Chapter 1: Out Of The Shadows

“ERINA ISABEL TUAZON POV”

A strong slap landed on my face from Dad when he saw the report card I handed to him. I wasn’t surprised—I had already expected this to happen. The moment I saw my grades yesterday, I knew this was coming, so I wasn’t shocked when my father did this to me.

"You failed Filipino?! That’s the easiest subject, and you still flunked it? What kind of student are you? Do you even attend that class? I sent you to an expensive school so you could learn, and this is the kind of grades you show me? Do you really think I can accept this?" he yelled angrily before throwing my report card at me.

I just lowered my head and wiped my cheek as tears started falling. I had promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but here I am now, my tears flowing like a river as my father continued his scolding.

“I-I’ll make it up, Dad. It’s only the second quarter—”

"I don’t care what quarter it is! You still failed, and there’s nothing you can do to change that!" he cut me off. "And stop making excuses because no matter what you say, I won’t accept it. I don’t even know who you take after. If your mother were here, I’m sure she wouldn’t accept this either," he added.

I didn’t say another word because no matter what excuse I gave, it would still be wrong in his eyes. His view of me would never change. To him, I would always be dumb and worthless.

If Mom were still alive, she would have understood me. She would have defended me from Dad. She was the only one I had left in this house, but even she was taken from me.

"Why can't you be like your brother? He’s had high grades since his first year of college, and look at him now—he’s come so far. He no longer depends on me, but you—"

"Still a burden to you? Is that what you mean, Dad?" I cut him off before lifting my gaze. I laughed bitterly and harshly wiped my cheek.

This is the one thing I hate hearing from him the most—being compared to my brother, as if I’m not trying hard enough. I do my best, but I don’t always understand a lesson right away the moment the professor discusses it. I’m not as smart as my brother, but at least I’m learning something.

"I’m doing my best in school, Dad. But please, don’t compare me to my brother. We have different learning capacities, but I’m still studying hard so you can be proud of me," I said through my tears, which made Dad fall silent. He averted his gaze and ran a hand over his face.

"Has there ever been a time when you were proud of me? That it wasn’t just my brother you boasted about? I’m your child too… but why—"

I couldn’t finish what I was about to say because I broke down into sobs. It hurt—it was heartbreaking to know that my own father had never once been proud of me. But when it came to my brother, it was as if he wanted to put up a billboard just to show the world how proud he was. When it came to me, though, he treated me like an embarrassment—like he wished he could disown me.

"W-Why does it feel like… I’m not even your child? Not once have I heard you say you’re proud of me. It’s always my brother… he’s always been your favorite! But what about me, Dad? I’m your child too, so why do I have to beg for your attention and love?!"

I screamed out all the pain I had been holding in. I couldn’t keep it bottled up anymore. I wanted to let it all out—to make him realize the burden I had been carrying for so long. I didn’t want to live like this anymore, where all he ever saw were my mistakes as if I had never done anything right in this family.

"I know you blame me for Mom’s death. But please, don’t make me feel like I don’t belong in this family."

I didn’t want to stay here anymore. I couldn’t bear my father’s treatment any longer.

"Don’t worry, Dad. The ‘useless burden’ you despise so much will be out of this house soon," I said coldly before turning my back on him.

I immediately went to my room to pack my things—I needed to leave this house for good.

“WAYNE LOUIE ANDERSON POV”

"Sir, there are reporters outside your office. Should I let them in?" My secretary asked, but I didn’t respond. I simply nodded, and she immediately understood what I meant.

It's still early, yet there are already reporters here to ruin my day. Why do I have to deal with issues so early in the morning? The endless attempts of people to destroy me never seem to stop.

I stood up and immediately loosened my necktie. I could feel anger and stress building up again in my body because of those worthless people. Why does society have such kinds of people? Great at accusing others, but when I fight back, they beg like a helpless puppy.

"Okay, everyone, listen up. I don’t want to repeat this, so pay close attention," I said as the reporters and media personnel started filing into my office one by one.

Another day to clear my name from the ignorance of these foolish people.

"I didn't do what they are accusing me of. I have not assaulted, harmed, or beaten any woman. Whatever news has reached you is nothing but lies meant to ruin my reputation. I work diligently and serve society with integrity. There is no solid evidence to prove that I am guilty, and my lawyer will make that clear to you. I have not done anything wrong, and I have never harmed anyone, especially women. You know me—I’m a businessman, and the only thing that runs through my mind is how to grow my company and help my employees. I work every day, so I have no time to do what they’re accusing me of," I said seriously, looking into the camera and letting out a deep sigh.

I noticed that some agreed with what I said, but most of them seemed doubtful and didn’t believe my words. I understand, though, because I know that many of them harbor resentment towards me for having dismissed them from their previous jobs due to their smear campaigns against me in the media.

But I don’t care, they deserved it because they chose to go against someone like me—a powerful man, the one many envy. No one will ever be able to bring me down.

"How is it going?" I asked immediately when Deo answered the call. He's my right hand, the one I rely on for everything. I wanted to know who was behind the attempt to ruin my reputation.

"I found her, boss. She’s the daughter of the man who stabbed you last week. Looks like she’s planning to take revenge on you,” he answered, and I couldn't help but smirk.

Idiot! She's just doing something that will only make things worse for her.

"What should I do with her, boss?"

"Make her suffer, but don't kill her. I want her to be destroyed through the lies and accusations of the people. After that, visit her father and let him know what his daughter has done to me."

I slammed my phone onto the table after our conversation, but I couldn't help but smirk at the thoughts running through my mind.

No one can bring Wayne Louie Anderson down. Whoever tries to do that, I’ll take the first move. I will make them suffer until they beg me for mercy. No one can stop me. No one.