Chapter 9
The call came from Chase Kidd, Allen’s university friend. Allen Gray, Autumn’s younger brother, had just graduated that day. He and Chase had co-founded a gaming company, Infinity Studios. When Darius moved abroad, he left the siblings ten million dollars and a property; Allen had chosen the money, using it as startup capital.
Hearing the news, Autumn immediately said, “Okay, I’ll be right there.” Olivia drove her to the hospital. Autumn asked Olivia to wait in the car and hurried to Allen’s room. As she reached the door, she heard Allen coldly say, “Why did you call her?”
Autumn paused. Through the slightly open door, she saw Allen in bed. He was in his early twenties, but years of entrepreneurship had given him a mature air, a blend of boy and man. His face was pale, but his spirited expression reassured Autumn somewhat.
Seeing Allen’s frosty demeanor, Chase said, confused, “She’s your sister. If I don’t tell her about your condition, who else should I tell?”
Allen’s voice grew colder. “My business has nothing to do with her.”
Bewildered, Chase asked, “What? Why do you hate your sister so much? I think she’s pretty alright.”
Allen snapped, wanting to avoid discussing the past, “If you want to keep yapping, get out.”
“Alright, fine. Rest up, Your Highness. I’m leaving,” Chase retorted, muttering as he left, “I’d kill to have a sister like her…”
Autumn quickly stepped aside as Chase approached the door. The moment Chase opened it and saw her, she gave him a look; he understood and pretended not to see her, quietly closing the door.
In the hallway, Autumn produced a bank card. “Here’s ten million. Keep it for emergencies. Just don’t tell Allen it’s from me.”
After the development of Lugi-X, Olivia had bought its rights from Autumn for twenty million dollars—part of Autumn’s personal assets. She wasn’t a big spender, and her secretary’s salary covered her expenses, so the money remained largely untouched.
Chase was stunned by the casual gift of such a substantial sum. “Autumn, I only asked you to come see Allen, not to give us money…” he trailed off, feeling guilty.
Sensing his guilt, Autumn said simply, “You don’t have to be so polite with me. Just take it.”
Even with Darius’s initial capital, developing a game like Allen’s required far more than ten million. Allen excelled at development, but keeping the company afloat meant dealing with investors, a world that often involved drinking. Autumn had assumed Allen could handle it, never expecting this outcome.
Knowing Autumn and Allen’s complicated relationship, Chase wouldn’t have called unless Allen was seriously ill. Since that wasn’t the case, it had to be about money. It wasn’t easy for young men to swallow their pride and ask for help.
Before Chase could refuse, Autumn pressed the card into his hand. He stared at it. Autumn’s reassurance and concern brought a lump to his throat.
That day, they’d met an investor who offered one million dollars if they drank a bottle of liquor. Allen, despite working all day and barely eating, drank it all, vomiting midway through. Chase urged him to stop, but Allen stubbornly continued, enduring the pain for the promised money. The investor then reneged, mocking them ruthlessly. If they hadn’t been so desperate, they wouldn't have tolerated such humiliation.
Left with no choice, Chase called Autumn. He knew she was married to Damien, the legendary CEO of Caldwell Group, worth hundreds of billions. If they could secure Damien’s investment, they would be fine. However, given the siblings’ strained relationship, Allen wouldn't ask for help.
Chase, less stubborn than Allen, secretly contacted Caldwell Group, using his brother-in-law connection. He met Damien, gave a one-minute pitch about their culturally-inspired AAA game, and believed he was close to securing investment—until security threw him out. Even worse, Caldwell Group later invested in their competitor.
Chase avoided mentioning Autumn’s relationship with Damien. Instead, he tactfully explained, “Autumn, the reason Allen and I have been going all out is that our company’s core tech team was poached by our competitor. We’re on the verge of collapse. This ten million means everything to us. Without it, we’re done for.”
Despite the dire situation, Chase sounded energized. “You’re now a major shareholder, Autumn. When the game launches and we make money, we’ll pay you dividends!” He and Allen, fueled by frustration, were determined to finish the game and prove themselves.
“You can tell me all of that in the future. For now, just focus on what you need to do,” Autumn replied. She couldn’t deal with their business competitors; all she could do was what she could.
Chase felt genuine warmth and care, easing the humiliation. Feeling more grounded, he asked, “Won’t you go in and see him?”
Autumn shook her head, suppressing bitterness. “He doesn’t want to see me, so I won’t go in.”
Chase, an outsider, could only watch. Autumn patted his shoulder. “Take care of Allen for me. And if anything happens, just come to me. You should go back in now.”
Chase returned inside, needing to explain the ten million to Allen—a task he believed wouldn't be too difficult.
Shortly after Chase left, Autumn unexpectedly encountered Britney Caldwell, Damien’s younger sister. Autumn frowned. Britney, Allen’s age and pampered by loving parents and a protective brother, relied heavily on Damien. She resented Autumn, viewing her as having stolen her brother, and always treated her poorly.
Autumn usually avoided her, but Britney had spotted her and blocked her path. Britney scanned Autumn with disdain. “What are you doing here? Why aren’t you at home taking care of my brother?”
The Caldwell family believed Autumn's priority should be Damien, believing him to be far above her. In the past, Autumn had strived to be a good wife, seeking their approval, enduring their criticism, and avoiding conflict. But now, with their divorce underway, she no longer felt obligated.
Autumn calmly stated, “I had something to do here.”
Britney eyed her suspiciously. “What could be more important than taking care of my brother? Wait… Don’t tell me you’re pregnant?”