Meanwhile, at the Johnsons' residence…
The moment Alexander stepped out of the house, a wicked laugh echoed through the walls. The entire room was filled with amusement as they mocked the man who had fallen into their trap so easily.
"He's such a fool," Mr. Carter said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I never thought he'd figure out our plan this soon," Sophia added as she gracefully settled onto the couch, her expression smug and satisfied.
Richard Johnson leaned back in his usual chair, casually crossing his legs while a triumphant smile played on his lips. "All his wealth, his luxury cars, everything he once owned—it's all yours now, my dear daughter," he declared, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Sophia scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Of course! I'll make sure he doesn't get a single cent. He'll end up on the streets, just like the worthless piece of trash he was when I first found him," she said with a cruel smirk.
Jason Carter, who had been silently enjoying the moment, slid closer to Sophia and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Let's not waste any more time. We should get married soon," he whispered, looking at her with adoration.
Sophia's lips curled into a pleased smile as she leaned in and gave him a quick peck. "I would absolutely love to marry you, my love," she replied sweetly.
Richard Johnson groaned, shaking his head. "Oh, for heaven's sake! Spare me the public display of affection," he muttered, rolling his eyes at the couple's antics.
Sophia and Jason simply laughed at Richard Johnson's remark, brushing it off as they basked in their victory.
"You are just jealous, father. I have Jason by my side, while you? You're alone," Sophia commented that made his father laughed.
Sophia was right. When her mother died in accident, her father didn't look another woman. Richard became loyal to his late wife.
"Let's celebrate our victory tonight," Richard Johnson announced that made everyone's agree in unison.
At Alexander's whereabouts.
Damien King, a man of wealth and influence, had brought his long-lost son, Alexander, to his private estate. The moment they arrived, Alexander couldn't help but stare in awe at the grand mansion before him, a mixture of disbelief and fascination written all over his face.
"Is this your house?" Alexander finally asked, his voice laced with curiosity as he took in the lavish surroundings.
"This is my home," Damien King responded as he walked toward the balcony and sat comfortably in a chair. He then glanced at his son and added with certainty, "And it will be your home too. You will stay here while you rebuild yourself."
Still processing everything, Alexander hesitated before speaking again. "Are you really my father? How? My mother always told me that my father was already dead," he muttered, his brows furrowed in confusion.
Damien King let out a small sigh before shaking his head. "I'm alive and well, son. And I have always been."
Alexander exhaled heavily, stepping forward until he reached the balcony railing. He placed his hands on it, staring out into the open space as the cool breeze brushed against his skin. "Since I was a child, I always longed for a father. I wanted to know what it felt like to have one… But my Abuela always told me that I should search for you."
Damien remained silent, listening intently as his son poured his heart out.
"But I never expected to finally meet you at my lowest point," Alexander continued, turning his gaze toward Damien. His eyes held both bitterness and longing. "Why now? Why did you only come into my life at this moment?"
Damien leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. "I have always been watching you from afar, son," he admitted. "I know everything… including how the Johnson family treated you."
The mere mention of the Johnsons made Alexander's body tense. His jaw clenched, and a surge of rage coursed through him like fire. His hands tightened into fists as he gritted his teeth. "They will pay for everything they've done to me. Every single injustice, every betrayal—I will make sure they regret it," he growled, his voice filled with unrelenting fury.
Damien studied his son carefully, noting the anger consuming him. A faint, knowing smile crossed his lips, but he quickly masked it before Alexander could see. Rising from his chair, he slowly approached his son and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"That's why you need to learn, Alexander… You need to change. You need to become stronger," Damien stated, his voice steady and full of conviction.
Alexander turned to his father, desperation flickering in his eyes. "Please, Father, help me change. Help me become someone capable of taking revenge. Help me destroy them," he pleaded, his voice almost breaking.
Damien shook his head but not in refusal—in reassurance. "You don't have to beg, son. Whether or not you asked, I would still help you seek vengeance against those who wronged you… against the people who destroyed your life," he said firmly, his eyes locking onto his son's. "Because you are my son, and I will not let them get away with what they've done to you."
Alexander's heart pounded in his chest as he listened to his father's words. For the first time in a long while, he felt something he had never thought he would again—hope. The anger boiling inside him was still there, but now, it had direction. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
"What do I have to do?" he asked, his voice firm.
Damien King smirked slightly, pleased by his son. He turned away from the balcony and gestured for Alexander to follow him. "Come with me," he instructed.
Without hesitation, Alexander walk after him as they descended the stairs and walked through the grand halls of the estate. The house was massive, with tall ceilings, expensive artwork, and luxurious furniture at every turn. But Alexander barely noticed any of it—his mind was too focused thinking about his revenge.
Damien led him through a set of double doors that opened to an underground training facility. The room was vast, filled with advanced equipment, weapons, and even a combat ring. Alexander's eyes widened in surprise.
"You weren't expecting this, were you?" Damien chuckled as he walked further inside. "I built this place years ago. It's where I trained, and now, it will be where you train."
Alexander took a step forward, looking around in awe. He had never seen anything like this before. "You… you really planned all of this?"
Damien nodded. "I knew this day would come. I knew there would come a time when you would need to rise from the ashes, and when that moment arrived, I wanted to be ready to help you."
Alexander swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his father's words.
"Starting today," Damien continued, "you will train your body, your mind, and your heart. You will become stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Revenge is not just about power, Alexander. It's about strategy. The Johnsons will never see you coming."
Alexander's hands curled into fists. He could already picture the look on Sophia's face when she realized that the man she betrayed was no longer the weak, naive fool she had thrown away like a garbage.
"I'm ready," he said, meeting his father's gaze with determination.
Damien smirked. "Good. Then let's begin."
Back to the Johnson's gathering.
The celebration was in full swing. The ballroom was filled with guests dressed in elegant attire, toasting to the success of Sophia and Jason's engagement. Laughter and music echoed throughout the estate, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the party.
Sophia stood at the center of the room, basking in the attention. She wore a stunning crimson dress, her makeup flawless, and her smile radiant. Jason stood beside her, his arm wrapped around her waist, whispering sweet nothings into her ear.
"Tonight is perfect," she murmured, clinking her glass against his.
"It's only the beginning," Jason replied, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Alexander is out of the picture. We have everything we want."
Richard Johnson, standing nearby, chuckled as he took a sip of his whiskey. "That boy was nothing but a stepping stone. Now that he's gone, there's no one left to stand in our way."
Sophia smirked. "And he won't be coming back."
Little did she know, Alexander King was no longer the same man they had deceived. He was coming back—but not as the broken fool they had abandoned.
He was coming back as their worst nightmare.