My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 66

Aunt Stevens was infuriated by this.

"Are you implying that I'm meddling in your business?"

Aunt Stevens had not only let Bryan move in, but she had never treated him poorly either. She never expected Dad to speak to her like this, which made her temper flare up.

"Jordan Harris, I was willing to raise you, but now I have to raise this ungrateful son too! Do you even know what your precious son has done?" Aunt Stevens angrily pointed at Bryan. "He stole my jewelry! Does that sound right? Do you have any idea how much those jewels are worth?"

My brother looked completely unconcerned. He curled his lip and retorted, "It's just a few pieces of jewelry. You're so rich—why are you being so stingy? Besides, I'm going to return them."

Dad actually agreed with him, saying, "Bryan's right, it's just a few pieces of jewelry. Why make a big deal out of it?"

I was speechless. "Dad, can you be clearer? The fact that my brother stole something is wrong. No matter how valuable Aunt Stevens's jewelry is, that's not something he should have done."

However, as soon as I finished speaking, Dad suddenly slapped me across the face.

"You ungrateful thing! It's just a few pieces of jewelry. Aunt Stevens has plenty, and him taking some doesn't matter! Why do you have to stick your nose in?"

I covered my face, staring at Dad in disbelief. The mix of hurt and anger nearly choked me. I widened my eyes, tears welling up, but stubbornly refusing to let them fall.

Aunt Stevens looked at the scene, her voice trembling with fury. "Jordan! How could you hit your child? Do you understand how serious this is? Those jewels are worth hundreds of thousands! This is theft! He could be jailed for this!"

Dad finally seemed to realize the severity of the situation. He froze, looking at my brother, his voice shaking as he asked, "Did… did you really steal Aunt Stevens's precious jewelry?"

At that moment, my brother still didn't grasp the gravity of the situation. He stubbornly retorted, "How do you know it was me? Do you have proof? Huh?"

"Jordan, get your son out of here right now! Or both of you leave!" Aunt Stevens was beyond furious.

Even though Aunt Stevens had kicked Dad and my brother out, she kept me with her. I knew she wanted to groom me as her successor, so I couldn't afford to disappoint her.

A few days later, Dad came to find me, desperate. He looked even more ragged than before, with a rough beard and a tired, defeated look.

"Son, please go ask Aunt Stevens to forgive me. Please?" Dad asked with a flattering tone.

I knew that if he wasn't in a desperate situation, he wouldn't humble himself like this. His attitude made it clear that he was truly at the end of his rope.

But if I helped him, who would help me?

I rejected him outright. "Dad, you caused this mess. I'm not going to help you."

Dad's face darkened with anger. He no longer pretended to be nice. "You ungrateful child, I'm your father and you won't help me? Don't forget who brought you into this family!"