Chapter 379

Rosalind rushed to Everett's side. "This isn't worth it! If you need money that badly, I can—"

Everett's sharp glance silenced her immediately.

She hadn't meant to offend his pride - she just couldn't bear watching him harm himself.

Everett nodded to the supervisor. "Let's begin."

The supervisor started loading bags onto Everett's broad shoulders. Eight bags piled on effortlessly. Then came the ninth. Tenth.

Julian applauded mockingly. "Impressive! Who knew you'd debase yourself so eagerly for cash? Here's one... two hundred!"

He tossed crisp bills onto the dusty ground.

The supervisor added more weight - eleven. Twelve.

"Three. Four hundred."

More money fluttered down.

With twelve bags now, sweat poured down Everett's face, soaking through his work shirt. His muscles trembled visibly, yet his expression remained stoic.

Rosalind stood helpless, every protest dying on her lips.

The supervisor looked increasingly uncomfortable. "Everett, say the word and we'll stop."

Silence.

Thirteen. Fourteen bags.

"Five hundred. Six hundred."

Julian scattered bills across the ground.

Rosalind watched Everett's spine bow under the crushing weight. She turned to Julian, voice trembling with fury. "Enough! Stop this now!"

A melodic ringtone sliced through the tension - Everett's phone.

The supervisor seized the reprieve. "Everett! Your phone! Let's pause here."

Everett carefully deposited his burden before returning.

Julian gestured to the money on the ground. "Your earnings. Take them."

As Everett bent down, Rosalind moved faster. She gathered the bills, brushed off the dirt, and pressed them firmly into Everett's hands. "Your six hundred dollars."

Everett Sinclair stared into Rosalind Fairchild's luminous almond eyes for a long moment before accepting the cash. His gaze shifted to Julian Blackwood, icy and unreadable.

"Appreciate it, Mr. Blackwood. Feel free to toss more money my way anytime. I'm game for your little games."

Julian shot up from his seat, face contorted with rage. "You insolent—"

He hadn't anticipated Everett's composure. The boy showed no trace of shame or hesitation.

Everett's phone buzzed. His mother's caller ID flashed on screen. But when he answered, it was Lillian's panicked voice that came through.

"Everett! It's Mom—she—" Sobs choked her words.

His stomach dropped. "Lilly, breathe. Tell me what happened."

"Mom collapsed! Mrs. Beatrice helped me get her to the clinic, but they said she needs a proper hospital. I don't know where—I'm so scared—"

His thirteen-year-old sister's terror sent adrenaline coursing through him. "Stay put. I'm coming." He ended the call and broke into a sprint without explanation.

Rosalind called after him, heels clicking as she gave chase. "Everett! Wait! What's wrong?"