Chapter 4Punk Prince of the Sterling Empire

Is this the legendary Centurion Card?

"Take it."

Sarah handed the card over.

"My personal welcome gift."

I took the card, fingers trembling a bit.

At my adoptive parents', my monthly allowance was at most three thousand, after much begging.

This card supposedly could buy a plane, and she just gave it to me?

"How much is in here?"

I asked shamelessly.

"Enough to buy the entire downtown villa district."

I immediately stuffed the card in my pocket, afraid she'd regret it.

Fireworks were going off in my heart.

This isn't finding parents; this is winning the lottery!

"Thanks, Sis!"

I blurted out, then froze.

I actually called her Sis?

Sarah obviously noticed the address too. Her eyes changed subtly, but she quickly recovered.

"Mom and Dad arrive at seven. Do you want to change first?"

She left after saying that, leaving me at the door, touching the black card in my pocket, heart beating like I just ran a marathon.

Change?

Ripped jeans, black T-shirt, dragon and tiger tattoos, plus a shiny nose ring and blonde hair.

What's wrong with this look?

So cool!

But for the sake of the black card, I decided to tidy up reluctantly.

I took off a pair of earrings and changed into a slightly more normal T-shirt.

At least no skull pattern.

Hair was hopeless for now.

At 6:50 PM, I sat on the living room sofa, shaking my leg nervously.

Zack sat next to me, his short legs shaking along with mine.

"Second Brother, are you nervous?"

He asked innocently.

"Who, who's nervous?"

"I'm just, just hungry!"

Zack nodded, suddenly pulling a candy from his pocket.

"For you!"

I took the candy, heart softening.

How is this little guy so cute?

Hearing car sounds outside, he jumped up.

"Mom and Dad are back!"

My legs shook even harder.

First to enter was Mr. Sterling, in a sharp suit, radiating an aura that made one afraid to breathe loud.

Behind him was Mrs. Sterling, wearing an elegant long dress, carrying a Hermès bag.

The moment they saw me, they froze at the door in sync.

Mr. Sterling tripped over his own feet, nearly falling flat.

Mrs. Sterling gasped, holding the door frame.

"This, this is..."

Mr. Sterling's voice trembled.

Sarah nodded.

"Dad, Mom, this is Charlie."

"Oh my god! My Charlie... how did he turn into a criminal?"

Mrs. Sterling clutched her chest.

I looked down at myself.

Didn't I tidy up?

Compared to the first look, this is very restrained, okay!

Zack ran over and hugged Mrs. Sterling's leg.

"Mom! Second Brother is super cool!"

Mr. Sterling recovered, giving a thumbs up.

"Has my style from back in the day!"

Me??

Mrs. Sterling and Sarah turned to look at Mr. Sterling simultaneously, equally shocked.

"David, you dyed your hair and got a nose ring when you were young? How did I not know?"

Mrs. Sterling's voice pitched up an octave.

Mr. Sterling coughed, slightly embarrassed.

"Not that, but I had long hair! And was in a band!"

I stared wide-eyed at his sophisticated appearance.

Hard to imagine my bio-dad was a rocker in his youth.

Mrs. Sterling took a deep breath, turning her attention back to me, asking hesitantly.

"Charlie, how, how many lives do you have on your hands?"

I blinked, suddenly wanting to prank them.