Chapter 2 Shouldering Everything

Half an hour later, Bethany staggered back home, clutching the two hundred thousand dollars like it was a lifeline.

Inside, Shawn was tied to a chair, his face twisted with rage as he glared at the men surrounding him. He spat out curses, struggling against the ropes holding him down.

The moment he saw her, his expression changed. "Beth! What the hell are you doing here? You should've run!"

Breathless from sprinting up seven flights of stairs, Bethany leaned against the doorway, sweat mingling with her fear. "I'm here, aren't I?" she shot back, glaring coldly at the men. "Here's the money. Now let my brother go."

The man with tattoos toyed lazily with a folding knife, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "You really brought it? Where's the cash?"

Without a word, Bethany pulled out her phone and transferred the money to his account. "Check it. Now get out," she ordered.

Even after the transaction went through, the man didn't move. He chuckled, shaking his head. "Bethany, we were forced, trust me. Mr. Wells wanted the money within three days or it would've been over for us."

Ignoring him, Bethany dropped to her knees beside Shawn, hands trembling as she fumbled with the knots.

The man ogled at her. "Why do you keep fighting, huh? A girl like you... Mr. Wells could take good care of you. He's got money and power. You could-"

Before he could finish, Shawn, freed from the ropes, lunged for a kitchen knife and swung it wildly. "Shut your damned mouth! Get out! Now!"

"What the-? Are you crazy?!" The men scrambled back and out of the door, cursing, as Shawn brandished the knife wildly.

Shawn slammed the door behind them, his breathing heavy with anger. His eyes, now red with frustration, bore into Bethany. "Tell me you didn't go to that bastard Julian."

Bethany collapsed into a chair, fighting to keep her composure. "I didn't."

Shawn wasn't convinced. "Then where the hell did you get that kind of money?"

Bethany hesitated, remembering the way Leland had transferred her the money, his gaze dripping with contempt. The memory stung, but she forced herself to remain calm. "A friend lent it to me."

It had only been a week since she'd discovered the truth about Julian and ended things with him, but the creditors had been relentless.

Her family's collapse years ago had left them drowning in debt, a burden that had only grown heavier after their parents died under the pressure. It was just her, Shawn, and their grandma now, struggling to survive.

Julian had swooped in during one of her darkest moments, offering financial support and treating her kindly.

At the time, she thought he was her salvation, and she had done everything he asked. Though she never intended to marry into wealth, she couldn't accept being the other woman.

She had turned down his money, choosing to work hard and pay off their debts bit by bit.

But once they broke up, Julian's true nature surfaced, and he sent thugs to torment her. She never saw that coming.

The debt collectors, once patient, became aggressive, demanding more and more. All while her grandma's medical bills piled up in the hospital, getting higher month after month.

Everyone said the same thing: crawl back to Julian, beg for his help. But Bethany's pride wouldn't allow it.

If she caved now, she would never stand tall again.

Shawn wasn't letting it go. "Which friend? What's their name?"

They had already asked everyone they could for help. The most anyone had given was a few thousand here and there, often without expecting repayment, but no one could lend her two hundred thousand in one go.

Bethany rose, taking the knife from his hand, and headed into the kitchen. "It's someone from work. I'll handle it. Stop worrying."

But she didn't notice Shawn's eyes fixed on the faint love marks on her neck, his expression twisting with anger.

Bethany opened the fridge, trying to distract herself with the task of cooking. "You'll have to take dinner to Grandma later. I'm not feeling well and need some rest."

When she didn't hear a reply, she glanced back into the living room. Shawn stood still, staring at the floor, his face darkened by frustration.

His fury simmering beneath the surface-not just at Julian, but at his own helplessness. His sister was shouldering everything, and now... for his sake...

His voice broke as he wiped at his eyes, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I get it."

"Shawn..." Bethany's heart ached, but before she could say anything more, he turned and disappeared into his room.

She sighed, staring at the closed door.

Soon, dinner was ready.

She knocked softly on Shawn's door. "Dinner's done. Come eat something."

Silence greeted her.

"Shawn?" she called again.

The door creaked open, and Shawn emerged, his face set in a hard expression, a backpack slung lazily over his shoulder. He avoided her eyes as he picked up the packed food. "I'll take this to Grandma... You rest up. Don't wait up; I'll go straight to school after the hospital."

His words were rushed, almost mechanical, and before Bethany could respond, he was already out the door.