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."

he said through gritted teeth.

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

if we were premium entertainment. "The decision is yours, of course. But if Hendrix continues down this path,

fixed on something out of view. Finally, he exhaled sharply. "I'll talk to him," he said. "But don't you

course," Dr. Joe said, placating. But the glint in his

my chair and balled my fingers to stop them from trembling slightly. It didn't work. The conversation haunted

my head. "Just make sure this doesn't spiral out

as I left the room, as

her to go through what I went through. The thought

...

(Hendrix's POV)

I'd only meant to deliver the treatment bottles I'd been asked

me.

"...jeopardize everything..."

as my heart began pounding. Liability? Disruptive? What the

strict, cold even. But this? This was a new level of betrayal. She was supposed to protect

to this godforsaken place? And why? What was

a pair of dumbbells and started lifting, letting the burn distract me from the noise in my head. But the questions wouldn't

Did she know? Could she be

thought made me more upset. I had to talk to her. I had to