What He Stole, I Took Back in Blood

"What? No way!" Tyler sputtered, waving his hands.

"What's the problem?" I pressed. "You said you'd do anything for Karl. Backing out already?"

He forced a stiff grin, his teeth practically grinding. "I'd do anything for him. It's just..."

I didn't let him finish. "Great. I'll find the doctor to book your surgery right away."

I took one step toward the door before he yanked me back. "If I go blind, who's gonna put food on the table? We need to think this through."

I spun to Karl. "I wanted to help, but I couldn't. Your dad is just flat-out refusing. If you're pissed, take it up with him."

"Let's go home for now," Karl muttered. "We'll deal with the surgery later."

Tyler jumped on it. "Yeah, you two handle the discharge papers. I gotta talk to Matteo."

I watched him scurry off, no doubt rushing to soothe Rachel in the next room. I slipped out after him, keeping to the shadows.

"Rachel, hang tight," Tyler whispered. "Stephanie's got some health issues. She can't donate yet."

Rachel collapsed into his arms, sobbing. "I can't take it, Tyler. I'll never see your sweet smile or Karl's goofy grin again."

"Your eyes are too gorgeous to stay dark," he cooed, stroking her hair. "I'll make sure Stephanie signs that donation form."

"But if she goes blind, won't I be the villain?" Rachel muttered.

"You're a rising star in the art world," Tyler said with a smug chuckle. "Her corneas helping you create masterpieces? That's her damn privilege."

I nearly laughed out loud at his audacity. I'd like to see what other tricks they'd pull.

Back home, Tyler dragged Karl into the study for a private chat.

I plopped onto the couch and opened the surveillance app on my phone. That morning, I'd paid a guy to install hidden cameras all over the house that morning. Now every corner was under my watch.

In the study, Karl tore off his fake bandages, his face red with frustration. "What now, Dad? I can't keep playing blind forever."

Tyler's jaw tightened. "Keep up the act. Mope around, throw tantrums, and act like your life's over. Make your mom feel sorry. She'll scramble to fix her hepatitis and donate those corneas. You'll just have to suck it up for a while."

Karl nodded. "Anything for Rachel."

His words hit like a punch. I had raised nothing but a traitor.

I'd cooked his meals, bought him clothes, and driven him to training classes, hoping he would shine one day. But now, he was plotting against me for another woman.

The next day, Karl leaned into his role. He turned sullen, barely speaking, and started smashing things. By day three, he'd locked himself in his room, screaming he'd starve himself to death.

I didn't flinch. Instead, I dialed up the fanciest hotel in town and ordered a spread fit for royalty.

I was starving, and this way, I didn't have to cook for that ungrateful brat. We'd see who could hold out longer.