Chapter 4

The next day, Ethan came storming to my door.

"Natalie, you sent Hazel a lawyer's letter?! Have you lost your mind?!"

"She got so stressed from the letter that she couldn't breathe until midnight!"

I leaned back in my chair and looked at him.

"Debts must be repaid—it's only natural. Don't you know how much money she's spent of mine?"

Ethan's jaw clenched. He took a deep breath.

"Natalie, I don't have that much money right now. Withdraw the lawyer's letter and we'll settle this privately."

I looked like I'd heard a joke.

"Don't have it? Ethan, didn't you say yesterday you'd settle everything in one payment?"

He stared at me hard, his eyes bloodshot.

"Natalie, she's your sister!"

I smiled slightly.

"She's already cut ties with me. Why should I care if she lives or dies? Eighty thousand dollars. Pay up! I'm giving you three months."

Ethan's face turned iron-blue. He gritted his teeth threateningly:

"That client your company is negotiating with—the person in charge is my friend. One word from me and he'll tear up the contract! Natalie, you'd better not be stupid about this!"

With that, he kicked the door open and left.

I watched his retreating figure, but my heart felt nothing.

He did exactly as he said.

The next day the sales director came to me, saying the client suddenly wanted to reassess the partnership.

I didn't ask questions. I just pulled out my backup plan.

I'd lost both parents at fifteen. Every step I'd taken was like walking on thin ice—how could I not leave myself a contingency?

A week later, I got a call from my cousin Emma.

"Natalie, Grandma's birthday is this weekend. Come back home—she keeps asking about you."

I was about to refuse when Emma paused and added:

"Hazel's coming back too. Says she's bringing her boyfriend to meet Grandma."

I was silent for a few seconds, then finally agreed.

That weekend, I drove back to my hometown.

Two tables were set up in the courtyard, with relatives arriving one after another.

Before long, Hazel walked in on Ethan's arm.

The entire courtyard went quiet for a moment.

Over the years, everyone had watched me hold up this family on my own.

Ethan was the man I'd brought home for Christmas. They all recognized him.

In just two months, the person by his side had changed to my sister.

Ethan instinctively shifted his body, shielding Hazel behind him, his eyes wary.

Hazel looked at me, her lips moving.

"Natalie..."

I looked at the two of them and smiled lightly.

"Don't be nervous. It's Grandma's birthday. I'm here to celebrate."

"Since everyone's here, let's share a video to liven things up."

The TV behind me lit up.

The moment they saw what was on screen, Hazel and Ethan froze in place, the color draining completely from their faces!