“Oh, my precious grandson is truly thoughtful. So different from that Lily. Every time Lily says she cares about me, I feel like she’s only after my money. But you—you’re not that kind of child.”
Is that so?
Just wait.
Later, Margaret tried a few more times to press the money into my hands. I refused every time, and she left delighted, hugging the cash as she carried it away.
That night after dinner, Chloe dragged me into the bedroom, jabbing my forehead in rage.
“Ethan Brooks, did the car accident scramble your brain? How could you give that money back to that old hag? Don’t you know she’s notoriously stingy? Today was a once-in-a-lifetime chance—she’ll never give you that much again! You’re an idiot!”
“Mom, we’re not short of money. Why would we need so much?”
“Are you joking? Who doesn’t want more money? Who says no to it? Don’t you forget—if I hadn’t taken you in, fed you, clothed you, treated you like a little prince, you’d still be on the streets begging!”
Two sentences—and the truth slipped out.
Ethan wasn’t Chloe and Daniel’s biological son.
But hadn’t Margaret once claimed that Ethan and Daniel had taken a DNA test, proving the boy was his? She had been overjoyed, hiding it like a treasure until I accidentally discovered it.
Now, hearing the truth, joy surged inside me. I realized there was a punishment far crueler than death for them.
After Chloe’s scolding, Daniel came out to smooth things over, shielding me with a smile as he transferred money to her on his phone.
“Come on, darling. I’m proud of our son’s character. Aren’t you? He’s thoughtful and kind. But I also know how hard you’ve worked all these years, so I’ll make it up to you. I just sent $380,000 to your account.”
Ding.
So that’s what money sounds like.
Back when I begged him for cash, he had countless excuses—losses in the stock market, no returns on patents.
But now, $380,000 was nothing—just a click away.
Chloe’s face lit up as the deposit arrived. She practically jumped with joy, clinging to Daniel’s arm.
“Darling, I didn’t mean anything else. I was praising how good Ethan is, just worried he might get arrogant. That’s why I wanted to teach him to manage his rewards better.”
“Yes, yes, you did well. You gave me a wonderful son. Half of his character comes from your teaching. Thank you, sweetheart.”
“So… don’t I deserve a little reward too?”