Chapter 2 No More Handouts

I had no money.

My family owned one of the largest companies in the world, but the only money I ever got was whatever Lawrence let trickle down to me.

Even those scraps would have been enough to last someone like me a lifetime.

I checked my savings and realized I was still $5,000 short.

So, once everyone was done celebrating, I presented them with a neatly written IOU.

"What is this? $5,000?" My parents frowned. "What do you need that much money for?"

"I'm an adult now. I want to go out and explore the world. I'll pay you back, with twice the interest the bank would charge."

"Your priority right now isn't traveling. It's getting into a college."

My father tore the IOU into pieces, one rip at a time.

"Lawrence has already secured admission to Silverlake University. Of course, he can do whatever he wants. What about you? We didn't bring you back into this family just so you could embarrass us. I've already found a tutoring center for you. You'll be attending classes there until you take the SAT."

I glanced at the business card.

Not long ago, the center had made headlines after several tutors were exposed for sexually assaulting and beating students.

"I know it's hard, but you're just not academically gifted. You might not even get into a community college. That's just how it is."

My father frowned at me, then turned to Lawrence. His expression immediately softened. "Lawrence, you don't need to go to Silverlake University anymore. I've found something much better for you."

He handed Lawrence an invitation.

It was an invitation to a celebration marking a $500 million donation to Kensington University.

"That $500 million donation was made in your name. You're all grown up now. It's time you learned how to manage the family business. You'll be studying at Kensington University. One day, you and Celine will take over the company."

Lawrence's eyes widened. "Do you really think so, Dad?"

"Of course."

Celine smiled and slipped an arm around his shoulders. "I'm here too. If anything comes up, I'll look after you."

The four of them embraced each other, looking like one big, happy family.

I was their own flesh and blood, yet somehow, I was the outsider, left to watch them share a happiness I would never be part of.

Just then, a sharp ripping sound cut through the room.

They looked up in surprise. I'd already shredded the tutoring center's business card and tossed the pieces onto the pile of torn IOU scraps.

"Calvin! What do you think you're doing?"

I gave them a slight bow. "I wouldn't dare accept any more help from you, Mr. Beaumont. I'll manage on my own from now on."

Ignoring their angry protests, I turned and went back to my room.

That same day, I packed my bags and left the estate. I took a relatively well-paying job, though it wasn't something I could talk about openly.

I became a server at a private club. I was leaving soon, so I didn't have time to be picky about work.

But just two weeks into the job, I ran into someone I never expected to see.

Inside one of the private rooms, Lawrence was surrounded by two men and seven or eight women. He held a liquor bottle high in the air.

"That whole family is full of idiots. Taking everything they have will be a piece of cake!"

Two women sat on his lap, one on either side, giggling as they traced his chin with their fingers.

"You're amazing, Lawrence!"

"Of course I am."

He slipped an arm around one woman's waist. "Let me tell you something. My dad donated $500 million to Kensington University in my name. With that kind of money, I guarantee you…"

He paused. "I could kill someone at Kensington University, and the board would still protect me. Celine and I will run the Beaumont family!"

Beneath the smell of alcohol, there was something else in the air. I frowned and was about to take a closer look when Lawrence was already kissing a woman.

I was so caught off guard by the sight that I didn't notice the others had spotted me.

The next second, someone grabbed me and dragged me into the room before kicking me to the ground.

"Who gave you permission to spy on us? Who sent you? Answer me!"

A blond-haired man grabbed me by the collar and raised a liquor bottle toward me.