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 cut me off, 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."

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

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

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

something out of view. Finally, he exhaled sharply. "I'll talk to him," he said. "But don't you dare make any moves

placating. But the glint

slightly. It didn't work. The conversation haunted me. Dr. Joe turned to me then widened

make sure this doesn't spiral

laughter followed me as I left the room, as if reminding me who truly held the

The

...

(Hendrix's POV)

outside Dr. Joe's office. I'd only meant to deliver the treatment bottles I'd been

me.

"...jeopardize everything..."

fists as my heart began pounding. Liability? Disruptive? What the hell were

new level of betrayal. She was supposed to protect me, wasn't she? And yet, there she was, agreeing with Dr. Joe, plotting

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

started lifting, letting the burn distract me from the noise in my

know? Could she be part

made me more upset. I had to