Chapter 4

About a week later, I got a call from Gavin.

“Stella,” he said, his voice dripping with entitlement, “it’s already a done deal—I’m going to Sunshine University. So when are you going to buy me a new phone and laptop?”

He didn’t even wait for me to reply before adding, “And they’d better be the latest models! If they’re not, I’m not going to school!”

His words hit me like a flashback to my previous life.

Back then, I had already enrolled him in a decent state school, with plans for him to transfer after a year and continue his studies abroad. But Dad had filled his head with fantasies about Sunshine University, convincing him it was his birthright.

To keep him happy and on track with the plan I’d worked so hard to create, I ended up buying him a new phone and laptop.

But let’s be real—he’s the one going to college, not me. If he doesn’t want to go, why should I care?

So this time, I wasn’t in a rush. I popped a strawberry into my mouth, sipped some tea, and replied lazily, “Oh, that’s not happening. I don’t have the kind of money to buy you all that stuff. Besides, wasn’t it Dad who promised you those things? You should probably ask him.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. Gavin was clearly caught off guard. I’d never said no to him before, especially when it came to things Dad had already promised.

He huffed, but instead of blowing up, he asked, “Fine. If you can’t get it now, will you buy it for me after your next paycheck?”

I laughed softly, unbothered. “Absolutely not. I’m your sister, not your mom. I’ve bought you snacks and small things here and there, but we’re talking about thousands of dollars. Why on earth would that be my responsibility?”

That set him off. He practically screamed into the phone, his voice cracking, “Dad spent all his money on your stupid work gifts! He can’t afford it anymore! And everyone knows government employees like you are swimming in bribes—don’t tell me you can’t spare a little for your own brother!”

“Stingy jerk!”

I froze for a moment, then calmly hit the record button on my phone.

“Excuse me?” I said, my tone sharp. “Who told you government workers are taking bribes? Why don’t you bring that person to me, and we’ll have a little chat?”

“Let me be clear: I’ve never taken a single penny beyond my salary and benefits. If someone’s spreading nonsense like that, they’d better be ready to face the consequences. So tell me, Gavin—who’s your source? I’d be happy to report them for corruption.”

The line went dead silent.

Of course, Gavin didn’t actually know anyone. He had just made it up, hoping to guilt me into buying him what he wanted.

The silence dragged on until I heard muffled shouting in the background. It sounded like Gavin and Dad were arguing. Then, with a loud slam, the call disconnected.

Curious, I pulled up the security camera feed from home.

Sure enough, Gavin hadn’t gotten any money from Dad. Worse, his old phone had been smashed in the middle of their argument.