Chapter 2

Jimmy was yelling about buying designer suits, while Betsy was planning to buy designer handbags.

Dad was on the phone bragging to our relatives about how Jimmy was going to live the good life in Vespary.

Leaning against the door, I pulled out my phone. On the screen was a top-secret internal email from the rescue organization.

"Destination: Luminara Strait, Soleene, Quorinth.

Mission: Maintenance of battlefield medical equipment and emergency rescue operations.

Risk Level: Extremely High."

I deleted the email, then walked over to my desk and tore the will I'd written long ago into tiny pieces.

Early the next morning, Jimmy got up at the crack of dawn for once. He put on a gaudy shirt and slicked his hair back until it gleamed.

"Cody, hurry up! Don't hold up my bright future!" he said, checking himself out in the mirror.

Betsy was fussing over Jimmy, straightening his collar.

Her gestures were a little too intimate, but she was so engrossed in him that she didn't even notice me watching.

"Jimmy, don't forget to get me that limited-edition handbag when you get there," Betsy whispered coquettishly.

Jimmy slipped an arm around her waist and grinned. "Don't worry, Betsy. I'll take you to Vespary to settle down, and we'll leave that country bumpkin Cody behind."

I stood in the shadows, coldly watching the scene unfold. It turned out they had been sneaking around behind my back the whole time.

All those years I'd worked myself to the bone to support them, only to discover I'd been feeding two ungrateful snakes.

"Let's go." I pushed open the door and headed for the entrance expressionlessly.

Dad followed close behind with a wooden stick in his hand.

"I'm coming with you, in case this ungrateful bastard changes his mind halfway there."

He was so suspicious of me that he treated me like a thief.

Along the way, Jimmy kept posting on Instagram.

"Off to Vespary! A bright future awaits."

He attached a blurry photo of the Blue Cross acceptance letter.

Before long, his phone started buzzing nonstop as likes and flattering comments poured in.

"Jimmy, look at you making something of yourself. Don't forget us when you strike it rich."

"Of course not! I'm heading overseas for an exchange program in a developed country."

Jimmy couldn't stop grinning as he read through the comments.

I sat in the passenger seat, watching the trees outside blur past the window.

"Jimmy, I'm asking you one last time. Are you absolutely sure you want to go? Things over there might not be what you expect. In fact, you could be putting yourself in danger."

I guess it was the last shred of conscience in me kicking in.

Jimmy shot me an impatient glare. "Cody, will you give it a rest? You're just jealous, aren't you? What danger could there possibly be? What, are the wines over there strong enough to kill someone?"

Betsy immediately backed him up. "Exactly! If you can't make something of yourself, stop trying to scare people! You can't go, so now you're trying to scare Jimmy into giving the spot back to you? Well, forget it! Not a chance!"

I nodded and fell completely silent. After all, I couldn't save someone who was determined to dig his own grave.

When we arrived at the rescue organization's office, Austin Larson froze at the sight of me bringing so many people along.

"Cody, what's going on here?"

I pushed Jimmy forward and said calmly, "Austin, I'm not in the best of health, so I'd like to transfer my spot to my brother, Jimmy."

A deep frown immediately appeared on Austin's forehead. He glanced at Jimmy's nonchalant demeanor, then turned to me.

"Have you lost your mind, Cody? Do you even know what kind of place you're going to? This is a relief mission, not a vacation!"

Dad suddenly lunged forward and shoved Austin aside.

"Watch your mouth! Why can't Jimmy go? Are you afraid he'll make a fortune over there and take your friend's spot?"