I only made it a few steps before sharp pain exploded at the back of my skull.
I spun around. Ryan stood there holding a vase, his face twisted.
"We can't let her go. Words mean nothing—she's already had this idea. She'll sabotage me!"
"I worked so hard for this exam. I'm one step away! If she ruins it, I'd rather die!"
I struggled to run, but Dad reacted instantly, slamming me to the ground.
My face smashed into the floor. The bridge of my nose felt shattered. Blood dripped onto the tile.
"He's right! This damn girl stays under our roof until it's over."
"Once results are out, we throw her out. Wherever she dies is her problem."
They dragged me by my hair. My vision went black.
When I woke, I was in the basement. My phone was gone.
At mealtimes, the door cracked open. I gathered every ounce of strength and rushed it.
But Ryan was ready. He shoved me hard. I hit the ground and my ankle twisted—the pain was blinding.
He tossed several steamed buns and a water bottle at my feet.
"Still alive? Gone crazy from jealousy?"
"Relax. Once I'm in, I'll let you out. Be smart and disappear. My record can't have a stain like you."
I lifted my head and smiled.
I couldn't wait to see that stupid face when he learned the truth.
I lost track of how many days I spent in that basement. The wounds on my foot and head had gone numb. The fever burned so hot even my bones ached.
As long as Ryan saw I was still breathing, he didn't care. I forced myself to hold on, fighting to stay conscious.
Finally, I got what I'd been waiting for.
The house had thin walls. The phone's ring was crystal clear.
Ryan's voice trembled with excitement. "Yes, yes—I'm Ryan Gilbert. The review results are out?"
A long silence. Over a minute.
His tone plummeted.
"What do you mean by that? Does my sister have some kind of problem?"
"Huh? You need to confirm it with her in person?"
Ryan went quiet. Mom was the first to snatch the phone.
"Yes, I'm Alex Gilbert. What do you need to confirm?"
"What happened during 2024 to 2025? I was just working as a regular employee at Stellar Tech in Seaside City."
"Certain? Of course I'm certain. If you need proof of employment, we can exchange contact info and I'll send it over."
"Hey, okay, okay, okay. From now on you and my brother will be colleagues, so look out for each other."
Mom happily hung up and patted Ryan on the shoulder.