I'd seen truly ruthless people inside. I knew he was all bark and no bite. I pointed the knife at him.
"Take one more step. Find out if I dare."
He froze. Mom clutched her phone, voice trembling. "Fine, fine! It's just a few thousand dollars. I'll transfer it now, okay?"
"Ungrateful wretch. Your brother making something of himself benefits the whole family! Don't come crying to us later!"
Making something of himself? You already destroyed your precious son's chances yourselves.
I kept my guard up. "The written guarantee too. Write it. Now."
When it was done, Mom and Dad's eyes burned with hatred.
I tucked the paper carefully into my pocket, turned, and walked toward the door.
I only made it a few steps before sharp pain exploded at the back of my skull.
I spun around. Ryan stood there holding a vase, his face twisted.
"We can't let her go. Words mean nothing—she's already had this idea. She'll sabotage me!"
"I worked so hard for this exam. I'm one step away! If she ruins it, I'd rather die!"
I struggled to run, but Dad reacted instantly, slamming me to the ground.
My face smashed into the floor. The bridge of my nose felt shattered. Blood dripped onto the tile.