Chapter 7: Secrets and Scorn

Derek had a cold those days, and I commuted daily between home and the company to bring him herbal tea.

When I was downstairs at the company, a little boy suddenly darted out and bumped into me, making me stagger back and almost fall.

His head hit the chain of my purse, and he burst into tears.

Lillian came over with a cold face, scooping the boy into her arms.

"Mrs. Lawson, what did my nephew do to upset you, that you take it out on a child?"

I looked at the little boy—his features were strikingly similar to Derek’s. The kid had Derek’s eyes. No way around it.

"Your nephew?"

Lillian gave a barely perceptible mocking smile.

"Yes, my nephew. He’s a poor child, Mrs. Lawson, please don’t bully him."

I asked again, "Why is he pitiful?"

Lillian sighed, "This child, for now, can’t recognize his real parents, and can’t go home. Wouldn’t you say that’s pitiful?"

I nodded. "That is indeed pitiful."

She looked at me, then smiled.

"But his father loves him very much. To protect his rights, he did a paternity test early on—so you could say he’s very thoughtful."

I patted the boy’s head and smiled:

"He looks very smart."

I brought the tea to the executive office and found my uncle’s whole family inside.

Unlike my father-in-law, who went into business, my uncle’s family took another path. Over the years, husband, wife, and two sons all became managers in various public sector jobs.

The Lawsons support each other and grow together.

Voices drifted out from inside.

"Derek, your uncle’s family’s assets are all under your name. You can’t let us down."

"Uncle, let’s be clear—this money was invested in my name because you were afraid of negative impact, not because I asked for it."

Derek’s voice was hoarse.

The cold had dragged on for a long time, still not better.

I pushed the door open.

Derek frowned as soon as he saw me.

"I told you not to bring the tea. I have important projects and no time for slow recovery. Did you buy the antibiotics?"

His words were sharp, and he coughed several times.

I set the tea and antibiotics on the table. "Though herbal remedies work slowly, they have fewer side effects."

Just then, Derek’s phone rang, and he went to the window to answer it.

I turned and greeted my uncle and aunt.

They barely glanced up, like I was just the help dropping off coffee.

But my two cousins spoke up with snark:

"Still burning through company money for your brother, huh? Must be nice."

"Honestly, in that state, we all think living is worse than dying."

I silently poured a glass of water, walked over to Derek, and handed him the medicine first.

He took it absentmindedly and put it in his mouth.

I handed him the water.

He tilted his head back and swallowed.

I said, "Derek, don’t drink tonight after taking antibiotics."

He ignored me, still on the phone.

I repeated, louder, my voice drowning out his call.

"Derek, you just took the medicine—remember tonight—"

"Enough."

Derek turned on me angrily. "Can’t you see I’m on the phone? Get out!"

I flinched and left in embarrassment.

At the door, I heard my aunt laugh.

"She really can’t read the room. No wonder she’s so annoying."