Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 102 (Dennis' POV) The Skype screen glitched for a moment before stabilizing and revealing Travis's face on the other end. His expression was tight; he looked very concerned, as if he already knew this conversation wouldn't go well. I sighed and adjusted the camera slightly to make sure I was perfectly framed. Presentation was everything when discussing sensitive matters.

"Dennis," Travis began cautiously, "what's this all about? Why couldn't this wait until next week?" I glanced at the agenda on my desk. The papers detailed patient statuses, inspection protocols, and Dr. Joe's recent reports. "It's about Hendrix," I said finally and leaned forward. "We have a problem." His eyes darkened. "What kind of problem?" Dr. Joe's voice cut through before I could answer. "Your son, Mr. Travis, has been refusing treatment. He's become... a liability." Travis turned his glare to the other man. "Liability? What the hell does that mean?" Dr. Joe remained calm, his hands clasped on the desk. "This center operates under strict guidelines. Every patient must adhere to their prescribed treatments. Hendrix's refusal is disruptive, not only to his progress but to the overall order of the program." I crossed my arms. "We've given him multiple chances, Travis. But he's pushing boundaries now. And with the inspections coming up-" Travis cutoff, his voice rising. "So what? You're suggesting what? That we-what? Get rid of him?" I exchanged a glance with Dr. Joe, whose lips curved into the faintest smirk. "It's not about getting rid of anyone," Dr. Joe said smoothly. "It's about ensuring compliance. If Hendrix continues to resist, we'll have no choice but to-redirect-his program. For his safety. And ours." Travis leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. "He's my son," he said through gritted teeth. "And you're talking about him like he's just another number." "And he's my stepson," I snapped, though my voice softened at the end. "Do you think this is easy for me? Travis, we're not suggesting anything drastic. But if he doesn't start cooperating, he could jeopardize everything. Not just for himself but for everyone here." Dr. Joe leaned back in his chair, watching us as if we were premium entertainment. "The decision is yours, of course. But if Hendrix continues down this path, there will be consequences. For all of us." Travis was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on something out of view. Finally, he exhaled sharply. "I'll talk to him," he said. "But don't you dare make any moves without consultingfirst. Do you hear me?" "Of course," Dr. Joe said, placating. But the glint in his eyes toldotherwise.

After Travis disconnected, I sat back in my chair and balled my fingers to stop them from trembling slightly. It didn't work. The conversation haunted me. Dr. Joe turned tothen widened his smirk as if this was all so funny to him. "You're awfully quiet, Dennis. Second thoughts?" I shook my head. "Just make sure this doesn't spiral out of control." His laughter followedas I left the room, as if remindingwho truly held the power here.

I don't want her to go through what I went through. The thought echoed louder in my mind with each step I took.

(Hendrix's POV) The sound of my father's voice still echoed in my head as I leaned against the wall outside Dr. Joe's office. I'd only meant to deliver the treatment bottles I'd been asked to sort, but when I heard my nmentioned, curiosity got the better of "...Hendrix's refusal is disruptive..." me.

"...jeopardize everything..." I clenched my fists as my heart began pounding. Liability? Disruptive? What the hell were they planning? And why the hell was Dennis so deeply involved? My stepmom had always been strict, cold even. But this? This was a new level of betrayal. She was supposed to protect me, wasn't she? And yet, there she was, agreeing with Dr. Joe, plotting something behind my back.

I slipped away before they could spot me. First my father, now Dennis. Was everyone in my life connected to this godforsaken place? And why? What was so important about this center that it had them all tangled in its web? By the tI reached the gym, I was seething. I grabbed a pair of dumbbells and started lifting, letting the burn distractfrom the noise in my head. But the questions wouldn't stop. Why had Dennis senthere? Was it really about treatment, or was there something else? And what about Angel? Did she know? Could she be part of this too? The thought mademore upset. I had to talk to her. I had to know the truth.

800 (Angel's POV)

The meeting room was dark, even with the overhead bulbs which provided slight across the table where my group was gathered. The tension was palpable, and each of us was lost in our own thoughts. The inspections were days away, and we were running out of time.

"We need to move fast," I said firmly. "The journal is still missing but we can't wait any longer. If we're going En to escape, it has to be soon." Hande nodded. "But how? They're watching us more closely now. And with the inspections..." "We'll figure it out," I said, though I had little doubt. "We don't have a choice."

Before anyone could respond, the door creaked open. We all turned to see Hendrix standing in the doorway. Was standing His face was pale and his eyes shadowed with something dark and unreadable. "Hendrix?" I said as I rose to my feet. "What-what's wrong?" He stepped into the room. The air seemed to thicken around him as he met my gaze.

"We need to talk," he said. "All of us." The room fell silent. Whatever he had to say, I knew it wasn't good.

And I wasn't sure we were ready to hear it.