ROWLAND (From Ruin to Rule)

Chapter 9: A Scheme Underway.

“What?! They did that to you? Mrs. Fence's nostrils flared, her anger barely contained. "That family has no idea who they are messing with. If I make just one call, the family's finances will be completely destroyed by the end of the week!"

It was clear from their remarks that Mr. and Mrs. Fence disapproved of Rowland's courtroom humiliation.

It was Mr. Fence who finally spoke from his silent spot by the window.

"Son, I know you want to exact revenge, but why hold off? At this point, you can destroy them. All of the power is at your disposal. You do not have to conceal yourself behind this... front."

Rowland stayed put, his jaw clenched. "This is personal, Father. I do not want them to only know my true identity. I want them to feel the weight of their own stupidity, the agony of seeing someone they thought was beneath them soar to heights they can only imagine."

With pride and concern in her eyes, Mrs. Fence folded her arms and gazed at her son. "And precisely how are you going to accomplish that, Rowland?"

He drew in a long breath. "I need your help, but not in the way you are expecting." After pausing briefly, Rowland said, "I want to work at the Fence Emerald company."

His parents looked at each other in confusion.

"You mean to take over?" Mr. Fence inquired, still confused.

With a headshake, Rowland declined. "Not at all. I would like to be hired as the project manager."

Mrs. Fence's expression hardened with disapproval. "You? A project manager? Rowland, this is ridiculous! You are our heir and already the owner of the business, so why would you want to lower yourself by accepting a job that is so beneath you?"

With a firm yet calm voice, Rowland raised a hand. "I understand mother, I know I am the heir, but I want to be the project manager."

Mr. Fence massaged his temples, attempting to comprehend his son's scheme. "You have our full support, Rowland. However, I still fail to see why you would choose to endure all of this when you could now make them crawl at your feet."

"Because it is not just about winning," Rowland explained, his voice low but determined. "I want them to regret everything they have ever said to me. Every insult, every contemptuous glance. They need to see me rise, but only after they have completely dismissed me as nothing."

There was a long moment of silence before Mr. Fence pulled out her purse and gave him the elegant black card. "Use this responsibly. We will support you, but please ensure that your plan works. I do not want you to get hurt again."

A black card? Rowland had seen a black card on the street once, and because it belonged to the wealthy man who occasionally visits the street, he knew it was a very important card.

His eyes glistened with delight as his father held it up to his face and asked to have it; he had no idea he would own one too.

Taking the card and feeling its weight in his hand, Rowland grinned. He would see to it that everyone who had harassed him was made to pay.

"Thank you, Father. Thank you for your assistance."

Feeling its smooth, cool surface against his fingertips, Rowland slid the black card into his wallet. Few people could ever hope to own such a symbol of prestige and power.

It was more than a card, though, in his opinion. It held the key to releasing the shame, guilt, and fallout from the very people who had rejected him.