My brother skipped my birthday party to be with his girlfriend. To make it up to me, he offered to buy me a Givenchy Starry Sky necklace. I grudgingly accepted his apology. But that very day, his girlfriend added me on SnapChat. And she wasted no time being rude. “Seriously, no shame? How dare you take a gift from *my* boyfriend? Every dollar he earns is *mine*.” “Also, women just get married eventually, right? All that schooling? Useless. Just drop out, stop bleeding the family dry.” I was floored. I’d never met anyone so brazen. I instantly shoved my phone in Ryan’s face. “Look at the trash mouth you’ve found for yourself.” Brittany’s messages kept coming. “Back where I grew up, girls your age already have a couple of kids. Get married, stop freeloading off your family.” “All the money Ryan makes, even your parents’ money—it’s all going to be mine eventually.” “You need to understand, every penny you spend now means one less penny for me in the future.” Ryan, my brother, stared at the screen, shocked. After a moment, he scratched his head awkwardly. “Maybe… maybe there’s some misunderstanding?” “Misunderstanding? Ryan, are you totally blinded by love? Brittany is clearly twisted!” I stared at my brother like he was a complete idiot. Ryan had always been a bit wishy-washy and painfully introverted since we were kids. Because of his personality, he barely had any friends, let alone a girlfriend. He was almost thirty, and this was his first relationship ever. Naturally, our entire family was beyond thrilled. Mom and Dad booked overnight flights, ready to fly in from overseas to meet his “future wife.” I even took time off school just to come back. Ever since he started dating, Ryan wouldn’t stop raving about how amazing Brittany was. He swore up and down that we’d all adore her. I thought Ryan was about to drop some amazing news, a real game-changer. Turns out, he just dragged in a massive train wreck. The necklace he’d given me was still around my neck, feeling scorching hot and glaringly obvious. “Chloe, please, just forgive your future sister-in-law. She didn’t do anything wrong; it’s just the toxic environment she grew up in that twisted her views.” “I’ll talk to her, just don’t be mad.” Ryan tried to smooth things over, speaking gently on Brittany’s behalf. When I stayed silent, he held up three fingers, swearing on it. “I swear, I’ll never make my favorite, most adorable sister mad again!” I snorted out a laugh. Ryan finally relaxed when he saw my attitude soften. “Chloe, please don’t tell Mom and Dad about this, okay? I don’t want to ruin Brittany’s impression with them.” I nodded. I wasn’t about to badmouth her right away. Ryan continued, “Tomorrow, I’ll make her apologize to you in person. You *have* to forgive her, okay?” I nodded again. As long as she recognized her mistake and apologized sincerely, I could pretend nothing happened. Ryan drove me to Brittany’s place. He even said Brittany felt really bad and wanted to cook for me as an apology. *Hmm,* I thought, *sounds somewhat promising.* We pulled up to a run-down, older apartment complex in a less-than-desirable neighborhood. The moment I stepped out of the passenger seat, someone shoved me. I lost my balance and tumbled to the ground. Brittany glared down at me. “Don’t you know the passenger seat is for the girlfriend only? How *dare* you sit there?” My head hit the car door, and I saw stars. Brittany’s long fingernails practically poked my eyes. “Are you blind? It even says ‘Wife’s Seat’ on the dashboard!” “Did you just ignore everything I told you yesterday? Seriously, you’re taking my kindness for granted.” I’d seen it. But I get motion sickness. And honestly, I didn’t see what was wrong with a sister sitting in her brother’s passenger seat. Ryan flinched, quickly pulling Brittany back. “Brittany, don’t lay a hand on her…” “What, are you going to stop me?!” Brittany flung Ryan’s hand away. “She’s just a brat! Why should she get to spend your money on a necklace and steal my seat? She’s such a spendthrift, she’ll bleed the family dry!” I struggled to push myself up, my forehead throbbing. “You pushed me?” “Why wouldn’t I?” She stood there, hands on her hips, and spat at me in contempt. Then, without warning, she lunged, yanking the necklace hard from my neck. “Give it to me! Why is a student like you wearing something so expensive? You’re so vain!” Brittany demanded, as if it were her right.
The cold chain tightened around my throat. To avoid provoking her, I hadn’t even worn the necklace Ryan bought me. I yelled, “I bought this myself!” “You bought it yourself? Aren’t you still spending the family’s money?” The necklace snapped in her hand. Brittany’s eyes were filled with nothing but malice and greed. “The family’s money is for me and Ryan. How dare you be so extravagant?” “Brittany!” Ryan’s voice rose as he spun her around. “You promised me you’d apologize to my sister!” Brittany’s eyes immediately welled up, tears streaming down her face. “I humbled myself to cook for her and apologize, and she intentionally sat in *my* passenger seat to provoke me!” “Ryan, you’re my boyfriend. Are you helping me or helping her?” At that, Ryan’s demeanor instantly softened. He immediately turned to me, trying to appease me. “Chloe, don’t mind her. Brittany’s just a little stressed. Let’s just go inside and eat. She made soup…” I looked at Ryan’s evasive gaze, a lump forming in my throat. Was this really the brother who usually doted on me and protected me? Brittany smugly tilted her chin, eyeing me disdainfully. It wasn’t until I got to her place that I understood what “sincere apology” meant. On the dining table sat a sad plate of plain boiled cabbage and a watery egg drop soup with barely any egg… I looked at Ryan, utterly incredulous. Didn’t he say he’d gone shopping for groceries first thing in the morning and spent ages preparing? Ryan scratched his head awkwardly, saying nothing. Brittany slammed the forks hard onto the table in front of me. “Eat up, don’t be picky. It’s an honor to eat my cooking.” I honestly couldn’t bring myself to touch my fork. Her expression hardened. She picked up the bowl of soup and flung it at me. “Not eating, huh? You’re getting too comfortable!” The scorching hot soup splashed all over my skirt, sticky egg bits everywhere… Luckily, I dodged in time, so it didn’t hit my face. Ryan flinched. He jumped up to grab tissues and help me clean myself. Brittany, however, just added fuel to the fire. “Stop faking it, it wasn’t that hot. You think you’re some pampered princess?” I’d been spoiled by my parents since childhood; I’d never endured such humiliation. I grabbed the bowl of cabbage on the table, intending to throw it. Ryan was quick, his hand shooting out to grab mine firmly. “Chloe, Chloe, calm down!” Ryan’s grip was strong; I couldn’t break free. “Please, for me, okay? Don’t hold it against Brittany. Her parents didn’t love her, they were abusive when she was little, that’s why her temper is a bit short.” “That’s no excuse for her to bully people,” I bit out. Ryan still didn’t let go. I could only watch as Brittany walked closer, poking my face with her greasy finger. “Ryan and I are going to be a family in the future. You think he’ll take your side? Dream on.” “You better be smart and promise you’ll never spend a single penny of Ryan’s money again.” “And you better drop out of school. Tuition is such a waste of money, or else I’ll make sure you can never show your face in front of your classmates!” I snapped my head towards Ryan. He avoided my gaze again. “Chloe, your sister-in-law means no harm…” It felt like something was lodged in my chest, heavy and bitter. I found a burst of strength and violently yanked my hand free from Ryan’s grip. I stared into Ryan’s eyes, enunciating each word. “You’re such a wonderful brother.” As I turned to leave, Brittany taunted me from behind. “Oh, by the way, your parents sent you a birthday gift the other day, I already opened it.” “It’s a dress, looks pretty expensive. I’ll keep it, I have a reunion next week.” My steps faltered. When I looked back, I saw Brittany greedily fiddling with the princess dress Mom and Dad had sent me. Ryan looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing, just a barely audible sigh.
This time, I didn’t cover for Ryan. I got home and told Mom and Dad everything, exactly as it happened. Mom was heartbroken. “My precious daughter, we’ve never even raised our voice at you, and she dared to do that?!” “That boy, Ryan, he’s so foolish. When we get home, we’ll give him a good beating.” Mom and Dad were furious. Ryan didn’t come home until very late. His eyes were bloodshot. I guessed Mom and Dad must have chewed him out over the phone. Ryan gritted his teeth, stubbornly looking at me without speaking. I sighed. “Ryan, what were you thinking today?” “Chloe, I finally found someone I like. Why can’t you be more understanding?” Ryan’s gaze was full of blame and displeasure. He shook his head slightly. “And you told Mom and Dad? How is Brittany supposed to get along with them now?” I stared at my brother, stunned. How could he say something like that? Ryan continued, “Mom and Dad just called me, they cursed me out for ages. Brittany heard everything, she was crying…” Mom and Dad arrived home two days later. Ryan completely dropped his defiant facade in front of them, obediently admitting his mistakes. To appease Mom and Dad, he even grabbed my hand and slapped his own face with it. All three of us were stunned, seeing his bloodshot eyes. Families are easily softened, and they forgave him for the most part almost immediately. Mom and Dad demanded Ryan break up with Brittany. Ryan didn’t answer. He just kept kneeling, begging for forgiveness. … A week after Mom and Dad came home, Ryan showed up with Brittany without a word. Ryan grinned. “Mom, Dad, Brittany said she wanted to meet you.” Brittany wore a simple, elegant cotton dress, her hair in a high ponytail, with only light makeup. As she entered, she kept her head slightly bowed, looking incredibly timid. I almost didn’t recognize her. “Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Chloe, hello.” She spoke softly, the picture of a gentlewoman. My parents didn’t like Brittany. But guests were at the door, so they couldn’t just turn them away. Mom shot Ryan a displeased glance. Clearly, she wasn’t happy about him bringing someone home without warning. But Mom and Dad still played the good hosts. Mom cooked a table full of dishes, and Dad even brought out his prized wine. I sat on the sofa watching, sighing inwardly. Mom and Dad were still giving Ryan enough face. At the dinner table, Brittany completely changed her attitude, becoming incredibly attentive. She kept serving Mom and Dad food. “Mr. Davis, this fish is light; Ryan said your blood pressure is a bit high, so light food is perfect for you.” Then she turned and served Mom a piece of braised pork. “Mrs. Davis, your skin is amazing.” My parents still kept poker faces, but they had relaxed slightly. Ryan watched from the side, his eyes full of smugness, as if saying, *See? My girlfriend is so thoughtful.* I sighed and kept eating. I knew my parents. They might seem polite on the surface, but that was just their good upbringing. They loved me the most. Knowing how I’d been treated, there was no way Mom and Dad would accept Brittany as their daughter-in-law. Brittany even served me some food. “Chloe, eat more, you’re too thin.” I didn’t respond. Instead, I picked up the food she’d served me and put it in Ryan’s bowl. Brittany’s eyes instantly turned red. “Chloe, do you really hate me that much? We’re going to be family, and family shouldn’t hold grudges overnight.” Ryan immediately jumped in, “Chloe, you’re going too far this time.” Suddenly, the atmosphere in the living room turned awkward. Mom and Dad stopped what they were doing and looked at Ryan in unison. Ryan’s eyes darted around. “I… I just think Chloe isn’t being fair.” Brittany didn’t sense the shift in atmosphere. Her eyes gleamed with undisguised calculation. I chuckled to myself. She was finally dropping the act. After dinner, Brittany volunteered to wash the dishes. I could hear the water running and her softly whispering to Ryan. “Your parents seem pretty easy to handle. This house must be expensive, it’s a villa in the city center. When we get married, make them pay for more…” After they finished the dishes, Dad put down his teacup and said coolly, “You’re a clever girl, aren’t you?” Brittany thought she was being complimented and grinned. Ryan didn’t catch the hidden meaning and cheerfully nodded. “Yeah, Brittany’s really sensible.” Mom’s smile was barely held together. I chuckled aloud. “So, you two are getting married?”
Brittany nodded. “Of course, we’re planning to get married.” She exchanged a knowing look and smile with Ryan. The family dinner concluded then and there. Before Brittany left, she didn’t forget to bump my arm when no one was looking. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Soon, everything in this house will be mine. You just watch.” … After Brittany left, Mom and Dad blew up. But Ryan said one thing that silenced the whole room. “Brittany’s pregnant – this is your first grandchild.” Brittany thought she was carrying a golden ticket, and she became even more arrogant. Ryan even defied his parents, taking Brittany to secretly register their marriage without telling them. By the time we found out, it was too late. Mom was so angry she nearly fainted. Dad slapped Ryan hard. “You fool!” Ryan stuck his neck out stubbornly. “I’m not wrong! I know Chloe is smarter than me, that’s why you’ve always favored her more.” “From childhood until now, no one has ever truly chosen me—Brittany is the only one who loves me.” “Do you know? That day she cooked me a bowl of plain rice porridge, it was the first time I felt the warmth of a home…” I listened, utterly stunned. This… my brother had become *that* pathetic. Mom and Dad remained firm. But Brittany was shameless. Even knowing Mom and Dad disliked her, she forcibly moved all her luggage into the house. Mom, Dad, and I rushed home when we found out. By the time we arrived, the house was completely transformed, filled with Brittany’s things. Seeing us, she wasn’t flustered at all. She even carried herself like the lady of the house. Brittany nonchalantly stirred her bird’s nest soup with a spoon. “Oh, you’re here. This stuff is expensive, you rich people sure know how to enjoy yourselves.” None of us bothered to respond to her. Suddenly, she changed the subject. “I really like this house. You should transfer the title to my name. And all the money you two old people have in the bank, transfer it to my card too. I’ll keep it safe for you.” Ryan was in the bathroom at the moment. Dad’s face instantly darkened. “Get out. You’re not welcome here.” Brittany didn’t get angry. “Don’t be mad, now. Ryan and I are getting married, of course, you parents should help us out.” “And Chloe, she’s a girl, she’ll get married sooner or later. No need to study so much. You should go help her drop out. Better to save that money to raise a child for me and Ryan.” I rolled my eyes at her. “Are you dreaming?” Brittany looked utterly righteous. “Am I wrong? You have so much money, isn’t it a waste to give it to this brat?!” “What I’m carrying in my belly is the golden heir who’ll continue the Davis family line!” Ryan emerged from the bathroom. He saw Mom and Dad’s ashen faces and suddenly bowed deeply to them. “Dad, Mom, please don’t be angry. Brittany means no harm, she’s just very direct.” Mom was trembling all over, her face pale. She pointed at the front door. “Get out! Both of you, get out!” Brittany shrieked. “Why should we? I’m willing to discuss this with you, that’s me giving you respect.” “Ryan, they’re deliberately making things difficult for me! Are you going to do something about it? Or else, I’m not marrying you!” Ryan rushed to appease her. “Don’t be mad, don’t be mad, I’ll talk to them properly.” Watching my brother like this, my heart turned cold. Mom clutched her chest, her face as white as a sheet. Mom’s health was never good; how could she endure such a shock? “Mom!” I rushed forward, catching Mom as she collapsed. Instantly, the house descended into chaos. Mom didn’t wake up until the next day. Dad and I stood vigil by her bedside. Ryan only came to look at Mom once, Then left the hospital, citing the need to care for Brittany, the pregnant woman. Mom held my hand, her voice hoarse. “Chloe, your brother… I used to think he was just a bit soft, but now I know he’s completely lost, beyond saving.” Dad sat by the bed, taking a deep breath. He pulled a document from his briefcase. “My dear, this is the company’s equity transfer agreement. Your mom and I have already signed it.” “From now on, you are the company’s sole successor.” I was stunned. “Mom, Dad…” My parents loved me dearly. But they were still very traditional. No matter how poorly Ryan performed, they couldn’t bring themselves to hand over the company to me.
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