Chapter 4

Daphne's birthday present had been torn completely open.

Cody caught me staring and looked slightly embarrassed, but he quickly covered it up with a look of disdain.

He held up the unboxed model car and scoffed, "Dad, I'm way too old for toys. Why would you even get me this?"

Seeing Daphne's gift being handled so carelessly made my stomach turn. Swallowing my rage, I snatched the box right out of his hands.

"This isn't for you," I said, my voice sharp and laced with reproach. "Who gave you permission to touch my belongings?"

Cody's arrogant little smirk died instantly as he stared at me in utter disbelief.

Honestly, I couldn't blame him for the shock. In my previous life, I had never once chided him, let alone raised my voice at him.

He had been the apple of my eye.

But right now, Cody could clearly read the impatience and disgust written all over my face. Tears welled up in his eyes, a look of utter confusion washing over his face.

In the next second, Shane pulled him into a protective embrace, putting on an over-the-top show of comforting Cody while tearing into me.

"It's just a stupid toy. Stop acting like such a drama queen! This is your son we're talking about. No wonder they walked out on you."

Shane yanked open his wallet, pulled out a wad of cash, and threw the bills at my chest. "You must be desperate for money. This should buy you a dozen of those pathetic toys."

Shane's words immediately emboldened Cody, whose gaze turned hostile as he looked at me.

"You're not my dad! You abandoned me for five years, so it serves you right that Mom hates you. Mr. Maddox is my dad from now on!"

"Enough out of you!" Natalie snapped, her brows drawing together as she cut Cody off.

Cody went pale with fright, clamping his mouth shut and refusing to say another word.

Shane let out a cold snort, but before he could speak, his name echoed over the loudspeaker for the award ceremony.

He lifted his chin and marched past me with his head held high. "Watch closely, Benjamin Hudson. I just won the exact thing you'll spend your entire life dreaming about."

I shot him a fleeting glance.

This complete joke of an award wasn't something I'd want even if they paid me to take it, so he had absolutely nothing to be proud of.

As soon as he left, Natalie visibly relaxed.

She stared at me intently, as if she couldn't get enough of looking at my face, but I kept my expression completely blank and ignored her.

Just as she was about to speak, Shane came running back, practically vibrating with excitement.

"The Keegans are here! They're one of the main event sponsors, and word is they're actually going to hand out the awards!"

Cody's eyes lit up. "You mean the Keegan family that's in the aircraft business?"

"That's them."

Shane nodded, a flash of regret crossing his face. "It's a shame they'll probably only present the trophy to the champion."

Cody immediately piped up to comfort him. "It's okay, Mr. Maddox. You're still getting an award, which is way better than going home empty-handed."

The dig was incredibly obvious, prompting a chuckle from Shane. The two of them stood there whispering like a real father and son, their eyes locked on me.

Then, the announcer's voice boomed across the track, calling out for Blade.

I quickly stood up and headed toward the stage.

Shane burst into a loud guffaw, making several people in the crowd turn around to stare. "Where does he think he's going? Has he no shame?"

I tuned him out, weaving through the crowd.

A few spectators recognized me along the way, calling out to me as I passed, "Congratulations, Blade!"

I smiled and nodded in response before stepping onto the podium.

Instantly, the crowd erupted into a deafening roar that made my ears ring.