Chapter 111

"Yes. I must be insane. Without getting my money back, I'm on a one-way path to ruin. Might as well take us both down. You bitch."

David glared murderously at Susie. "If it weren't for my parents taking you in and adopting you, you would have been dead long ago. I texted you to borrow money, and you didn't even reply. What am I to you? You're now married into the Brady family, so why won't you help me?"

Susie trembled with anger, about to speak, when a cold voice interrupted. "Look here, Aunt Susie, can you stop dragging your family drama onto me? I just came here for a meal, and then there was this fellow, desperate to borrow money. What was Uncle Samuel thinking when he married you?"

Turning towards the voice, Susie saw a handsome young man dressed casually, who bore a striking resemblance to Trevon. "Herbert? You're a jerk. You've completely humiliated me."

Herbert, the youngest Brady son, had recently returned from overseas studies. During a visit to Samuel, David had seen Herbert and seized an opportunity.

The Brady family had always looked down on Susie due to her modest background, deeming her unworthy. However, Samuel and Susie's genuine love ensured the family's grudging acceptance of their union. Navigating life within the Brady family, Susie found David constantly causing trouble.

"What's your face even worth? My life is more valuable. Give me the money now," David demanded, lunging for Susie's bag. Selina reacted swiftly, smashing a water glass onto his head.

"Oh!" David screamed, blood flowing from a head wound. Before he could curse, he was violently kicked to the ground. Selina pressed her foot on his chest mercilessly, seemingly squeezing his internal organs.

This shocked everyone. Susie covered her mouth, but Nora pulled her away. "Mom, don't worry. Selina knows what she's doing. Uncle David needs a harsh lesson. After all the trouble you've cleaned up for him over the years, he's only gotten worse. It's time he got what he deserves."

Herbert watched Selina silently. Barry spoke up, "Nice moves, but don't kill him. He owes me a significant amount of money. If he dies and you get locked up, who will pay it back?"

David tried to protest, but Selina's pressure silenced him. Selina looked at Barry, almost smiling. "If we don't pay his debts today, what are you planning on doing?"

Barry took a drag of his cigarette. "As per our agreement, I want one of his hands, plus a ten-day extension."

"Cool, I'll settle his debt," Selina said casually, "But chop off that hand first. Otherwise, this guy will never learn. Deal or no deal?"

"Of course. I just want my money, plus interest. Anything else is immaterial," Barry replied.

Terrified of amputation, David cried, "Susie, save me! Please. I won't do it again, I swear!"

Susie's heart softened. This was her brother, the only son of the couple who had raised her.

"Selina," Susie began, but Selina cut her off. "Susie, let me handle this. If you want what's best for this family, please stay out of it."

Chapter III

Nora said, "Selina, I support you. Uncle David needs to face the consequences."

"You little brat," David began, but Selina's foot silenced him. She casually produced a black card. "How much? I'll transfer the money now. Also, spread the word: if anyone lends David money and he can't repay, chop off another hand and come to me for the principal plus double the interest. Once both hands are gone, start with the feet. As long as you don't kill him, it's all good."

Barry flicked ash and chuckled. "Oh? Our interest rates aren't low, you know."

"Don't worry, I can afford it," Selina reassured him.

Barry was amused. "Alright, you're an interesting one. Don't worry, I'll spread the word."

Barry looked at David, took a drag of his cigarette, and blew smoke in his face, making him cough. "You should count yourself lucky. Someone's paying off your debts. With your gambling-addicted hands, you're lucky they're worth enough to settle your debts."

Seeing Susie remain silent, David panicked. "Don't do this. I won't gamble anymore, I really won't. Please give me another chance. Susie, I know I was wrong."

"Selina, it's okay. Since David has promised to change, let's give him one more chance," Susie pleaded.

Susie believed Selina was only scaring David and had achieved her goal.

Susie had used this tactic before. David had once abstained from gambling for half a month out of fear, only to relapse.

Susie knew David was beyond saving, but she couldn't let him die. She felt a deep-seated obligation towards him.

To everyone's surprise, Selina said firmly, "No need. We must chop off one of his hands."

"What? Are you out of your mind? Susie just said to give me another chance. I really will turn over a new leaf this time," David protested.

"There are two kinds of people whose word you can never trust—addicts and gamblers. Since I'm paying, please take care of this," Selina stated.

Barry, appreciating Selina's resolve, replied, "Got it."

Barry dragged the screaming David away, ignoring onlookers' stares. Susie collapsed.

Nora worriedly asked, "Selina, you're not seriously considering taking Uncle David's hand, are you?"

"Of course. Gamblers who think they have a safety net never learn unless you take something from them. It's lucky for him he has such a strong survival instinct—a hand in exchange for a peaceful life isn't a bad deal."