Sky-High Acquisition: My Company Was Sold

They were discussing how to plot against me, so I waited until they were done before I knocked.

When my mom, Helen, opened the door and saw me, her face showed surprise mixed with a bit of unease.

“Bella, when did you get back?” she asked, still looking a little nervous. I knew she was worried I might’ve overheard what she and my sister-in-law, Kate, were saying.

“Just now,” I replied as I walked in. “The company went bankrupt, and I’m deep in debt, so I figured I’d come back home.”

The mood in the room instantly soured. They probably assumed that even if my company went under, I’d still have some money left. But now, it seemed like not only did I lose the business, but I also owed a lot.

Kate jumped in, “You’re back, but there’s no space for you here! And your bankruptcy has nothing to do with us. These two set of houses were left to us by our parents; they’ve got nothing to do with you!”

I just smiled and said, “I bought these two sets of houses, and they’re in my name. So, how could they have nothing to do with me? I’m actually here to sell them to pay off my debt.”

The atmosphere in the room began to intensify after I said that.

“I don’t care, Mom. This house is reserved for your grandson’s school enrollment; those who live in a school district have rights to get their children enrolled,” Kate shouted.

“Bella, this house was meant for your nephew’s schooling,” my brother, Howard, chimed in. “Plus, you lost all that money; how can you think about selling our house?”

I looked at him and asked, “I bought this house with my own money, didn’t I?”

“What do you mean ‘your money’? I raised you all these years, so shouldn’t you contribute something?” my mom snapped. “How can you be so selfish? This house belongs to your brother now, don’t you get it?”

“I won’t sell this one for now, but what about the other house?” I said, “I’m really deep in debt, and I need to sell it.”

They all looked shocked.

“That other house was my dowry when I got married,” my sister-in-law blurted out. “Besides, my parents are living there—are you going to make them move out?”

“When did I ever say that house was your dowry?” I asked, my expression turning cold.

There were two houses—my mom had asked me to buy them. I originally planned to keep one for myself and give the other to my brother. But when I wasn’t around, they had already moved my sister-in-law’s parents into my house.

“Bella, your brother has had a tough time,” my mom said. “You should help him and his wife out. Just give them the house!”

I looked at my mom. Even though I’d known for a long time that she was scheming against me, hearing her say those words still made my heart sink.

“And you owe money, but our family isn’t responsible for paying off your debts. If you have any self-respect left, go handle it on your own. Don’t drag us down with you!” My sister-in-law’s words felt like a slap in the face.

Before I told my mom about the bankruptcy, she always acted like she cared so much whenever I visited. She’d ask about my life, and I’d always bring gifts and cosmetics for her, not to mention the money I sent my brother. Now, looking back, it all seems ridiculous.

“Bella you’re an adult now,” my mom said with a sigh. “You got yourself into this mess, so you need to deal with it. We can’t help you. You should just go.”

My brother didn’t waste any time. He grabbed my suitcase, threw it outside, and said, “Bella, you need to leave now!” Then he shoved me out the door, slamming it shut behind me.