My only hope was the apartment I'd found online. The landlord agreed—once my paycheck hit, I'd sign the lease.
But on the fifteenth, I waited until midnight. No deposit notification.
I called the owner, furious. She tore into me.
"Are you insane? Didn't your Aunt Patricia tell me to transfer your wages straight to your mom? You two teaming up to scam me? I'll call the cops!"
My blood went cold. I stormed home and shoved the door open.
Mom was putting a new cashmere coat on Ryan. She froze when she saw me.
"It's the middle of the night—what are you doing?"
I steadied my breathing. "Where's my paycheck?"
She exchanged a look with Dad, her tone matter-of-fact.
"Getting your brother into classes and pulling strings—your dad and I borrowed a lot. We have monthly payments. How else would we afford it? We're family. Don't be petty. Call it rent."
Dad snorted. "We raised you this big and never touched a cent of yours. You've got nerve making a fuss. Taking your paycheck is only right."
I looked at Ryan, barely hiding his smirk.
Head to toe in new clothes—Gucci shoes, Burberry coat—his pampered face round and smug.