RICHARD'S POVI could feel my heart racing as the dealer flipped over the cards. The first round of blackjack, and it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. A ten of spades and an ace of hearts. I almost couldn't believe it—21. Blackjack. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Hell yes," I muttered under my breath, shooting a quick glance at my brother next to me. He was beaming, but not at me—just thrilled about the win. "Nice one, Richard," he said, grinning like he thought we were best buddies now.I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, thanks."Across the table, Jonathan and William were not so pleased. Jonathan’s face turned a nice shade of crimson, and William looked like he’d just bitten into a lemon. They slammed their hands on the table, making the dealer jump. I stifled a laugh. If they were this mad about the game, I could only imagine how they’d react when they realized their real plan was about to be screwed."Alright, alright," the dealer said,

RICHARD’S POVI was cruising back into the city after our trip to Las Vegas, feeling pretty damn good about myself. Winning that blackjack game was one thing, but knowing I was a few steps away from inheriting my father’s fortune was a whole different level of satisfaction. I was already imagining the day I’d cut my brothers out of the inheritance and make them pay for everything they’d done. They’d be left with nothing, while I took it all. It was going to be sweet.I’d decided to pick up a few things for my mother. I figured, why not show a little love while I’m at it? But when I got to the local market, I was met with a big fat nothing. The place was a ghost town, with remnants of what used to be a market now just piles of rubble and debris. “Well, this is great,” I muttered to myself. “Now what?”I remembered hearing about a smaller, rural part of the city that might still have something. Figured it was worth a shot. I headed there, but as I drove through the area, something caug

RICHARD’S POV My tires screeched as I pulled up to my father’s house. I didn’t even bother to park straight. I was out of the car before the engine shut off, slamming the door so hard it echoed through the quiet neighborhood. My blood was boiling, my fists clenched so tight I could feel my nails digging into my palms.As I stormed through the front gate, I spotted Jonathan in the garden, lounging on a chair like he didn’t have a care in the world. I saw red. Without a second thought, I charged at him. “Richard? What—” was all he managed to get out before my fist connected with his jaw. The sound of the impact was like music to my ears. I didn’t give him a chance to recover. I punched him again, right in the nose, feeling the crunch of bone under my knuckles.“Are you out of your goddamn mind?!” I shouted, my voice echoing in the open garden. “What the hell were you thinking, huh?!” Jonathan tried to shield his face, but I wasn’t letting up. I hit him again and again, each punch mor

RICHARD’S POV I slumped against the cold, sterile wall, feeling like the wind had been knocked out of me. Tears poured down my face, my vision blurring as I tried to process the news. An hour ago, he was alive. Breathing. Yelling at me for the same crap he always did. Now, he was gone. Just like that. Jonathan’s voice cut through the fog in my head, sharp and panicked. “Are you sure he’s dead?” He was talking to the doctor, his voice breaking. “Isn’t there anything you can do?”The doctor looked at him with that same tired, pitying expression. “I’m sorry. We did everything we could.”I knew my brothers were guilty, and I could see it all over their faces. William was shaking his head, staring at the floor, his lips moving as if he was muttering something to himself. Jonathan looked like he was in shock, his mouth hanging open, eyes wide.They knew. They fucking knew.My heart pounded in my chest, a rush of blood surging through me like a dam had just burst. I didn’t even think—I jus

I stepped closer, my voice low and icy. “Watch your mouth. I’m not asking for your respect, but you will do as I say. Otherwise, you’ll find out exactly how serious I am.” William’s eyes narrowed. “You’re going to regret this.” “I doubt it,” I shot back. “Now, get your stuff and get out. The clock’s ticking.” Mr. Harding watched with a resigned expression. “I suggest you listen to him. It’s not worth the fight.” Jonathan’s and William’s faces twisted with rage. Jonathan lunged forward, his hand gripping a knife with a crazed look in his eyes. I barely had time to react. The lawyer jumped in front of me, trying to wrestle the knife out of Jonathan’s hand. I joined in, pushing and shoving, the adrenaline pumping through me like a freight train. “Stay the hell away from me!” Jonathan screamed, trying to slash at us. “You can’t do this!” “Shut up and drop the knife!” I shouted, my voice tight with anger. After a tense struggle, the lawyer managed to knock the knife from Jonathan