Chapter 2Heir to Nothing, Master of Everything

Years ago, when Richard and Eleanor brought me home, I truly believed I had found my birth parents, that a wonderful new life awaited me. What I found instead was darkness. The very day I arrived at Sterling Manor, Richard and Eleanor made it clear they considered me, a country boy, utterly unfit for their family. They barely fed me, often leaving me meager scraps to eat alone. They constantly compared me to Miles. I studied tirelessly, desperate for them to see my efforts, to earn their approval. But back then, Richard and Eleanor had eyes only for Miles.

Once, Miles had an accidental fall, and they somehow managed to blame me for it. Miles claimed I had pushed him down the stairs. In a fit of blinding rage, Richard brutally beat me senseless, then threw me out of Sterling Manor. For four long years, they never once inquired about my well-being, never cared if I lived or died. And now, they had the gall to show up, asking me to return to the Sterling family?

At that moment, looking at the elderly couple before me, my eyes held nothing but cold indifference. The day they beat me within an inch of my life and cast me out, the only thing left between us was a bitter, festering hatred.

“Mr. Sterling, if you weren’t willing to acknowledge me as your son then, why would you even consider bringing me back now?” I asked Richard, my voice frigid. I had no idea what their true intentions were. But knowing the Sterlings as I did, their sudden desire for my return certainly wasn't out of simple goodwill. They might even want to harm me. The thought solidified the coldness in my gaze.

Richard looked at me. “Miles said you were struggling too much out there, so he asked us to bring you home!” he said, pointing at me. “You should learn from Miles; he’s so good. You pushed him down the stairs back then, and he still forgave you and wants you back in the Sterling family!”

“Mr. Sterling, I assure you, I’m not struggling,” I stated, my voice devoid of warmth. “And I have no need to return to the Sterling family.”

“Brother, stop pretending!” Miles burst out, tears welling in his eyes, his voice choked with sobs. “I’ve seen you so many times, working under the table, even begging on your knees for bosses to give you a job!”

Miles’s words made Richard’s face fall. Richard valued his reputation above all else, and the thought of his son begging for work was an unbearable humiliation. “Typical. A child raised in the sticks, without a shred of pride, kneeling before others!” Richard sneered, his face etched with disgust. “If you didn’t have my blood in your veins, I would have thrown you out long ago!”

I shook my head. Not only have I never knelt for anyone, but I haven't even been in this city for years. How could Miles have seen me? He was just trying to provoke me, to disgust me.

“Miles, you claim I knelt for a job. Tell me, where did I kneel?” I demanded, my gaze sweeping over his face.

Miles’s face still feigned hurt. “Brother, stop trying to act tough! Look at how you live! This house is drafty, the walls are practically crumbling. You’d be much better off coming back to the Sterling Manor with us!” he said, gesturing at the old house. I glanced at my adoptive parents’ home. It was indeed on the verge of collapse from years of neglect. I had come here today to hire a construction crew to renovate it, only to find three people with serious issues on my doorstep instead.