Chapter 3

He saw me too, clearly surprised. He stopped, looking me up and down, a sneer on his face. "Not as dumb as I thought, huh? Figured out how to find your way here!"

I froze. So, he knew about me all along!

"Why? Why is this happening?!"

"Leo, am I adopted? Or are you all part of some project, and I'm just an observation subject?"

Leo seemed to catch on to my confusion. He raised an eyebrow, wagging a finger. "No, you're also a Davidson. A biological son."

"As for why they created this illusion of poverty for you, there's only one reason: because I am the sole heir of the Davidson family!"

"Alex, you were born just one minute before me. What makes you think you can compete with me?!"

"This isn't your place. Just get lost!"

"Oh, poor thing. Don't look at me like that. Mom and Dad put a lot of effort into raising you too, you know!"

"Oh, and by the way, don't bother Grandpa George and Grandma Martha for holidays anymore. They're old, they don't have the energy to keep up the act for you!"

Leo revved his engine and sped inside. I stood outside for a long time, and then it all clicked.

My birth, and Leo's, seemed tied to the family inheritance.

But what had I done wrong? All I ever wanted was my parents' genuine love.

They'd lied to me for so many years, but their kindness to me had also seemed real.

Now, as I looked at the mansion and that expensive motorcycle, I began to doubt how much of their kindness was truly genuine.

I turned to leave.

Before I did, I called my dad. "Dad, are you coming home for dinner tonight?"

"No, Alex, I won't be back. Overtime tonight, triple pay for the next three days!"

"Oh, and your mom is working too!"

But I clearly heard the roar of a motorcycle in the background of his call.

I simply mumbled, "Okay," my mind already made up.

Back home, I started packing my belongings. At the same time, I signed up for a special research project posted by the university.

This project was based out in a remote location, a three-year commitment, completely cut off from the outside world. No one would disturb me there.

Once I was packed, I printed out the photo I'd secretly taken of Leo's back and placed it on my bedside table.

That day, they didn't come home. I was alone in the house.

I called my dad again, but no one answered.

Meanwhile, Gardner Corp., a Davidson family company, was giving out gifts. An employee posted on Ins, thanking their boss.

She was just a regular employee, but her gift was worth over four hundred dollars!

Many other employees also showed off their company benefits.

My parents were front and center on stage, Dad in a suit, Mom holding a glass of wine. My mom had exquisite makeup, radiating an air of wealth.

Below the stage, Leo was surrounded by people, and there was even a full family portrait of them.

My parents seemed convinced that I was too busy earning money to pay attention to online gossip.

They forgot that I was just an ordinary boy, raised in poverty and hardship. How could I not pay attention?

A reporter interviewed them, asking about their New Year's plans.

My dad looked into the camera. "This year, our son Leo turns twenty-two. Every year, we arrange a trip for him, and today, we're off!"

My heart plummeted. I was twenty-two too. The farthest I'd ever been was a school field trip to the local zoo in elementary school.

I scoffed, picked up my official papers, tracing their edges with my finger.

It was almost funny. After I started college, my parents moved my official residence to the school's address.

They said I was an adult now and needed to be responsible for myself.

Now was the perfect time to leave.

I grabbed my luggage and walked out without hesitation.

Dad, Mom, goodbye for good!