As the New Year’s bells rang, it was only nine o’clock in the evening in the Maldives.
To create a festive atmosphere, Bernard Elno had spared no expense, purchasing a vast array of fireworks and arranging for them to be launched from boats in the bay.
Multicoloured fireworks soared from the shore, rocketing into the sky before bursting into dazzling displays, their reflections shimmering on the sea’s surface. The seamless blend of sea and sky was mesmerising, drawing everyone into its beauty.
Claire Wilson gazed at the fireworks by the sea, murmuring dreamily, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen such beautiful fireworks…”
Elaine, filming with her phone, sighed as she chattered, “Who wouldn’t agree? The city’s banned fireworks for years, I’d almost forgotten what they’re like. These are stunning, especially so close, and set off over the water.”
Jacob Wilson’s eyes reflected the miniature bursts of light, his face creasing with happy nostalgia. He smiled, reminiscing, “When I was a kid, my favourite thing was setting off firecrackers. We had a decent family back then, a bit of money. During the New Year, I’d spend all my red envelope money on all sorts of firecrackers. A crowd of kids would follow me, and when I gave them a couple of poppers or sparklers, they’d be thrilled, electing me their ‘grand commander’…”
Elaine, oblivious to his fond memories, teased mockingly, “Tch, with Christopher Wilson around, you as grand commander? That title was surely your brother’s, wasn’t it?”
Jacob Wilson waved dismissively, “No, you don’t get it. We were different ages, not in the same group. He was the grand commander of his crew, and I was the grand commander of mine.”
Elaine, munching on sunflower seeds, grinned, “With your brother’s scheming mind, did he ever try to take over your crew?”
Jacob Wilson slapped his thigh, “Hey, you’re spot on! He was always eyeing my crew, but I never agreed. Got beaten up by him plenty for it, too.”
“I knew it,” Elaine snorted, “Christopher Wilson’s the type who’s always been a coward, forever trying to take advantage of others.”
Jacob Wilson nodded, sighing, “He was spoiled rotten by my mum from childhood. Wanted everything, whether it was his or not.”
Elaine, curious, asked, “That’s odd, though. Most families dote on the youngest, so why was your mum so biased towards your older brother?”
Jacob Wilson gave a wry smile, “I wasn’t as obedient as him growing up. He was smarter, knew how to please her. Besides, no family ever truly balances things perfectly, one side’s always a bit higher than the other. It’s normal.”
Elaine teased deliberately, “Your brother was a schemer from the start, and you were a pushover. Quite the complementary pair.”
Jacob Wilson ignored her jab, suddenly sighing, “I wonder how they’re spending this New Year, how they’re doing.”
Elaine bristled, “Oh, you’re still thinking about them? Got too much time on your hands.”
“What kind of talk is that?” Jacob Wilson grumbled, “They’re still family, blood ties and all. Even if we don’t speak, I can’t help but wonder. Benedict was making some money recently, but after your meddling, I bet she’s got nothing now.”
Elaine retorted defiantly, “She deserved it! Who told her to peddle those scams? I exposed her for the good of society.”
Jacob Wilson sighed, “Nine out of ten influencers are frauds, she’s no different. If she made money, my mum could’ve had a few good days.”
Elaine scoffed, “Her? Good days? Heaven’s been too kind letting her linger this long! That old hag should’ve been gone ages ago. Your dad should’ve taken her with him when he passed!”
Jacob Wilson flushed with anger, “My mum’s getting on in years, how many days does she have left? Can’t you show a bit of respect?”
Claire Wilson felt a deep sense of helplessness, her thoughts drifting to Charlie wade’s mother, An Chengqi, a remarkable woman celebrated by many Chinese with books and biographies. Then she looked at her own mother. Though she didn’t disdain her, ever since learning Charlie wade’s true identity, she couldn’t help comparing.
An indescribable shame made her eyelids burn. She sighed at Elaine, “Mum, enough. It’s been so long since we split from Grandma and Uncle, what grudge makes you hate them so much? It’s New Year, and you’re still cursing her to die?”
Elaine, unaware of her daughter’s deeper turmoil, assumed it was just her usual nagging, harmless as ever.
She sneered, “So what if I curse her? Let me tell you, not beating that old hag to death myself makes me a saint! If it were someone less restrained, your grandma would’ve been dead countless times. Maybe one day she’d be the subject of a crime documentary!”
