"Once I close this deal, I'll be a millionaire! Isabel, Dad, Mom—just sit back and wait for the good life!"
His face was flushed crimson with excitement.
Isabel, Nicholas, and Nanette made no effort to hide their euphoria.
Watching them revel in their petty triumph, all I felt was that the family I'd fought so hard to hold together was nothing but a joke.
Just as despair threatened to swallow me whole, Ramona walked up and stood in front of me.
She spread her arms wide, as though shielding me.
"This round's over. Next round, let my dad send the red envelope first."
Arnold was still riding his high. When he heard her, he agreed without a second thought—clearly convinced I posed no threat whatsoever.
Under my daughter's watchful gaze, I sent the red envelope.
The moment it went through, I realized my hands were trembling.
Across the table, Isabel and her family looked unconcerned. They tapped open the envelope almost simultaneously.
The next second.
I saw it clearly.
Every drop of color bled from their faces.
"How is that possible?!"
