My parents kicked me out at twelve because of my grades and told me never to come back. Years later, they mocked me outside my own company, still calling me worthless.

Because deep down, they knew something terrifying:

I was not being emotional.

I was being professional.

And professionalism leaves very little space for manipulation.

Rachel reached toward me desperately. “Please, Adrian. We’re family.”

I stared at her quietly.

Funny.

Family mattered now.

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