Chapter 409

"Dad, I've already called the police." Jonathan Ferguson helped the elderly couple onto the tricycle. "We can't just let this go after what happened. You should come stay with me in town. Darren and his wife have their hands full taking care of Sean."

Darren Ferguson exploded at this. His shovel clattered to the ground.

"What the hell are you implying?" His entire body trembled with rage. "Sean's in this state, and all you care about is taking Mom and Dad away?"

Jonathan methodically locked the tricycle before turning around, his gaze icy.

"Tell me, brother—did I teach Sean to gamble? Did I force him to take out loans?" He let out a derisive laugh. "Him being bedridden is none of my damn business!"

Darren was left speechless. Since when had his younger brother become so sharp-tongued?

"How much money has Sean taken from me over the years?" Jonathan began counting on his fingers. "Three hundred for his last gambling debt, five hundred before that, and—"

"That's different!" Darren interrupted, his face flushing red. "He's our family's only hope! Who else will take care of you when you're old?"

Jonathan suddenly smiled—a smile that sent chills down Darren's spine.

"Him?" He pointed toward the house where his nephew lay paralyzed. "A gambling addict? Or a cripple?"

"You—!" Darren raised his fist, ready to strike.

Jonathan caught his wrist mid-swing. "Brother, my money goes where I choose. As for my future..." He released Darren's arm and brushed off his sleeve. "I have a daughter."

The tricycle sputtered to life, kicking up dust as it departed. Darren stood rooted in place, struck by how terrifyingly unfamiliar his brother had become.

From inside the house, Sean's agonized wails pierced the air: "Dad! It hurts!" Darren wiped his face and hunched over as he trudged back inside.

Beyond the courtyard wall, nosy neighbors clicked their tongues in disapproval.

"The Ferguson family is falling apart..."