Chapter 2

2

To spend more time with my family, I had moved the core of my business back home.

Luck was on my side, and the very first indie film I financed became an absolute blockbuster.

When the box office numbers came in, I called my parents right away to share the good news, just like I always did.

Before I could even speak, I heard Mom letting out a heavy sigh.

When I asked what was wrong, I learned Nolan had been laid off.

Afraid of making them feel inadequate, I kept quiet about my massive profits.

I booked a flight back home immediately, planning to help my brother get back on his feet.

When I arrived at the neighborhood, the neighbors gathered around, asking if I had struck gold again.

Wanting to spare Nolan's feelings, I casually joked that my business was on the verge of bankruptcy.

They comforted me, saying that no one could stay lucky forever after ten good years, telling me to keep my chin up.

I smiled at them and said, "It's fine. I'm not worried. No matter what happens, I still have my family."

My family didn't echo my sentiment. Instead, every single one of them looked grim and distant.

Once we got inside the house, Nolan asked me if I was truly broke.

Seeing their dark expressions, I was just about to tell them the truth so they wouldn't worry, when Dad barked harshly.

"Everything in this house belongs to your brother. Don't even think about taking a penny from him."

I froze on the spot.

Never in my life did I expect those words to come out of my father's mouth.

Whenever I came home in the past, they always greeted me with warm smiles, making me feel surrounded by love.

Now that they thought I had no money, was that love gone just like that?

With that bitter question in mind, I decided to keep playing along.

I chuckled dryly and replied, "Dad, that doesn't make sense. I sent the money to build this house. I bought every appliance here. I bought Nolan's new truck last year, and I even paid for his lavish wedding. I've covered almost every single major expense for this family."

Before I could even finish, Dad slammed his fist onto the table.

He pointed at my nose and yelled, "I gave you your damn life! What right do you have to keep score with me?"

Nolan backed him up. "Exactly, Nathan. As a son, filial duty comes first. How can you be shameless enough to nickel-and-dime Mom and Dad?"

Before his voice faded, Mom turned on me too.

She covered her face and sobbed dramatically. "Your sister-in-law is expecting her second baby, and our eldest grandchild is starting school this year. We were just planning to buy a big house in the city, and now you go bankrupt? How are we supposed to survive? You need to take full responsibility!"

I was both heartbroken and furious. "I have no problem providing for you and Dad, but Nolan is a grown man! Why should I be responsible for his life?"

Dad roared at me, "An older brother looking after his younger brother is basic decency! You're not even married! Who else are you supposed to spend your money on if not us?"

My sister-in-law chimed in weakly, "Wait a minute... If he went bankrupt, does he have massive debts? I heard loan sharks are ruthless. He won't drag us down with him, will he?"

Hearing that, my little nephew burst into tears and started shoving me toward the door. "You're going to bring bad guys to my house! Get out! You're not welcome here!"

I stared at them coldly. "So when I have money, we're a family, but the second I'm in trouble, you kick me to the curb?"

Nolan avoided my gaze, my sister-in-law looked away, and my parents glared at me in sullen silence.

Their stance could not have been clearer.

I was chilled to the bone and burning with rage. There was no way I was going to let them off so easily.

So I declared, "I paid for this entire house. If anyone is getting out, it's all of you!"

They wanted me gone? Fine, I was staying right here!

I wanted them to sweat and lose sleep every single night!