The Freeloader Calls Me the Leech

I didn't bother arguing with them any further and went straight to find Colleen instead.

"Mr. Johnston, Mr. Booker said he didn't like the antique clock, so he asked me to put it in storage," Colleen explained hesitantly.

I searched the storage room from top to bottom, but the antique clock was nowhere to be found.

A sinking feeling of dread rose in my chest.

That antique clock, though not large, was extremely valuable. In fact, Dad had secured it at an auction for two million dollars.

Benny definitely hadn't just put it away.

Fed up with all the drama at home, I went on a three-day business trip.

But when I returned, the house was in complete disarray.

To show off like he owned the place, Benny had invited a bunch of his sketchy friends over for a party at the villa.

Amid the deafening music, a crowd of garishly dressed men and women was barbecuing and livestreaming in the garden.

But the last bit of tolerance I had left went up in flames the moment I saw what was left of the camellias in the corner of the garden.

Benny's friends were laughing as they competed to see who could flick their cigarette butts into the bushes, carelessly burning and trampling those delicate petals.

Those camellias were my mother, Lynette Mack's pride and joy. After she passed, I tended to them myself, never allowing anyone to touch a single branch or leaf.

Yet, they tramped all over them like it was nothing.

In that moment, rage obliterated the very last of my patience. I stormed over and yanked the power cord from the stereo.

As everyone stared in shock, I pointed to the gate and said icily, "I'll give you all three minutes to get out of my yard."

Benny, apparently feeling humiliated in front of his friends, walked over and shoved me.

"Ruben, what are you doing? We were all having a good time."

"Are you deaf? I told you to get out!" I shook off his hand and fixed him with a frigid stare.

The atmosphere turned unbearably awkward.

Benny's friends, looking embarrassed, began to gather their things.

Pretty soon, Benny ran off to tattle to Rita.

When she rushed over and saw the mess everywhere, she lit into me without even asking what had happened.

"Have you lost your mind? Benny's friends are here for the first time, and you humiliate him over a few stupid flowers? Seriously?"

"Stupid flowers?" I stared at her, feeling something inside me go cold. "Rita, he has no idea what those flowers mean, but you do. They're all I have left of my mom."

"She's already gone, so what's the point of holding onto all this stuff?" she shouted, clearly not thinking before she spoke. "Stop acting like some spoiled rich kid!

"You want more flowers? Fine—I'll have someone plant as many as you want tomorrow. Happy now?"

"You want to compensate me?" I stared at Rita, someone I thought I knew, and asked emphatically, "What could you possibly offer to make up for the memories of my mom?"

Benny jumped in. "What the heck is wrong with you? Who cares about some flowers? Even if it was a grave out there, it's not going to stop me from throwing my party!"

That was it. I grabbed Benny by the collar and punched him in the face.

Rita screamed and tried to stop me, but I pushed her aside without thinking.

"From today, he's not welcome in this house. And you, Rita, if you're going to take his side, then both of you can get the hell out."