"Mom, don't say that. Even if I have to borrow money or beg, I'll make sure you get treated. Lily feels the same way, I'm sure. And if we don't have enough, she'll chip in too. She's got a good job, and makes good money. I heard those big companies give out huge bonuses. Worst case, she could apply for an overseas assignment and make even more. And she's smart-- she could easily find a divorced guy to marry if she wanted. After all, you raised her and paid for her college. She wouldn't refuse to help."

They had calculated my worth down to the last cent. The greed on their faces made my stomach turn.

"Ugh-- " I bolted to the bathroom.

"She throws up after just a little oatmeal. Do you think she's pregnant? I haven't heard anything about a boyfriend. Maybe she's seeing a married man?" Dora whispered.

"That'd be perfect," Alexander said. "We could squeeze some cash out of the guy. Might even pay off the mortgage."

"Ugh-- " Hearing that made me even sicker. I barely made it to the toilet.

Alexander had the nerve to claim Mom paid for my college. In reality, they took all my scholarship money. I worked part-time, lived on steamed buns, and was so malnourished I fainted more than once. It was only thanks to my teachers and classmates that I managed to graduate.

Outside, their conversation continued. "Mom, you scared me with that cancer talk. I didn't relax until I saw you give me the signal."

Mom laughed. "You're my good son. Not like that ungrateful girl. She didn't even flinch when I said I was sick. If I hadn't made it sound serious, she wouldn't have handed over a penny."

I clenched my fists so hard my palms bled, but it was the only thing that kept me from collapsing.

I walked out, pale but steady. Before they could speak, I said, "Mom, don't worry about the treatment. I just got accepted for an overseas project. I'll be leaving in a month. The company offers a $100,000 bonus every quarter for hardship posts. That should cover your medical costs."

Alexander had been about to ask who the father of my non-existent baby was, but he swallowed his words.

They all looked at me, their eyes gleaming with greed.

I smiled. That was exactly the reaction I wanted.

"Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad."

Let the games begin.