him…” whispered Bruce to Samantha before he leaned towards her, licking lightly onto her earlobe. "No wonder why you wanted to dump him so badly, baby."
“B-Bruce…” said Samantha, feeling awkward as Bruce was doing naughty things in front of her ex-boyfriend.
However, Bruce didn’t even budge. All she could do was close her eyes and feel how good Bruce’s tongue was. August suddenly clenched his fists at the sight.
Bruce has everything everyone could ask for. Wealth, a good reputation, oozing sex appeal, and stamina that could make her moan in ecstasy every night, what more could she ask for?
Everything Bruce has was the exact opposite of August. She never loved him, not even a bit. She just used him to buy the things she wanted, and to enter the Sandoval Corporation so she could execute her plan.
‘Samantha…’
August could only speak her name. It seems like his voice left his throat already. And when Bruce noticed it, his hand gently went up to the side of Samantha’s chest, followed by a sly smile— trying to irritate August more.
“Nice to meet you, August Fordman.” Bruce let go of Samantha’s waist and extended his hand. “I’m Bruce Sandoval, heir of the Sandoval family, and the future CEO of the Sandoval Corporation.”
August grimaced as he sensed the arrogance in the tone of his voice.
‘I already knew that this guy was a bastard who only knows how to play with women,’
His mischievous smirk, his choice of words, his pretentious smiles, and the way he makes Samantha feel uncomfortable with his touches led August to that conclusion.
For him, Bruce was just a money-sucker and a credit grabber— Because he isn’t the rich man here, but Jake— his father, the current CEO.
“Why won’t you take my hand?” asked Bruce in a soft and gentle tone.
That’s when August realized that Bruce’s main intention was to show him his bad side.
‘This two-faced jerk!’
August flickered Bruce’s hand forcefully, causing the three bodyguard’s eyes to widen. Samantha and the live viewers of the broadcast had the same reaction, too.
August, at this point, wasn’t aware that they were being filmed. He doesn’t know that everything from the start was a disaster in process for him. Bruce went outside the restaurant, even though he didn’t think of August as a worthy opponent, all because of this.
‘You’re poor, and you don’t know how to respect the rich? Let me give you a lesson,’ said Bruce at the back of his mind as a wicked smile escaped his lips.
Bruce snapped his neck, and his hands went onto Samantha’s waist again.
“Get your filthy hands off my girl,” August thundered and clenched his fist, ready to attack at any time.
“This bastard—“
“No. It’s fine.” Bruce raised his other hand to stop his bodyguards from beating August. “Leave us for a while,” he added, and his bodyguards suddenly obliged.
Bruce, although it doesn’t show, was just trying to hide his inner demons. This is the first time someone tried to command and humiliate him like this.
‘Who does he think he is? Hah. Just a pathetic commoner, yet he acted like he could scold me like this?’ Bruce wanted to punch August at this point.
Despite not being hands-on in their company, he was aware of August’s horrible nickname in their department, which is the reason why even Samantha doesn’t want to be associated with him in the first place.
Pathetic commoner.
That’s what everyone calls him.
“This woman? My fiancee?” Bruce held onto Samantha’s waist tighter. “Why would I let go of her?”
“Because she isn’t yours. She’s mine,” August answered without hesitation.
As Bruce heard his answer, his demeaning laughter filled the entire place. He took one step forward as his gaze went deadly. Despite that, August didn’t even flinch or blink an eye.
The live viewers, including August’s co-employees, were watching the livestream intently.
“I’m certain. He already lost his mind, isn’t he?” said Kaylee as she shook her head while watching the live stream.
“I think so,” Peter answered and shook his head.
He couldn’t believe the courage August was showing to everyone right now. Actually, anyone couldn’t believe that their pathetic commoner was suddenly involved in Bruce’s live stream that was only meant for rich people!
“How naïve of you, Mr. Fordman…” Bruce shook his head. “Do you think someone would believe you?”
Bruce subtly glanced at the camera behind him— informing August that he wasn’t the only one who heard his ridiculous sentence.
“It was broadcasted worldwide, fucker,” Bruce whispered, causing August to freeze in his spot.
August clenched his fists, and his jaws moved angrily. “H-How—”
“You’re one of my employees, right?” asked Bruce with a wicked smile. “I know who you are, what you do, and how poor you are.”
August’s brows furrowed. He didn’t understand what Bruce tried to say. Bruce made him feel that he was the villain in their story, even though it was the exact opposite.
“I tried to be patient with you, but since my girl was involved here, I’ll act without mercy.”
Bruce held onto Samantha’s arms, which were already trembling. August thought that it was true, but when his gaze went to her, a mischievous smile showed on her lips.
‘What are they planning to do?’ August asked. He didn’t like where this scenario is going.
“Samantha, baby, don’t be afraid. Tell us the truth,” Bruce told him and caressed her back, pretending to comfort her.
It didn’t last long as Samantha started producing her fake tears, and told everyone the story Bruce and her agreed with.
“He— He threatened me!” exclaimed Samantha and pointed at August. “He told me that he’ll make my life miserable if I don’t follow him!”
It was the most painful and probably the easiest way to destroy August’s reputation. To be honest, she didn’t care about his feelings at all.
But seeing his pained expression awaken a little bit of conscience in her heart.
However, the show needed to continue.
"That was back in college. He never stopped following me and even recruited me at the company he’s working at to keep an eye on me!” she added, making the people who heard it gasp in shock.
“What a jerk!”
“Poor people like him would do anything they like, wouldn’t they?”
“Why is that man even alive? He should be beheaded because of what he did!”
August was startled. He wasn’t able to defend himself immediately.
“Sam… What are you saying? That’s not what happened—”
“Don’t come near me!” Samantha exclaimed when August tried to approach her. “I don’t want to see you anymore!”
“Sam!” August’s voice got louder this time. “Why are you doing this to me?!”
The lack of sleep and the excruciating situation in front of him made August burst out with anger. He wanted to punch Bruce right out of his face, but it would make the situation worse.
August almost wanted to break down. He couldn’t understand why both of them would twist the truth, and why Samantha became an accomplice in destroying him.
He tried approaching Samantha again, but Bruce suddenly went in front of him.
“Get out of my sight before I lose all my sanity, Mr. Fordman,” Bruce muttered in a low tone.
No one could see his real expression. Bruce knows how to avoid the camera as he was also the one who set that up.
“I won’t! Not until I take Sam with me!” shouted August with desperation this time.
“If that’s what you want…"
He glanced at the bodyguards behind him before pointing his hand at August. “Drag him out of here, and I don’t care what you’ll do to him before you let him go.”
Meaning that they could beat him up into a pulp, the bodyguards smirked in unison as they were finding someone to release their stress with.
“Come here, bastard," one of the bodyguards spoke as they pulled August away from the restaurant.
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