Chapter 3

Clara's face twisted. "Leo has no money. If you don't want to give him the car, just say so. Don't hide behind Chloe."

"Fine," I said. "I don't want to give it to him. And I don't believe he's broke."

"You've sent him $30,000 a month for four years. That's 1.44 million. You claim his rent and expenses are under $500. So, Leo...where did it all go?"

Leo's face paled.

"Where did it go?" Clara's voice was ice. “Not everyone is like you, throwing money around while forgetting their family. Every dollar I gave Leo, he sent home. He used it to build a better life for his parents and his village. He understands responsibility. He thinks of others."

"You only ever think of yourself."

Only thinks of myself?

Clara's words hit me like a punch to the chest, knocking the air from my lungs.

So this was her verdict after all my years, all my sacrifices. Selfish.

It was ridiculous!

It was ironic!

I took a deep breath, looking at the new Chanel clothes Leo was wearing, the Patek Philippe watch on his wrist, a mocking curve forming on my lips.

"Is that so?"

"Of course, he-"

Leo quickly cut her off.

"Clara, it's your birthday today. We've already missed out on celebrating because of me. Please, don't fight with Liam because of me again."

Then he looked at me.

"Liam, every mistake is mine. Blame me, just please don't be angry with Clara because of me."

"What mistake have you made?"

Clara pulled Leo behind her, her gaze at me chillingly indifferent.

"Liam, you really should learn more from Leo."

With that, she pulled Leo and walked away.

Watching her leave, I almost lost my footing. I leaned heavily on the table to keep from falling.

Chloe rushed to support me, expressing her displeasure at Clara.

"Clara was out of line. How could she say such things?"

"I'm going to make her apologize to you."

I stopped Chloe, who was about to chase after her, and shook my head with a bitter smile. "Forget it."

At that moment, a thought came to mind.

Those who don't love you can't see your worth, and certainly not your efforts.

I looked at Chloe and the others.

"The guest of honor might be gone, but we'll still have fun. Let's just pretend nothing happened."

Even though I said that, the atmosphere had clearly shifted. After a strained while, everyone gradually dispersed.

Since I'd had quite a bit to drink, Chloe offered to drive me home.

I accepted.

On the way, she said, "Liam, Clara wasn't trying to hurt you. You've known her for years, you know what she's like."

I shook my head.

It was precisely because I knew Clara that my heart ached even more.

She wasn't like this before, but ever since she started sponsoring Leo, she changed.

Every time we had a gathering, she would bring Leo along. And every time, Leo would say something inappropriate.

"A plate of fruit costs fifty dollars? So expensive. You guys are really rich."

"This wine is too expensive. It pains me to drink it. I'll just stick to water."

"My family is poor, I can't afford such fancy places. Don't make fun of me."

He always played the victim, as if we were flaunting our wealth in front of him. And every time, Clara would step forward to defend him.

"Don't pick on Leo, he's shy."

"He said he's not drinking, why are you forcing him? If you want to drink, I'll drink with you."

"Leo, just be yourself. Let's see who dares to laugh at you."

Scene after scene flashed in my mind. I leaned back wearily against the seat, slowly closing my eyes.

"Sigh!"

Chloe's sigh filled the car.