By the end of the day, Nathan’s eyes were completely bloodshot.
"How could this happen? Nathan, it has to be an accident! Damn it—how dare they scam like that? They said everything was arranged today, said we were guaranteed to win!"
Ethan cursed angrily, his hand gripping Nathan’s shoulder.
"Don’t touch !"
Nathan shoved his hand off and glared at him. "How long were you planning to fool ? Sure, we won a bunch at the beginning, but they were all tiny amounts. Then at the end, one single round wiped everything out—and left owing over two million. What the hell is your ga?"
Ethan’s hand hovered awkwardly in the air. "Nathan, what are you talking about? Why would I ever hurt you? I really did line things up today. We should’ve won. I don’t know what went wrong in that last round. But you can’t say I was scamming you. You were pretty thrilled when we were winning. And I told you to stop before the last round—we could’ve walked away. You’re the one who wouldn’t listen and insisted on going big. So now everything’s on ?"
He frowned, clearly displeased.
Nathan gritted his teeth, staring him down. "If you hadn’t dragged there today, how the hell would I owe them money again? Do you have any idea how insane their interest rates are? I just finished paying them off. If my dad hadn’t transferred an extra four million today, how was I supposed to repay them? And now look—another two million in debt. How am I supposed to explain this?!"
He turned and punched the tree beside him, fury all over his face.
Ethan’s temper flared too. "Yes, I brought you. And yes, I swore up and down everything was taken care of. But you did win a few million back today—it was the perfect ti to stop. You refused. You insisted you could keep winning, that today was your day. And then you lost it all. When you were winning, you were laughing like a king. But now that you lost, suddenly everything’s my fault? I was trying to help you, Nathan. And now you bite the hand that helps you? I really misjudged you!"
He shouted louder than Nathan.
Nathan’s brows tightened. "I... I’m not blaming you entirely. But who would’ve thought we’d lose the last round? If you hadn’t brought there, I wouldn’t have even stepped foot inside. Losing past money was one thing. But today... I owe even more. What am I supposed to do? I just paid off my old debt. I don’t have anything left."
His voice fell, and he lowered his head.
And he’d fought with his dad on top of it.
His father had transferred him eight million—money that was supposed to last. And now...
Ethan looked at him, and though his tone stayed stiff, it softened. "I know things are tough for you. And you lost over two million today. I’m not asking you to pay that back. I brought you there, so part of this is on . I’ll cover it."
Nathan’s eyes widened. "Are you serious? You’ll pay off the two million for ? You’re not lying, right?"
"When have I ever lied to you? And I told you before—we’re brothers. When one brother’s in trouble, the other steps up. You think I’m the kind of guy who forgets loyalty?"
"Ethan, you’re seriously the best!"
Nathan threw his arms around him, overwheld. "If I hadn’t fought with my dad, I could’ve asked him myself. But since we argued, I’ve got to show so pride."
"Argued?" Ethan raised a brow.
Nathan rolled his eyes. "Don’t even ntion it. All because of Sophia."
"Because of her? Co on, tell everything. Let help you figure it out."
With zero caution whatsoever, Nathan spilled the entire story—the cause, the fight, every detail.
"I see," Ethan murmured.
"Yeah. So tell —am I wrong here? Their relationship is shady as hell, and he never tells anything. Now that my mom’s not in City A, who’s supposed to deal with the fallout if sothing happens? And we both know there’s a bastard child in the family. My dad already cheated once—of course he’ll do it again. I’m not letting my mom get hurt."
Ethan let out a soft laugh. "Funny thing... that Ryan kid doesn’t seem to have much of a presence in your family."
"Obviously. At ho, I’m the only one considered the real son. If they dare treat him better, they’ll see what I can do."
Nathan said it without a hint of sha.
He didn’t just dislike Ryan—he despised him.
One look felt like contamination.
"He is still your brother in na," Ethan said lightly. "Being a little generous would look good in front of others."
"Generous? I don’t need anyone thinking I’m generous. I don’t like him, period. Why force myself to accept soone I find disgusting? I’m not like you people—putting on fake smiles all day. Even I get sick watching that."
Nathan’s face twisted with disdain.
Ethan chuckled. "Still... you really don’t know about Sophia and Frank?"
"If I actually knew, today wouldn’t have stopped at an argunt. I don’t get it. A woman with six kids—what kind of charm could she possibly have? I’ve seen her. She’s average. Sure, her face is a bit prettier than others, but that’s it."
Sophia’s image flashed through his mind, making him even more annoyed.
"Well, maybe you don’t know," Ethan said slowly. "But your mother might. She might’ve just kept quiet to protect you. Honestly? I think Sophia is impressive. You probably don’t know this... but back then, she and I actually had a thing."
Ethan dropped the bomb casually. Nathan’s eyes widened. "Seriously? What’s so great about her?"
"Well... I also know a bit about her relationship with your dad. But I’m not sure if I should say."
Nathan’s expression sharpened instantly. "You know? Then why the hell did you make guess earlier? Just spit it out."
Ethan hesitated, still refusing to speak.
"Go on. I won’t tell anyone. I won’t even say it ca from you."
"...Fine. Since you insist. Sophia’s late mother was nad Aurora Turner. And your father... also carries the last na Turner. Nathan—your father is Sophia’s biological uncle."
Nathan froze, his entire body stiffening.
"What did you just say?"
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