I didn't go home for the new year's season.

I applied to stay on duty for triple pay.

On New Year's Eve, I sat alone in the empty office. I ate instant noodles and stared at project data on my screen.

Outside, fireworks lit up Seahaven like it was celebrating other people's family reunions.

My phone buzzed. It was a video from Grandpa.

In the video, he sat at the head of the table. He was surrounded by my parents, my uncle's family, and a bunch of other relatives.

"Evan! Happy New Year! Take care of yourself in Seahaven!" Grandpa called out.

My parents sat beside him. They looked awkward. My mom's eyes were bloodshot. My dad kept a stiff face and said nothing.

Logan raised his glass. His face was flushed. "Evan, Happy New Year! My wife and I wish you big success in Seahaven, and I hope you find a new girlfriend soon! Hahaha!"

In the background, my aunt Serena Clark's shrill voice cut in. "Why say that? It'll only make him feel worse! Logan, you're the lucky one. You have everything right out of school!"

The video ended abruptly.

I closed it with a blank expression and finished every drop of my instant noodle soup.

On the third day of the new year, Edith called.

"Evan, you've got the nerve to not come home for New Year. Do you know your mom barely ate and kept crying?"

"Oh."

"Your dad too. He gets drunk and calls you ungrateful."

"Let him."

"Your cousin's been married for six months. His wife is pregnant with twins!" Edith suddenly sounded excited. "Your parents are overjoyed. They said the Clark family's lineage is safe. They're planning a celebration."

"Congratulations to them."

"Your aunt wants your parents to spend their remaining 300 grand on Logan to upgrade to a bigger house in a better neighborhood. She also suggested a nicer car so that it'd be easier for the kids to get to school."

My heart pounded.

"Did they agree?"

"Your mom's hesitant. Your dad hasn't decided. Your aunt keeps pushing by saying Logan's twins are still Clark family descendants. It was the same as if you had kids. Two at once, what a contribution." She paused. "Evan, I'm telling you this because if you don't come back, that 300 grand might really be gone."

My grip tightened on the phone. My knuckles turned white.

"Edith, thank you. I understand."

After hanging up, I immediately opened the ticket app and bought a high-speed rail ticket home for the next day.

I wasn't going back to fight for money.

I was going back to end this once and for all.