Chapter 3

I almost laughed out loud at my father's words.

When it came to protecting his firstborn, my father would rather believe I'd somehow hacked into the national education system than spend two seconds thinking about how absurd that actually was.

"Nick, just admit it," Bill said, seizing yet another chance to pour fuel on the fire. "I know you've made some connections out there in the world. Just change the name back in the system, and we won't call the police on you. After all... we're still family."

That single line nailed the "hacker" theory firmly in place.

Rick was beyond furious. He jabbed a finger at my nose and let loose.

"Have you lost your mind? You ungrateful disgrace! A whole year out of school running with delinquents, and now you actually pull something this criminal?

"I've spent my whole career building a spotless reputation in the business world. How did I end up with a stain like you for a son? Do you have any idea how far Cyrus Group's stock would fall if word of this got out?"

He turned to his bodyguards and barked, "Tie him up! Break his legs!"

Then, he turned to me and said, "Since you refuse to feel any remorse, I'm done calling you my son.

"Get in touch with that internet-addiction facility on the west side right now. Lock him up. He doesn't leave until I say so, not for the rest of his life."

That facility was worse than prison. It was full of electric shocks, beatings, and psychological torment. And all for Bill's sake, they were willing to throw their own flesh and blood into that kind of hell.

Looking at the pack of repulsive people in front of me, whatever was left of my hope died completely.

I stepped back and picked up the silver cake knife off the table, the one meant for cutting the cake.

The blade caught the chandelier's light, glinting cold and sharp. I aimed the tip at the nearest bodyguard.

"Whoever touches me first can watch this send-off party turn into a bloodbath."

Dead silence swallowed the room.

Everyone froze, stunned by the sudden violence and resolve radiating off me.

Valerie let out a terrified scream and dragged Bill backward, clutching him tight. "You... what are you trying to do? Are you going to kill someone? You lunatic!"

Rick's face had gone pale with rage. He pointed at me and roared, "Have you completely lost it? Guards! What are you standing around for? Get that knife out of his hand!"

A few of the burlier bodyguards exchanged glances. They clearly didn't like the knife in my hand, but they steeled themselves and crept forward anyway.

"Barefoot men don't fear men in shoes," I said with a cold smile, tracing a slow, icy arc through the air with the blade. "You've already decided I'm some worthless delinquent anyway. Taking a few of you down with me wouldn't cost me a thing."

While they hesitated to make a move, I slipped my other hand into my pocket and pulled out my phone.

If they wanted to play this game, if they wanted to protect the Cyrus name so badly, then I'd tear that veil off completely.

My fingers moved fast across the screen. I started a live stream straight to the entire internet and turned the camera on the room.

"Good evening, everyone."

My voice came out cold and steady, carrying across the hall and out into cyberspace.

"See this? This is the famous Cyrus family of Hampson City.

"My own brother framed me for stealing his spot at Braxton University.

"My own parents didn't even bother finding out the truth. Not only do they want to break my legs, they want to lock me away in some so-called internet-addiction asylum.

"Grab your popcorn, everyone. This rich family's scandal is fully ripe for the picking."