"Starve her for a month. Once she's hungry enough, she'll learn. Don't pay her any attention."
The line went dead. When I called back, I'd already been blocked.
My coworkers were too scared of getting dragged down with me. I had no one. No money for a lawyer. I lost the case fast and got sentenced to a year.
So even with Ryan's high scores, having a sister with a criminal record meant he'd never pass the background check.
How ridiculous.
A year ago, their refusal to spare me a single penny had finally boomeranged right into their precious son.
Aunt Patricia's eyes darted around, and she stepped forward to smooth things over.
"A friend of mine owns a restaurant, and she's been swamped lately. Since Alex doesn't have a job, she could work there for now."
"Big brother, just remember—when we need to ask Ryan for favors down the road, you'll need to return the kindness."
Her scheming was written all over her face, but Mom latched onto her arm gratefully.
"Family really does come through. Alex has been stubborn since she was little. Tell your friend to be patient with her."
But they don't remember—before Ryan was born, my grades were in the top ten of our entire school. Every single year.