My Repentant Brothers by Grace Edith

Chapter 175

Madeline stepped out of the lounge and immediately spotted Lucas filming nearby. His phone was ringing nonstop, and even the crew began to grow irritated, sneaking glances at the screen. Madeline glanced too-it was Layla calling. She stayed quiet. When Lucas finished the scene and approached, Madeline was holding his phone for him. His heart warmed at the gesture. "Madeline, do you want some coffee?" he asked, his tone gentle.

"No," she replied curtly, her voice cold. Lucas gave a faint smile, undeterred, and picked up the phone, only to see his mother had called multiple times. He hadn't been in touch with his family for a while and had no clue what was going on at home. Just then, the phone rang again. Clancing at Madeline. Lucas frowned and walked away to answer. "Mom, what's going on he asked, his ton lacking any warmth. He was careful not to let Madeline overhear, trying to avoid stirring her resentment toward Layla. After all, Layla had treated Madeline with such collness in the past. Lucas had been deliberately avoiding any family topics to spare Madeline from feeling guilty.

"Lucas, something terrible has happened!" Layla cried, her voice shaky and chantic sounds filling the background. "Winslet tricked Joel into borrowing 2 million dollars from loan sharks! We sold everything just to cover it"

"Now, more creditors are coming forward, saying Winslet used Joel's social security card to take out dozens of small loans! Our platform alone is around 40,000 dollars-combined, it's hundreds of thousands more!" Layla's voice broke as she explained the dire situation Originally, Thomas had planned to sell off family assets to cover the initial debt, hoping to leave something for Layla to live on. But with more debt piling up, there was nothing left. Worse still, they were in debt. Layla was devastated, never imagining Windler would go in far and leave Joel in such

mess.

"How could this happen!" Lucas yelled, his frustration boiling over. 1 warned you before Winslet isn't the same person she used to be! Stop treating her like some innocent girl!" His anger was palpable.

"Lucas, enough! We know we messed up, but what are we supposed to do now? The loan sharks are threatening to sell Joel off to cover the debt. Do you have any money to help him? Layla begged, her desperation clear.

Lucas sighed heavily, feeling defeated Joel's blind trust in Winslet had brought nothing but disaster. He'd dragged the entire family y into this mess expecting his brothers to clean up after him.

don't have much left. I'll send you my savings-10,000 dollars. That's all I can give." Lucas

that on a car before! Lucas, you can't just turn your back on your brother

think we're still living like we used to?" Lucas shot back. He only had a

option, take it and sell it" He scratched his

stressed and tense he appeared.

ut his fami

he was forced to give up his savings because of her. Frustrated, he had gone on vacation to escape it all. Meanwhile, Henry's car dealership was thriving, but he spent his days at a chapel

to contribute financially to aid his brother. Layla eventually fainted from the stress

couldn't bring himself to ask Madeline to accompany him to the hospital. After all, his family had once showered Winslet with love while treating Madeline

un

saw him. "Lucas, Madeline is our only hope now. Do you know where she is she asked desperately, "She's wealthy-a few hundred thousand

remember how we treated Madeline Especially you you even deducted her living expenses. When her grandpa needed money for a life-aving surgery, where were you? And now, you want her help just because she lus mury!

Kayla with a mis of disappointment and helplessness. Lucas would rather throw himself off a building than ask Madelier for helps Sighing, he asked, "Have you

but it's more