Chapter 8 " Your mom meant well . Can't you cut her some slack ? Not everyone's cut out for government work . You don't even study properly , so stop blaming her . " I tossed my brother's own words from my last life back at him , icy and sharp . Flynn's face darkened , his eyes stormy . He shoved Mom away with a snarl . " Get out of my sight . This is all your fault . I don't ever want to see you again . " Mom collapsed on the couch , sobbing dramatically , slapping her own cheeks . " Flynn , it's all my fault . I was just so worried you'd fail the exam . " I watched , heart thrumming with satisfaction . Dad came home to find Mom weeping and Flynn sulking . " What the hell ? Why all the tears on a big day ? " No one answered , so I did . " My dear brother cheated on the state exam . He's disqualified . No government job for him . " Dad's face went blank . He smoked a whole cigarette in silence , then patted Flynn's shoulder . " It's fine . Your mom didn't mean to . Try to understand her . " " But- " Flynn started , only for Dad to cut him off . " I ran into an old buddy who wants me in on a big deal . Once it goes through , you'll be set for life . Forget about civil service - you'll be rich . Hell , you'll be a trust - fund kid . " Flynn blinked . " Seriously , Dad ? " His grin stretched wide , practically splitting his face . " Sure , we'll marry your sister into his family - then his fortune becomes ours . ITAT I couldn't help it - I snorted out a laugh . Quickly covered with , " I'm just ... happy for us , Dad . You'll strike it rich , Flynn will live the dream , and maybe I'll even marry well . Sounds like good fortune all around . " Flynn sneered . " Don't get any ideas . None of this will ever be yours . " I smiled meekly . " We're family , aren't we ? Why would I fight you for anything ? " Then turned to Dad with a sweet look . " Mom better whip up a proper feast for your buddy . Shame I can't help in the kitchen - my skills aren't that great . " Dad thought for a moment , then pulled out his phone and transferred money to Mom . " Buy plenty of good stuff . And pick up two bottles of Oak Barrel Bourbon . Remember - no beef . My buddy's allergic . " Flynn chimed in , panicked . " Yeah , Mom , seriously . Don't save money . Don buy beef ! " Chapter 8