Chapter 2The Wolf in Mother’s Clothing

But I don't believe a leopard can change its spots.

Mom protecting me like this... she must want something.

"Come with me."

Mom pulled me back to my room.

The moment she opened the door, a smell of stale mold hit me. The room was dark, piled high with old cardboard boxes and junk.

In my past life, when I bought my own place, my only requirement was good lighting. I was sick of living in the dark.

I stood at the door, not moving.

Mom realized something, and the smile on her face froze.

Awkwardly.

"Uh, I'll clean this room tomorrow. I promise it'll be spotless."

I didn't say a word.

Even reborn, she wasn't planning on giving me my room back. She'd rather let Tyler use it as a game room.

Mom pulled me to sit on the creaky folding bed, her eyes full of concern.

"Did you get your job offer?"

"Yeah, why?"

"You don't have to leave. Just pay $300 a month for rent, and you can stay in this room!"

The door was shoved open by Tyler.

"$300?"

Tyler stood there, hands in pockets, looking impatient.

"What, too expensive? If it's too expensive, get out."

Although I absolutely could not lose this house.

But.

"For $300, I can rent a decent studio. Why would I live in your pile of junk?"

Tyler opened his mouth to argue.

"Shut up and get out!"

Mom scolded him while frantically signaling him with her eyes.

Tyler huffed, refusing to move. Clearly determined to kick me out.

Mom looked panicked. "He's just being childish, don't take it to heart."

I was more and more certain she wanted something from me.

An unknown enemy is the scariest. Now that I knew she had an agenda, I felt relieved.

"If he's childish, teach him. If you also think I'm in the way, Mom, I'll leave right now."

As soon as I said that, Mom panicked and grabbed me.

"Don't go, if you go, I..."

The rest of her words stuck in her throat.

I stared into Mom's eyes, pressuring her. Mom bit her lip hard.

Slap!

A crisp sound interrupted Tyler's whining.

Tyler froze, then clutched his face, looking incredulous.

"You hit me for this bitch?"

"I can't listen to your rudeness anymore."

I pretended to leave.

Slap!

This slap, Mom used full force. Tyler's face swelled up instantly.

"Don't you dare make a scene!"

"Look at yourself! She's your sister, how can you push her like this for an outsider?"

Tyler was unwilling but dared not talk back.

He stared at me for a few seconds, then stormed out, slamming the door.

Mom wanted to chase after him but hesitated because of me. Her face was full of conflict and pain.

"Um, I have to go out for a bit. Don't mind him, stay home and be good."

At Tyler's door, Mom whispered. "Be good, Mommy's going to buy you medicine."

Indeed, her precious son. Just a slap and she's heartbroken.

I remember when I was little, I was so hungry I ate a piece of bread Tyler didn't want. Mom slapped me twelve or thirteen times in a row. She didn't show a shred of mercy then.

Mom left, and the room fell silent.

I looked at the junk-filled room and dialed the number for the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Hello, I'd like to accept the offer."

Then I sent a rejection email to the investment bank.

In my past life, to make money for the family faster, I chose the investment bank. Everyone there worked themselves to death for commissions.

In a few years, I developed all sorts of stress-related illnesses.

"I don't know what got into Mom to protect her. Don't worry babe, I'll make sure she gets out!"