Chapter 2

Dad yanked open the security door, and a violent gust of wind immediately tore into the apartment.

The hallway windows outside rattled and banged against their frames.

Amid the howling wind, I could faintly hear the sounds of trees snapping somewhere outside.

The sky was frighteningly dark, and the oppressive atmosphere made it hard to breathe.

Mom cried even harder as she shoved me from behind.

“Come on! Hurry up and go with your father!

“If anything happens to Ryan, I won’t live either!”

I gripped the doorframe tightly, refusing to budge.

“I told you, he never went outside!

“He’s somewhere in this building. He might even be on the rooftop.”

The moment he heard that, Dad spun around and raised his hand, ready to slap me.

“What the hell are you talking about?

“Why would he go to the rooftop for no reason? The roof is dangerous enough as it is. Is he crazy, or are you?

“Claire, how did I end up with such a cold-blooded, heartless daughter?

“He’s your own brother! You’ve been jealous of him since you were little, and now you’re even cursing him!”

I looked at Dad’s furious expression and gave a bitter, self-mocking smile.

Jealous?

Ever since we were kids, everything good in this family had always gone to Ryan.

When Ryan wanted the latest computer, Dad would scrimp and save for two months to buy it for him.

When I got into a top university and needed tuition money, Mom forced me to take out a student loan so they could save the money to buy Ryan designer sneakers.

Even whenever Ryan did something wrong, I was always the one who got yelled at or punished.

There was always only one excuse.

“You’re his older sister. Can’t you just give your little brother a break?”

In my previous life, I gave in until it cost me my life.

This time, I wouldn’t give an inch.

“I’m not cursing him. I’m just making a judgment based on the facts.

“If you insist that he’s in danger outside, then go look for him yourselves.

“But I’m warning you, going outside right now would be no different from walking straight to your deaths.”

Dad was shaking with rage as he pointed at me and cursed.

“Fine! Fine! You won’t go, will you?

“Then I’ll pretend I never had a daughter like you!”

I sneered inwardly.

If this apartment hadn’t been specifically left to me in Grandpa’s will, with my name on the deed, they probably would have tried to force me to transfer it to them and kick me out long ago, just to make room for their precious younger son.

They had made it sound so nice back then, claiming they were only moving in to “take care of me.”

Instead, they brought Ryan along and simply moved in.

Dad turned around and started pounding on the doors of several neighboring apartments.

“Mr. Parker! Mr. Collins! Open up! Please help us!

“My son Ryan is missing! The hurricane is about to hit! Please help us look for him!”

The neighbors, Mr. Joshua Parker and Mr. Oliver Collins, heard the commotion and opened their doors.

Seeing how frantic my parents were, Mr. Parker tried to reason with Dad.

“Mr. Bennett, the wind is way too strong outside. The community just issued a severe weather alert and prohibited everyone from going outside.”

Mom suddenly dropped to her knees in front of him.

“Mr. Parker, please! Ryan is still out there!

“He’s my only son! If something happens to him, I won’t be able to go on living!”

Mr. Collins sighed and helped Mom back to her feet.

“It’s... it’s really too dangerous to go outside.

“How about this? We start by searching the first floor of our building.

“Maybe he’s hiding from the wind in a neighbor’s apartment or somewhere in the hallway.”

Dad wiped his tears and nodded repeatedly.

“Okay! Okay! Please, everyone, help us search from the first floor!

“If you find my son, I’ll do anything to repay you!”

The neighbors came out with flashlights in hand.

Mom turned around and shot me a vicious glare.

“What are you standing there for? Even the neighbors have more conscience than you!

“Get over here and help us search!”

I leaned against the doorway and let out a cold laugh.

I couldn’t wait to see their faces after they searched the entire building and finally discovered that Ryan had been on the rooftop all along.

I closed the door to our apartment and followed the group at a leisurely pace, staying at the very back.