LOGINTwo weeks later, Dennis woke up and was moved from the ICU to a regular ward. His left leg had been saved, and the doctors had inserted metal pins to stabilize the fracture. They said recovery would take at least a year, and he might have a slight limp afterward.I sat beside his bed while peeling an apple.He joked, "Calum, you've peeled off more flesh than skin.""Be grateful you've got something to eat.""Jessica came by today." He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. "She asked how I was doing, but I ignored her."I was about to answer when a knock interrupted us."May I come in?"Without waiting for an answer, Jessica walked in and set some fruit on the bedside table. She kept her distance from my brother, as if afraid of scaring him."I've asked my lawyer to handle Matthew's parents and the compensation. The payment will be settled.""Got it," I answered flatly.Jessica twisted her hands nervously. "Calum, I've done what I should have. Can you give me another cha
Jessica stuttered as she questioned Matthew, "When I asked you to look into Calum back then, why did you lie and tell me he'd found a rich woman to support him?"Matthew looked flustered. "I-I heard it from someone else.""Who?""Someone in our social circle mentioned it, so I...""You didn't even check?" She stepped closer.He looked uncomfortable. "I did, but that person made it sound so convincing that I believed it was true."In that split second, the air grew tense."You made me hate the wrong person." Jessica's eyes were bloodshot."Ms. Homer, I only did it for your own good!" Matthew panicked. "You were devastated after he left. I was afraid he'd deceive you again.""Shut up!" She slapped him again.This time, he didn't dodge either. "Are you hitting me for him?""Of course!" Jessica pointed at him. "I've treated you so well, and you've been lying to me this whole time.""Fine!" He finally dropped the act. "He really did leave, didn't he? Was I wrong to tell you to s
At the police station, Matthew sat in the interrogation room. Through the glass, I could see him shaking badly.The police had pulled the surveillance footage. After hitting Dennis that night, Matthew hadn't called the police. Instead, he had called Jessica. He even removed the dashcam from the car.Together with Dennis's medical report, the evidence was enough to open a criminal case.The officer explained, "For a hit-and-run causing serious injury, the prison sentence starts at three years."Matthew immediately burst into tears and cried out to Jessica. "Ms. Homer, please save me! I don't want to go to prison!"Jessica stood in the corridor, her face livid.After I signed my statement, I headed for the exit. She hurried after me and blocked my way."Calum, let's talk." She bit her lower lip, struggling to get the words out. "Could you sign a letter of understanding? His family isn't well-off, and his parents are in poor health. If he goes to prison, his life will be over."
Jessica probably hadn't expected me to resign. After a long silence, she finally said, "Well, look at you, suddenly acting so tough. Did you find another rich woman to support you? Why don't you introduce her to me? Maybe I can pick up a few tips on climbing the social ladder."I hung up and blocked her number.Dennis was still in the ICU, and the interest on my loan was growing every day. I had to find a high-paying job as soon as possible.I downloaded a job-search application and submitted my resume. I had five years in supply chain management, two years as operations director at a publicly traded company, team leadership experience, and a successful IPO.After sending out three applications, my phone rang half an hour later."Is this Mr. Johnson? We're calling from Starlight Group, and we've reviewed your resume. Are you available for an interview tomorrow for the supply chain director's position?"On the day of the interview, the receptionist led me into a conference room. T
When we arrived at the hospital, Dennis was rushed into the emergency room.…Twenty minutes later, the doctor came out and said, "The patient has lost a lot of blood. He has an open fracture of the left leg, along with a minor splenic rupture. His condition is unstable, so we advise moving him to the ICU for observation."Then, he handed me a stack of forms."Please take care of the payment first. We need a deposit of five million."I checked my bank balance, realizing I only had a million after combining all my accounts.For the past two years, I had worked for Jessica without pay. I lived in company housing and ate in the cafeteria, so where was I supposed to find that kind of money?Just then, the elevator at the end of the corridor opened. Jessica stepped out, with Matthew following behind her. He looked extremely frail.Meanwhile, she comforted him gently. "Don't worry. The test results will be ready soon."I hurried over to her and asked desperately, "Can you lend me so
Seeing that Dennis was about to go into shock, I scrambled for my phone on the ground.However, Jessica stepped on the back of my hand with her high heel. "Jeez, calm down. It's already happened. The first thing we need to do is solve the problem. Matthew's future matters."Pain shot through my hand."What about my brother's future?" I cut her off furiously. "He just started college this year."Matthew crouched beside us and burst into sobs. "Calum, I know it's all my fault. Hit me if you want. I'll get on my knees."Then, he actually knelt. His knees hit the ground with a loud thud.Jessica rushed over to help him. "Matthew, get up. The ground is cold."He leaned against her shoulder while sobbing. "I'm doomed, Ms. Homer."She patted his back and said softly, "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."…While they clung to each other, I took the chance to call an ambulance. After I hung up, I stared anxiously at my brother, praying nothing would happen to him.Jessi







