The Snack That Ended Our Blood Ties

I had finally received my project bonus after two months of overtime.

On my birthday, I took my mom, Lucy Carter, to a jewelry store and bought her the gold bracelet she'd been wanting for a long time.

After all, my birthday is also the day she gave birth to me.

I felt pretty good about it and was certain that she'd be touched and proud to see that her son had made something of himself.

But as she watched the store manager pack the bracelet, her expression darkened.

"You're pretty good at taking advantage of people. You still haven't paid your brother back for the last time he bought us pancakes," she suddenly said.

"You've got a good job, but your brother barely makes anything. Yet he still treats us to meals. He's not like you. You're always scheming and trying to look good while pinching pennies."

My hand froze mid-signature. I thought she was joking.

She pressed on. "Sure, you take good care of the family, but you're never around. You don't even bother to remember what we like to eat. You're no different from a hired caretaker."

My brother, Henry Luster, smirked subtly. He stepped in like he was playing peacemaker. "Mom, it's fine. Ethan's just busy."

People nearby started glancing at me. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. My face burned with embarrassment under the eyes of strangers.

"Mom, I didn't even eat any of those pancakes. And honestly, you and Dad shouldn't be eating that stuff either. It has way too much sugar," I muttered, trying to explain myself.

I wanted her to understand that I meant well.

But she suddenly snapped, jabbing a finger at my face, almost poking me in the eye. "It's not like he didn't give you any. You just chose not to eat them! All you ever do is think about money. You're nothing compared to your brother!"

The comparison wrapped around my chest like a curse, squeezing the air out of me.

Mom turned to the sales assistant and asked her to bring a gold necklace that cost almost ten thousand dollars. She fastened it around Henry's neck.

Then she let out a satisfied smile. "Hank was born lucky. Something like this suits him."

"Mom, you're the best!" Henry cheered before cautiously glancing at me. "You don't mind, do you?"

Mom scoffed. "As if he'd dare! Didn't you treat him to pancakes last time?"