LOGINThe screen lit up. It was a bank statement. Line after line of transfer records filled the screen, stretching back over a decade."These are the transfers I've made to my family over the past decade," I said, holding a laser pointer as I traced them one by one."Houses, cars, renovations, vacations, tuition for my brother and sister, their living expenses, Mom's medical bills, insurance premiums… The total comes to 53.82 million."The entire room erupted. For a few seconds, even the livestream comments froze."More than 50 million? And they call her a cold-hearted daughter?""My goodness. I don't think I'll even earn that amount in my lifetime."Cameron's face changed instantly. He barked, "So what? You're rich! Isn't it only right that you spend money on your family? Is that your excuse for abandoning Mom now?"I smiled coldly. "Abandoning? It's not that I refused to give money. It was you guys who decided that money is cold and heartless, that it insults our relationships."O
Cameron wasn't idle either. He found a few so-called insiders to spread rumors all over the comment section."I'm her neighbor. She's been cold-hearted since she was a kid. Now that she's rich, she doesn't even acknowledge her own brother.""I heard her business dealings are shady. She'd sell out even her mother just to climb higher.""How could someone like her become a CEO? Let's boycott her company!"Public opinion exploded almost overnight. People on the internet were quick to sympathize with whoever looked like the victim.Before long, my social media accounts were drowned in insults. Every ugly label imaginable was slapped onto me.The company's stock price started to fluctuate as well. The old board members panicked and called to question me one after another."Ms. Cage, what exactly is going on? How can you let your personal affairs affect the company? If this isn't handled properly, we'll have to consider removing you from your position."Facing the overwhelming pressu
The ward went completely silent.Mom, Cameron, and Chelsea turned to me at once. Their eyes were guilty, but beneath that guilt was a brazen sense of entitlement."You finally came!"Mom grabbed a pillow and hurled it at me. "You ungrateful wretch! Are you trying to kill me? Cover the 150 thousand dollars right now! And also, move me to a VIP room immediately!"I sidestepped the pillow and set the fruit basket on the bedside table, my expression calm. "Mom, the doctor said your heart isn't strong. You can't afford to get worked up. As for the money, I made it clear previously. 200 dollars—not a penny less or more."She clutched her chest in fury. "You…"Cameron lunged, trying to grab my collar, but my cold stare made him step back."Don't go too far, Cassidy! You've made Mom sick!" he shouted, trying to sound tough but clearly flustered. "Hand over the paperwork for the retirement home! We're returning it to pay for Mom's treatment!"Chelsea chimed in. "That's right! It's Mom's
Back at the luxury store, Mom stared at the 200-dollar allowance and felt her blood boil.Around her, the store clerks looked on with disdain. Behind her lay the 150 thousand dollar bill waiting to be charged, and in front of her were the now-canceled supplementary card."Cassidy… You bitch…"Her eyes rolled back, and she fell straight backward, stiff as a board."Mom? Mom, what happened to you?""Mrs. Cage! Call an ambulance, quick!"Since I had canceled Mom's premium medical insurance, the hospital admitted her to a regular three-person ward. Meanwhile, the luxury store had already filed a police report.Although she had fainted, the destruction of the merchandise and ripped-off tags couldn't be denied. Cameron and Chelsea, completely broke, ended up detained at the police station.They were forced to sign an IOU for 150 thousand dollars with a strict deadline to pay. Otherwise, they would face charges and possible jail time.I didn't go to the hospital until three days late
I was still at the office when I got a call from the luxury store. I didn't even have to think to know Mom must've taken Lexie shopping to cheer her up. Now that the card wouldn't work, she was causing a scene.I answered calmly, and the clerk's voice came through. "Ms. Cage, your mother has damaged merchandise worth 150 thousand dollars in our store. Her card isn't working."If you don't handle this in person, we'll have to call the police and press charges for intentional property damage."A soft chuckle escaped me. "Call the police, then."The clerk sounded shocked. "What? Ms. Cage, it's your mother and brother we're talking about. If a case is filed, it will go on their record—"I cut her off. "They're adults, aren't they? I have no obligation to pay for the massive destruction they've caused. That card was a personal gift, and I've now revoked it—completely legal and reasonable."The next second, Mom's furious roar came through the phone. She must've grabbed the clerk's hand
After being kicked out of the company, Mom decided to cheer up Lexie by taking her shopping. "Don't cry, Lexie. Cassidy doesn't care for you, but I do!"She patted Lexie's hand. "Come on, let's go buy some jewelry and bags! We'll go to the most expensive stores and piss that little brat off!"The moment Lexie heard "jewelry" and "bags", her tears stopped running. She looped her arm through Mom's and cooed, "Thank you! You're the best!"Cameron hurried to reassure her, too. "See? You have nothing to worry about. Cass' money is Mom's money. From now on, you can spend whatever you like!"Mom led them straight to the luxury store she frequented. Since I was a top VIP there, the manager and I became old acquaintances. Mom used to be treated like royalty every time she came.When she stepped inside, she barked at the store manager. "Bring out all you new arrivals for this season."Instead of the usual smiling welcome, the manager just glanced at her coldly. "Sure. As long as you can af







