A week before the New Year, my eldest brother, Ethan, returned from abroad where he had been recuperating from his injuries.
Half a year ago, his car's brakes had malfunctioned, resulting in a severe accident. Mom and I were traveling overseas, and Leo was at home gaming. Dad was the first to rush to Ethan's aid.
It was said that the rain was pouring heavily that day, causing a road collapse that hindered the ambulance's immediate arrival at the scene. Dad had carried Ethan for kilometers before getting him onto the ambulance, a scene captured by passersby. Everyone praised the greatness of a father's love, and our family's bond with dad deepened.
The truth, however, was that dad had orchestrated the accident. As Ethan was the family's heir, dad wanted him out of the picture.
With Ethan gone and Leo deemed a failure, I would be the sole remaining obstacle, one dad considered easily dealt with by having Emma replace me. This would pave the way for the family fortune to fall effortlessly into their hands.
Unexpectedly, Ethan survived the crash. Dad had initially intended not to save him but was forced to stage a touching scene when witnesses documented his actions.
Ethan was hospitalized and lived, albeit with both legs paralyzed. Dad suggested Ethan continue his treatment abroad, citing advanced medical equipment that could aid in his recovery. He enthusiastically arranged for Ethan to be admitted to the best private hospital.
Predictably, six months later, there was no improvement in Ethan's condition.
"Ethan, you're finally back. I've missed you so much," Emma fluttered around Ethan like a vibrant butterfly, her smile radiant.
"I've heard so much about you from dad. He says you're mature, composed, and incredibly handsome. Seeing you in person, you're even younger and more handsome than I imagined."
Due to his disability, Ethan had grown incredibly insecure and somewhat reclusive.
For a period, mom and I would frequently fly to visit him, but he would always turn us away, not wanting to see anyone except dad. Eventually, we dared not visit him anymore.
Emma's proactive approach made Ethan visibly uncomfortable, yet he seemed unable to resist her warmth.
Her eyes sparkled with joy at seeing him, "Ethan, are you tired from the long flight? Let me massage your back for you."
Without hesitation, she began energetically massaging his back, constantly inquiring, "Ethan, does it feel good? Knowing you were coming back, I went out of my way to learn massage. The therapist also taught me how to massage your legs to improve blood circulation. Since you're back, I can massage you every day, okay?"
I noticed Ethan's awkwardness, but eventually, he accepted her offer.
This time, I didn't intercept any thoughts. Let Emma bask in her triumph for now.
As the saying goes, the higher one climbs, the harder they fall. Without giving them a taste of sweetness, how could they be driven to desperation?
Emma swiftly won Ethan over. Her initial self-doubt vanished once she gained his acceptance, and she blossomed like a peacock, tooking active part in the house.
Dad was pleased. His painstaking grooming of Emma for years couldn't possibly yield no results. How could she not surpass even me?
Thus, they started to play their final hand.
