"This time, you tricked me for three years just to make him the legitimate heir—and dismissed everything I've ever done!"
"That's what you call support?!"
"Shut your mouth!"
Mom raised her hand to slap me.
But this time, I caught her wrist and shoved her back.
Lionel rushed to steady her, his voice cracking as he turned to me.
"Luke, Mom raised you through so much hardship. Is this how you repay her?"
"Apologize to her right now!"
Then he turned to plead on my behalf.
"Mom, he didn't mean it. He's just upset that you gave the company to me. After all, I'm only the adopted son."
"Maybe I should just give the inheritance back to him."
But Mom stopped him, her face hard. "Lionel, don't speak for him."
"He's nothing but an ungrateful bastard. If I'd known he'd turn out like this, I should've let him freeze to death outside!"
Dad walked over, his expression stern. "Luke, you went too far today. You shouldn't have upset your mother like that."
"And you shouldn't have said those things about Lionel. You owe them both an apology."
"Here's what you'll do. Bring a proper gift tomorrow to Lionel's engagement banquet. Apologize to him publicly, and we'll put this behind us."
I lowered my head. A laugh shook through me.
"You really are a family, aren't you."
Dad nodded at that.
"A family—and that includes you."
"Tomorrow, after you arrive, we'll witness Lionel's happiness together."
I forced myself to stay calm. Lifted my head. Smiled.
"Sure. I'll be there tomorrow. And I'll have a surprise for you."
"Good. Prepare something decent. Don't disappoint Lionel."
I watched their car pull away. The corner of my mouth curved up.
Then I hailed a cab and headed for Galloway Group.
The next day, the city's largest hotel was decked out in lights and banners.
News of the Dickerson-Galloway union dominated every headline.
Business titans packed the venue.
Inside, Lionel stood tall, basking in the praise showered on him from all sides.
Mom's eyes glistened. "Seeing Lionel this happy—that's all I could ever ask for."
Dad beamed with pride. "Having a son like Lionel is my greatest honor."
Then he frowned. "The ceremony's about to start. Where's Luke?"
"Should I call him?"
Disgust flickered across Mom's face.
"Don't bother. He's probably off wasting time somewhere. Having a son like him is an embarrassment. If he doesn't show today, I'm cutting ties with him for good."
The words had barely left her mouth when an employee rushed over.
"Mr. Dickerson, we have a problem. An inspection vehicle just pulled up outside company headquarters. They're saying we've been evading taxes—they want you to come in for questioning."
