Chapter 1

Seeing that I remained silent, my wife, Joy Zimmer’s expression instantly darkened.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I’m wrong?

“Your mother’s condition is not and will not get any better. Sending her abroad for surgery is just like throwing cash into a fire!”

As she spoke, she threw the gift card forcefully at my face.

“Today is the year-end banquet. I don’t want to argue with you on such an important day. Take the card and behave. Otherwise, you won’t even get this $30 gift card.”

Dale Moore, who was standing nearby, quickly stepped in to calm her.

“Joy, don’t be upset. How about I just give the $28,000 back to Charles?

“I was only just assisting on those projects. Charles was the one who contributed the most. I really don’t feel right taking this money.”

Joy immediately cut him off and said firmly, “No way! I promised to give it to you. I’m not going back on my word now.”

She turned and glared at me.

“Dale has worked under me for years without a single complaint. I want to help him fulfill his dream of buying a home. Are you really going to make me break my word as a leader?”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.

I poured so much effort into the company over the years. I pulled countless all-nighters and overcame numerous technical issues.

She turned a blind eye to all of it. She treated my dedication as nothing but an obligation.

In contrast, she remembered every single one of Dale’s routine duties and exaggerated their importance.

At this moment, fury surged within me.

Just as I was about to retort, the hospital called suddenly.

The nurse on the line sounded urgent. She said that my mother’s condition had deteriorated sharply, and she must be transferred to the ICU immediately.

She told me to pay an additional $3,000 as soon as possible.

I clenched my phone and had no choice but to suppress my helplessness.

I said meekly, “Joy, the hospital says my mom needs to move to the ICU. Can you give me $3,000 first so I can pay it?”

“More money? Wasn’t she fine this morning?”

Joy looked clearly disgusted.

“Charles, you’re not trying to scam me, are you? How low could you stoop? Are you making up a lie about your own mother like that?!”

My face turned red from rage, but I could not find the words to fight back.

After all, she had been in charge of all our household finances for so many years since we married.

I only had less than $10 on me in total.

Dale chimed in again with a mocking tone.

“Joy, don’t be too hard on Charles. Every man likes to have a little cash of their own. Keeping some pocket money is normal. Just listen to him this once.”

Joy’s face softened.

She glanced at me and said, “Since Dale spoke up for you, I’ll be generous just this once.”

I had begged repeatedly, but she remained unmoved.

Yet a casual remark from Dale was enough to make her change her mind.

I was torn between laughter and frustration.

The next second, Joy’s tone shifted.

“Fine, I’ll give you the money. But you have to at least show me you’re truly sincere.”

She pointed at the table full of wine glasses and said tauntingly, “One glass gets you $15. You’ll get more if you can finish more of it.

“If that’s too slow for you, you can crawl between Dale’s legs instead for $150 each time.”

The employees around Joy stifled their laughter at her suggestion.