Chapter 1
Edward Brooks and I were childhood friends.
When I found out his family had gone bankrupt, I rushed home to my parents, begging them to help Edward pay off his debts.
But my mom had a condition. "I'll help Edward, but first, you need to tell him that it's our family that's bankrupt."
It was a non-negotiable demand, so I had no choice but to go along with it.
Edward was still out drinking with his friends when he heard the news.
"Now that the Turner Family's bankrupt, I can finally make Sophie my girlfriend out in the open," Edward said.
"Even the Turner Family went bankrupt? What's Charlotte showing off for? She'll be begging Edward for money, wagging her tail like a puppy soon enough," one of his friends sneered.
Edward had no idea I was still on the line, and I heard every single word.
*****
"My family's bankrupt," I broke the news to Edward.
My mom wanted to see his reaction, so she had me video call him.
I put the call on speaker so my mom could listen in.
Edward was clearly stunned.
He repeated in disbelief, "Your family's bankrupt?"
The Turner Family was one of the biggest names in Riverside City. For three generations, they'd been business powerhouses, running a nationwide empire that reached every corner of the country.
Edward's face grew serious, his handsome features turning grave.
"Charlie, don't worry. I'll figure something out for you."
Edward's words made the whole private room go dead silent.
No one dared to say a word, not wanting to interrupt him.
The Brooks Family was the only one powerful enough to rival the Turner Family. But the truth was, it was the Brooks Family that had really gone bankrupt.
Edward's parents had already headed overseas, trying to raise money and stay out of trouble.
Edward had never been told about any of this.
I glanced at my mom, and she gave me a pleased smile.
My heart warmed at the sight.
Edward and I had grown up together.
I figured he wasn't the kind of guy to turn his back on me.
I pressed my lips together.
"Edward, you're all I have left now. My family's been hiding this from everyone. It hasn't hit the business news yet, and my parents are doing everything they can to fix things.
"They're just scared that once it gets out, all the creditors will be at our door, demanding payment," I said.
Edward lowered his voice, trying to comfort me.
"Charlie, I'm your boyfriend. No matter what, we'll get through this together.
"Don't worry, I'll find a way.
"I'm a bit busy right now, but I'll come find you tomorrow so we can talk, okay?"
Hearing Edward say that, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
Edward had finally proved himself to my mom.
The Turner Family would have his back all the way now that his family was bankrupt.
Getting him back on his feet wouldn't be an issue at all.
I didn't hang up. Instead, I looked over at my mom.
I was about to have my mom say hi to Edward.
But suddenly, things got noisy and chaotic on Edward's end, like he was in a private room at a bar.
A woman's flirty voice came through the phone.
"Edward, I want to sit in your lap."