Samantha choked up, thinking, “Since he’s not afraid of losing face, why should I be?”

She sat back, glanced around, cleared her throat gently, and said, “Three years ago, I went to Southeast Aploth to expand our company’s projects and partnered with a local firm. They betrayed me, hiring someone to rob me of my wallet and luggage. Unable to contact anyone, I encountered him in a dark alley near a bar.” She pointed to Charles, whose face remained impassive, her own expression slightly unnatural. “He was wounded, apparently by a gunshot. I noticed a nearby black suitcase filled with cash, so I took a few bills to survive.”

Jeremiah thought, “If it were that simple, Charles wouldn’t be this angry.”

Andrew felt immense sorrow and anger. He thought, “None of us knew about this. That reckless Southeast Aploth company dared to target his sister! What idiots!” Furious, he asked, “Samantha, what’s the company’s name? Did they go bankrupt?”

Samantha replied, “Of course, I didn’t let them off easily. After returning, I used my own methods to bring them down.” Her voice turned cold. “That company is gone, and the person behind the scheme is probably picking trash somewhere now.”

Thinking Charles was upset about the money, Andrew patted his shoulder. “Bro, if it’s because my sister took your money, I apologize. Let me treat you to a meal and drinks. Please don’t be upset.”

Charles looked at Samantha. His eyes flickered. “Go on.”

Samantha knew it wasn’t just about the money. Reluctantly, she explained, “I had no choice. My suitcase was robbed; I didn’t even have clothes. It was freezing, so I took your shirt. And I used your phone to call an ambulance for you.” Charles sneered.

Samantha had called an ambulance, but the incident made headlines. A shirtless, injured Charles being carried from a bar alley at night. The photos, without mosaics, circulated throughout Mysonna’s underworld, becoming a lifelong source of ridicule. No wonder he was angry.

After Samantha finished, Andrew fell silent, giving her a look that clearly indicated she was on her own. He thought, “If I were Charles, I’d probably want to kill her too. What an embarrassment!”

Samantha knew she was wrong. For the first time in over twenty years, she apologized. Facing Charles, she said, “I owe you a sincere apology. You can do whatever you want to me.”

Andrew hesitated, then stepped in front of Samantha, his tall frame offering protection. She felt a touch of emotion. “Has the day finally come when Andrew is mature enough to protect me?”

Charles glanced at the siblings, snorted, then extended a hand in a “please” gesture. Stepping aside, he smiled. “Charles, Samantha won’t fight back. So hurry and take this rare opportunity. Go ahead, but don’t hurt anyone innocent. We’re siblings, but not that close. I won’t be embarrassed.”

Charles was taken aback, confused. Were they really siblings? Half-siblings?

Samantha’s earlier emotion vanished. “Do I have a younger brother? I’m sure I don’t. I’ve already decided what his epitaph will say.”

Yvette eyed her empty wine glass, about to pour more, when Jeremiah’s hand covered hers. He smiled slightly. “Enough for now. Let’s drink again next time.”

Yvette half-closed her eyes, her beauty illuminated by the setting sun. Her gaze was intense. She gave Jeremiah a gentle smile, a blend of light and shadow, captivating him. They were lost in their own world.

Yvette nodded obediently. “Okay, no more drinking.” She sat up straight. Jeremiah sighed, thinking, “Alright. She’s being well-behaved; she must be drunk again.”

Charles said, “Forget it, let’s leave the past behind us.”

Samantha was surprised. He didn’t seem like someone to forgive easily. She realized it was because of Yvette. Turning, she finally looked at Jeremiah and Yvette.

Seeing Yvette on the couch, an empty wine glass before her, Samantha knew. She quickly asked Jeremiah, “Mr. Chavez, how many glasses has she had?”

Jeremiah rubbed his temples. “Two glasses.”

Yvette’s smile upon hearing Samantha’s voice sent shivers down her spine. “Yvette smiled, exactly like before she attacked people last time.” Samantha stepped back.

Andrew and Charles watched, puzzled. Samantha glanced back at them, silent for several seconds. “Charles is a decent guy, and I owe him a favor. I need to repay him. Andrew? I’ve already decided what to put on his tombstone anyway. So I might as well choose him to save myself some hassle.”

Turning to Jeremiah, she said something only they could understand. “Mr. Chavez, two choices, I pick Andrew, what about you?”

Jeremiah smiled faintly, glancing at the confused brothers. “I choose Charles.”

Samantha felt frustrated. Their opinions differed. “What did Charles do to annoy Mr. Chavez? Why did he choose Charles? Looks like the decision goes to the drunk one.”

With sincerity, she asked Yvette, “Yve, who would you pick between Charles and Andrew?”

Yvette loved making choices when drunk. Her eyes hazy, she murmured, “Pick who? Is this a multiple-choice question?”

Samantha said, “That’s right, you need to choose one. Only one person gets their wish.”