Family Is A Failed Investment Chapter 2

Brooke was clearly a professional-grade player.

After a brief pause, she immediately adjusted her tactic.

She broke free from Penelope’s embrace and walked toward me, her eyes red, timidly extending a hand.

“Sister, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I stole your life. If you’re unhappy, I can move out…”

In the original plot, I would have slapped her or launched a vicious verbal attack, only to be chastised by my parents.

The System roared again: [Opportunity! Call her a toxic drama queen! Tell her to get lost!]

I looked at Brooke’s carefully manicured hand. I didn’t take it. Instead, I pulled a packet of antiseptic wipes from my bag and offered it to her.

“Don’t say that. The deed to this house is in Mr. and Mrs. Shaw’s names. Legally, we are both merely occupants here.”

I paused, continuing with the tone of an academic discussing a thesis.

“Furthermore, where would you go? You have no independent assets or income stream. Renting an apartment will expose you to predatory brokers, and hotels are too expensive. As a rational actor, staying here maximizes your self-interest. If I were in your position, I’d also stay put.”

Brooke’s hand froze mid-air.

The entire script of “I’ll sacrifice everything for love” she’d prepared had been choked by my stark reality check. Her dramatic martyrdom had been ruthlessly reduced to rational, self-serving realism.

My father, Richard, finally spoke up, frowning: “Kendall, what kind of talk is that? Brooke is your sister. What’s all this ‘staying put’ business? This is her home, too.”

I immediately nodded, compliant as a top employee taking direction from the CEO.

“Understood, Mr. Shaw. I’ve noted that Ms. Brooke Shaw has permanent residency. Now, where is my workstation… I mean, my room?”

Richard winced at my detached use of “Mr. Shaw.” His face tightened.

“The estate manager will take you to a guest room.”