Chapter 2

"Just because he's Cole, I'm supposed to sacrifice my own opportunity?"

For all these years, I treated her as the most important person in my life. Yet in her heart, I was not even worth as much as Cole's backup.

Patricia suddenly switched to a coaxing tone.

"You're so much younger than Cole. What's wrong with giving a senior colleague a little respect?

"You've got plenty of opportunities ahead of you. Don't be so petty."

Watching her act like that made my stomach turn.

Normally, she was the iron-willed investment banker who commanded respect wherever she went. Yet for Cole, she could lower herself to this.

However, this time was different.

Having lived through it once already, I had long since seen through her true nature. I would never again be fooled by that mask.

"Alvin, you're being childish. This opportunity should go to Cole!"

While I was still deep in thought, Serena already strode into the conference room with Cole in tow.

When our eyes met, the contempt in his gaze was impossible to miss.

I let out a cold laugh.

"The business world is a battlefield. Everyone competes on their own merit. No one has the right to make decisions for someone else."

As I stood and walked out, I could not even be bothered to look at them again.

Surprisingly, the summit itself passed without incident.

It was not until I logged into the company's internal network that I discovered Cole already took full control of the acquisition project.

I thought that would be the end of it.

However, the moment I returned from the conference, Serena and Patricia barged straight into my office.

Both of them looked pale and panicked.

"Something terrible has happened! The SEC is investigating the acquisition. Cole is finished this time–you have to help!"

I scoffed.

"What does an SEC investigation have to do with me? I've been in the U.S. this whole time. How exactly are you planning to frame me?"

Serena's next sentence left me stunned.

"I've already prepared all the materials. We just need your signature on a few documents.

"You haven't been with the company long. Even if something comes out during the investigation, the consequences won't be too serious."

A chill spread through my entire body.

A vice president–willing to sacrifice her own younger brother just to protect an outsider.

If I took the blame, my career would be destroyed. I could even end up in prison.

The nightmare from my previous life flashed vividly before my eyes. I refused without hesitation.

"Corporate fraud is a serious crime. If he led the project, then he should deal with the consequences himself."

Patricia stamped her foot anxiously.

"This is Wall Street! Relationships matter!

"If you do this favor, the entire industry will remember your goodwill!"

Listening to this blatant moral blackmail, I finally lost my patience.

"All you care about is Cole. Have you ever thought about my situation?

"One of you is my sister. The other is my fiancée. And you're both pushing me straight into a pit of fire!"

My voice began to tremble. The tragedy of my previous life made it impossible to stay calm.

However, Serena remained unmoved.

"This isn't a discussion. It's a notice. Everything's prepared. You're the one who will take responsibility."

She slammed a thick folder onto my desk.

When I opened it, I sucked in a sharp breath.

They fabricated an entire chain of evidence linking me to the fraud.

The plan was so meticulous that anyone who looked at it would believe it was real.

It seemed I still underestimated just how obsessed they were with protecting Cole.

Yet a mocking smile slowly spread across my face.

"Fabricating evidence. Market manipulation. Those are serious crimes, too. Aren't you worried I might hand all this over to the FBI?"

"Are you threatening me?"

Serena stared at me coldly.

"Don't forget–I'm your sister. If you dare blow this up, Mom and Dad will be the first to deal with you."

She was trying to suppress me with family ties.

In her mind, I was always the obedient younger brother who never dared disobey her.

I let out a contemptuous laugh.

"Now you remember I'm your brother?

"For Cole, you're willing to destroy your own brother's life. What right do you have to talk about family?

"From today onward, we're done. You'd better stay out of my way."

At that moment, whatever hope I left for them completely vanished.

Seeing the situation turning ugly, Patricia hurried to smooth things over.

"Why are you being so stubborn? This could benefit you, too."