Chapter 1

I was in the middle of a crucial international conference when my younger brother's call suddenly broke through.

His voice on the other end was strained, tinged with a tremor, "Alex, someone stole my exchange student spot…"

I rushed to the university, finding my brother cornered against the office wall, his eyes red-rimmed.

A flashy jerk was pointing a finger at his nose, his face a mask of disdain.

"Trying to compete with me? I'm Jaxon Hayes, from the influential Vance family of Sterlingwood City! My mom just donated an entire lab building to the university! Who do you even think you are?"

Even Professor Davis, the course instructor nearby, chimed in, clearly siding with him:

"Leo, Jaxon is the son of an important donor to our university. Just be sensible, don't cause any more trouble for everyone."

I was about to step forward and argue, but the words "Vance family heir" stopped me cold.

The Vance family of Sterlingwood?

Since when did my mom have a third son besides me and Leo?

I immediately dialed my mom's number, a cold scoff on my lips.

"Mom, when did you have another son behind Dad's back?"