Not here? Monica's eyes grew deep and heavy. It seemed that Keith had calculated everything. He purposely chose a time when her parents weren't around to talk to her. Monica knew that if she didn't talk to him now, she wouldn't be able to return to her room. So, she went downstairs to face him."What is it that you want to talk to me about? If you have something to say, spit it out while I still have patience.""It's about James and Summer. You were the one who revealed it, right?" Keith had been waiting for her so that he could ask about the matter.Monica wasn't afraid to admit it. Since James and Summer already knew she had leaked the news, it didn't matter for her to admit the truth to Keith."Yes, I revealed it. So what? Hasn't it made things more interesting?"Interesting? Keith now had the urge to throttle Monica. If it weren't for the fact that she was his sister by name, he might have already punished her himself. He suppressed his anger and maintained a calm expressi
It was Monica's first time seeing Keith display such intense anger. Although she knew he was not one to be provoked easily, he had never taken such an extreme action, even when he was angry. It seemed he was genuinely frustrated this time.Monica was also not one to be trifled with either. She countered, "Why can't I assert myself? Don't you forget that you've fallen out of favor. What do you think will happen to you if our parents find out how you've treated me today?""Fallen out of favor?" Keith scoffed, tilting his head. Had he really fallen out of favor? Was he no longer loved by their parents? Was he looked down upon by the Ritter family? Perhaps it was because of this perception that Monica felt emboldened, thinking she was better. So, she thought she could belittle Keith, the heir apparent."Monica, it seems you fail to grasp the situation. This family is in my hands. When the older generation passes, I will assume leadership. I am the heir!" His voice resounded with c
Monica's piercing words struck Keith, revealing that her actions went beyond merely sabotaging his acquisition of Quigley Group's shares; they also exposed his wounds.Keith thought that if he didn't teach this arrogant, privileged girl a lesson today, Monica wouldn't learn. So, he raised his hand, preparing to give her a good slap.However, before his palm reached her face, a deep voice rang out, "Stop."The voice came from the main doorway. It was very familiar. Upon hearing the voice, Keith immediately suppressed his anger. Even if he had been like a raging volcano earlier and thought of burning everything to the ground, his anger completely disappeared after he heard the voice.Because the person commanding him to stop was none other than his father, York.York, with his sturdy frame, exuded a sense of grounded authority. While he usually welcomed guests warmly, witnessing Keith about to slap Monica stripped away his usual amiability.He strode over and questioned Keith ste
Looking back on the past was like rewinding an old film reel. Memories of past events vividly played out before his eyes.Keith recalled that unfortunate day again. It was the last time he ever saw that man.15 years ago, in the shade of the trees in the Ritter residence yard, young Keith had returned home from his tutoring class. Upon entering the house, he had seen Troy playing on a skateboard.Troy had been 13 years old at the time. He had been known as the future heir of the Ritter family. He had been gentle, well-behaved, and exceptionally talented.York had already made it clear that the future of the Ritter family business would be passed down to either Keith or Troy. Although Keith had also been an outstanding child, he fell slightly short compared to Troy.With an indifferent expression, Keith had glanced at Troy, who had been playing on the skateboard. He had then retreated into the house without saying anything. He had still had to revise the contents that were taught
At that time, the Ritter family would conduct a comprehensive assessment, covering sports, business management, foreign languages, and various subject knowledge. The person who succeed edin this comprehensive assessment would be the future heir.Becoming the heir meant becoming the true head of the Ritter family.Keith had been extremely competitive. He had refused to lose, even if it was to his own brother. Therefore, he had to make progress before the coming-of-age ceremony. His improvement had to be much greater than Troy's."I don't need a break. I still need to study. Colson, please arrange for the teacher to come as usual," Keith had instructed."I'm sorry, Mr. Keith. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have instructed the teacher not to come today, so he wouldn't be coming today," Colson had replied.If the teacher wasn't even coming, then it was truly a day off.Upon reflection, Keith was convinced that Troy had done it on purpose. Troy had persuaded their parents that Keith had been
Therefore, Troy had been known as the smartest person of his generation. He had been even more dazzling than James, the eldest son of the Quigley family.However, Keith had been deeply jealous of Troy. He had known that as long as Troy was around, he would never be able to become the heir.Keith had also known why Troy asked their parents to give him a break. He had surely been hoping to use the excuse of taking a break to disrupt Keith's studies."Troy Ritter, you're really cunning. You are already better than me, yet, you still want to hinder my studies. Do you really hope to step on me to become the heir?" Keith's expression had been clearly ferocious as he had taken small steps forward, glaring at Troy."Keith, you've misunderstood. I saw that you've been tired lately, so I hope you can take a break," Troy had said."Why do you care? You think I'm tired? I'm tired because of you!" Keith had retorted.Troy had become even more confused as he listened to Keith. He hadn't been
At that time, something shocking had happened.After being pushed by Keith, Troy had staggered backwards. In an attempt to regain his balance, he had accidentally stepped on the skateboard.As a result, the skateboard had moved, carrying Troy into the middle of the road.Suddenly, a car had sped by. In an instant, Troy, who had stumbled onto the road, had been struck and sent flying.Blood had spilled all over. The skateboard had traced an arc through the air. Everything had fallen into silence and coldness.Keith, who had witnessed the entire accident, had reacted immediately. His initial anger had completely dissipated, replaced by infinite fear and concern. At that moment, he had known that it was not the time to dwell on trivial matters like taking a break. He had to save Troy!Like a madman, Keith had rushed back home, shouting, "Help! Someone, help! Troy is in trouble!"It was the loudest Keith had ever shouted since birth. His shout for help had drawn the attention of a
York had asked because of the scar left by that car accident when Keith had pushed Troy that year. The scar left on his heart occasionally reminded him of the accident.Keith didn't deny the truth. He lowered his head and muttered, "It’s true that I caused Troy's death. In your eyes, I have never treated any of you as my family." He paused. His gaze sharpened as he turned to Monica and continued, "Dad, as you said, I can treat my own family as nothing, let alone this woman who's not even the slightest blood-related to me! "If it hadn't been for her, my plan to buy Quigley family's shares wouldn't have fallen through—"Keith was suddenly slapped midway through his words. The handprint was left on Keith's handsome face. It was a slap from York.Keith couldn't believe that York had actually slapped him. He stared incredulously. This was the second time York had hit him.The first time was when Troy died. The second time was because of Monica, who wasn't blood-related to them.K