Chapter 1383
A Life Debt Repaid
âWhat?!â Marvin frowned, surprised that his wife would suddenly say something like that.
âWe only ever cared about Ryan ever since they were children because heâs smart and a quick learner, excelling in everything. But we neglected Sam in turn-l donât even remember how many of his birthdays weâve celebrated for him.â
Marvin did a double take and argued feebly, âBirthdays?! He should be learning to man up instead-â
âBut we celebrated Ryanâs birthday every time,â Lindsay pointed out. âAnd weâd celebrate Samâs with him just because they were born the same month, never celebrating Samâs birthday by itself. And everytime we celebrated Ryanâs birthday, everyone would only offer their wishes to Ryan, so that doesnât really count either.â
Marvin, however, was neither that considerate nor eager to discuss it. âWhatâs gotten into you? Why would they mind? Theyâre brothers, yâknow.â
âHavenât you noticed that Ryanâs been making a habit of mocking Sam?â Lindsay told him. âIâm actually getting fed up with the way Ryan talks to Sam now.â
Marvin snorted. âRyan only does that because Sam behaves poorly. We all know all too well what Ryan is like, donât we? Ryan has been smart and obedient ever since he was a child, never causing us any trouble. All Sam does is the opposite-â
âThat still doesnât give Ryan the right to mock Sam,â Lindsay said, cutting Marvin short. âRyan hasnât done anything for the family either. What gives him the right to be indignant, as if he had the right of reason?â
Marvin was left staring at Lindsay. âWhatâs your problem? You used to favor Ryan even more than I do, but now youâre getting upset with him?â
âI donât know,â Lindsay replied.
She could not put her finger on it either, but there was no question that they had paid all their attention to Ryan because they were convinced he stood a better chance of success. Even if they claimed that they were fair, they all mostly cared about Ryan and only felt disappointment toward Sam.
Now, however, Lindsay felt that their constant disappointment toward Sam led to Ryan thinking Sam insignificant, thereby driving a rift between the brothers.
âOh, just stop it.â Marvin snorted when he saw the look on his wifeâs face and assured her, âRyan just wants Sam to improve. He means wellâthatâs why he said what he said.â
âFine, then what did Sam do wrong today?â Lindsay asked him in turn.
âWhat are you talking about?! How about leaving just because I was frustrated at the very mention of it-
he wanted to ask about how things were in Saunderia, but Sam stormed off like a petty child before he could say a word!
âBut Ryan was already mocking him even before he left,â Lindsay reminded him.
While Marvin appeared taken aback, Lindsay continued.â Quinn and Sam headed abroad together to discuss a joint venture with a man named Damian Craig . Even if I stopped you from working, I did ask Peter about that manâheâs a technocrat, the haughty type whoâs really difficult to get along with, and itâs obvious that Sam has his work cut out for him.â
âBut whatever the outcome may be, Sam has willingly done his part for Saunderia, and he didnât deserve Ryanâs contempt as soon as he returned. Thatâs why we shouldâve been supportive of Sam instead of telling him off like we did. If you were in his shoes, how would you feel if you worked so hard, only for me to tell you that Saunderia is suffering because of your poor leadership?â
While Marvin was left dumbstruck, Lindsay sighed. âI have no idea how it happened, but Iâm starting to feel guilty toward Sam. Iâm convinced weâre too opinionated against him and therefore constantly neglect him, never showing concern for him, let alone care for how he feels.â
âOh, donât bother yourself with such silly stuff.â Marvin clicked his tongue and waved her off. âSamâs not that delicate.â
âSee? Thatâs exactly what Iâm talking about.â Lindsay raised a brow. âWeâre so convinced that Sam is a failure and a troublemaker that weâve never cared if heâs happy or healthy. No⦠None of us have even asked him what he wants!â