"Kevin, don't tell me you haven't actually made any money out there and you're just broke, standing here bragging and talking big in front of all of us."
Kevin's parents were obsessed with appearances.
"My son works at a major publicly traded company. He makes at least five hundred thousand a year—how could he possibly be broke?"
Kevin shot to his feet.
"I figured instead of buying my parents gifts, I'd just give them cash directly. That way they can buy whatever they need."
One of the relatives squinted at him.
"So how much did you give your parents, then? Don't tell me it was just a few hundred bucks. What's that good for? Can't even buy a decent bottle of liquor."
Kevin flicked an invisible speck from his cuff, affecting an air of casual nonchalance.
"Oh, not much. Just five hundred thousand."
I couldn't help but sneer internally. Kevin's salary plus year-end bonus barely hit three hundred thousand, and he spent money like water. He'd only managed to save a hundred thousand—the other four hundred thousand was borrowed from the bank.
I'd tried to talk him out of it before, but he'd waved me off.
"If I don't bring back some real money, those relatives will look down on me. Besides, I'll pay it back right after New Year. It'll be fine."
Remembering those words, I glanced toward the kitchen. Doreen, don't disappoint me.
Kevin's relatives were stunned.
"Five hundred thousand? That much?!"
But some remained skeptical.
"For real? If you've got the guts, show us. Anyone can run their mouth."
Kevin chuckled.
"I'll go get it right now."
A few minutes later, he emerged from the bedroom.
"Adeline, where did you put the money? I can't find it anywhere."
I feigned confusion.
"I don't know. Doreen was the one organizing everything today. Let me ask her."
I hurried to the kitchen, putting on an anxious front.
"Doreen, where's the leather bag from the suitcase? Give it to me—it's important."
A flash of triumph flickered in Doreen's eyes.
"Oh no, Adeline! I was trying to start the fire earlier but couldn't get it going, so I tossed that leather bag in to help it catch."
I raised my voice deliberately, letting my anger ring out.
"Doreen! Do you have any idea how important that was? You burned it?!"
Doreen's face crumpled, tears spilling down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry, Adeline! I thought you said it wasn't important, so I just... burned it."
Kevin heard the crying and strode in, irritation written all over his face.
"Adeline, what are you doing now?"
Before I could respond, Doreen cut in.
"Kevin, it's all my fault—I misheard and accidentally burned something of Adeline's."
Kevin frowned at me.
"It's not like she did it on purpose. You should've kept track of your own things instead of blaming her."
Then his voice softened as he turned to comfort Doreen.
"Don't cry. It's not your fault. Keep crying and you'll turn into a little spotted kitten."
Doreen nodded, nestling into Kevin's arms. Over his shoulder, she shot me a look of pure, smug triumph.
"Kevin, you're always so good to me."
Kevin laughed softly.
"So what exactly did you burn that's got Adeline so worked up?"
Doreen's voice was sweet and coy.
"That leather bag from the white suitcase this morning."
