"Maddi, just say it directly if you have something to say." I forced a strained smile. To be honest, I didn't know when it started, but I had grown to dislike Madeline more and more.

"Lorey, can I borrow your car? I'm already 18, and according to the law I'm allowed to drive now."

The smile on my face immediately froze. I had waited nearly ten years to finally buy myself a car last year, meaning I no longer had to endure the crowded subway.

Now, barely starting college, Madeline casually asked for my car like it was nothing. Still, I tried my best to remain calm as I wanted to persuade her to return to campus.

"Maddi, you don't even have a driver's license yet. Let's talk about it once you've passed the test, okay?" I could physically feel my expression darkening.

I glared at Howard, who finally noticed my dissatisfaction and added, "That's right, Maddi. You can't drive without a license. Focus on getting that first."

After much coaxing, Madeline reluctantly agreed to return to campus.

However, I received a text notification as soon as I arrived at work the next day. "Payment of 1,500 dollars processed to Sunlight Driving Academy."

I couldn't believe it—Madeline had enrolled in a driving academy near her campus at lightning speed. Fuming, I sent a screenshot to Howard and called him, demanding he step out of his meeting to talk.

"What's so urgent that it can't wait? I'm meeting with a client right now," Howard grumbled. He was visibly annoyed when he saw me.

"Do you think I'm not busy? I've been holding this in for so long, but I can't take it anymore. We've been spoiling Madeline far too much. We can't just give her everything she wants.

"I work hard overtime every day and barely make a little over eight thousand dollars a month. Yet, she spent 1,500 dollars on registration fees without a second thought. Meanwhile, I'm over here comparing sandwiches at lunch to save a few cents!"

"Lorelai Larson, when did you become so stingy?" Howard waved his hand dismissively, clearly signaling me to stop.

"Do you think I don't know you haven't been doing well at your job lately? You know our family's situation as well as I do."

I normally avoided saying things like this because I didn't want to hurt Howard's pride, but I couldn't hold back today.

"There's a driving academy just two stops from her campus that charges a little over 700 dollars, which is the standard market price. Why couldn't she take a moment to compare?

"How can she spend money so recklessly, acting like she's some kind of heiress?" As I spoke, I canceled Madeline's supplementary credit card right in front of him.

"Howard, I'm willing to help a struggling young woman with her food, clothing, and education. But I simply can't afford to support someone chasing a luxurious lifestyle!"

The more I spoke, the more agitated I became. I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe, and my vision immediately went black.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying on a hospital bed, with Howard sitting by my side.

He gently stroked my forehead. "Lorelai, you need to be more careful. You got so worked up even though you're pregnant."

I froze. What? I was pregnant?

When my mom heard the news, she wasted no time moving into my house to take care of me and even insisted on giving me 25 thousand dollars in cash as a congratulatory gift.

I couldn't hold back and started venting to her about all my frustrations with Madeline.

"Sweetheart, I told you long ago not to bring her into your home. Look at your hands—they're like a full-time housekeeper's.

"Use this pregnancy as an opportunity to step back from her issues. Do you hear me?"

I nodded, but my phone buzzed incessantly beside me. Madeline had discovered her supplementary card was canceled and bombarded me with messages and calls.

I simply told her I was pregnant and that my energy was limited. She'd just have to direct all her concerns about living expenses to her brother from now on.

Madeline showed up at the door with her luggage that very evening.

She froze for a moment when she saw my mom, then immediately became polite and respectful. "Lorey, I've been so immature in the past. Now that you're pregnant, it's the perfect time for me to repay your kindness."