Chapter 2 Who Is Your Biological Son?

At that time, if even one of them had been willing to save him, he wouldn't have drowned! Besides, Zac was a swimming champion, making it nearly impossible for someone like him to drown so easily, even if he had swallowed some water. What was even more absurd was that before his rebirth, Arthur's soul had drifted above the sea for days, yet the Gray family hadn't even realized he was missing. His body remained submerged in the water, forgotten by everyone. Reflecting on those humiliating memories, Arthur took a deep breath. Having faced life and death, Arthur had come to an epiphany. If he had been chained by moral coercion his whole life, then he would cast morality aside! Without morality, no one could hold it against him. Instead of degrading himself to please them, it would be better to strengthen himself. As long as he became strong enough, he could break free from the Gray family, and free from these disgusting people! Given a second chance, he was resolute in his determination to live a better life this time! Well, Zac, since you have the audacity to take my life, you'd better be ready to face the consequences of revenge. And the Gray family? Once I cut ties with you, you'll mean nothing to me. Those pathetic family bonds? I want no part of it anymore. Arthur suddenly raised his head, a mocking smile curling on his lips. "Dad, Mom, and my three beloved sisters, all I wanted was a birthday cake. When did I ever say Zac couldn't have his birthday party? The Gray family is a prominent family in South City, yet you can't even afford a cake?" As he spoke, Arthur seemed to ponder aloud, "Or has Zac already squandered all the family's assets? Have we fallen to such a state of poverty?" The family froze at Arthur's sudden question. In the past, whenever he was reprimanded, he would either stay silent or quickly apologize to appease them. But today, he actually dared to talk back. Susie immediately scolded, "Arthur, you've grown bold! How dare you talk back to our parents! This is unfilial! You have no basic morality. You're utterly unworthy of being a child of the Gray family!" Arthur sneered. "Morality? Sorry, I don't have any." In his past life, he had been bound by morality his entire existence. In this life, morality was the last thing he needed! John, used to being the head of the family, felt his authority challenged by Arthur's retort. He slammed the table in anger and said, "Arthur, watch your tone! You're becoming more and more disrespectful!" Seeing the growing fury in the room, Zac feigned a frightened expression and spoke up weakly, "Dad, Susie, please don't be angry. Arthur was born before me, so of course, he wants a birthday cake. It's only fair. I... I promise I won't spend any more family money… cough…" Before finishing his sentence, Zac clutched his chest, coughing dramatically, his eyes misty with tears, presenting an image of fragility and innocence. "Enough!" John glared at Arthur with fury, his expression as though he wanted to devour him alive. "Arthur, have you never had a cake in your life? You're a grown man, yet you're still fighting Zac over this? Will you only be happy if you send Zac to the hospital?" How laughable. This was my dad, my biological father. In his past life, when he asked for a cake, he was scolded by everyone in turn. To avoid further alienating them, Arthur had swallowed his grievances and apologized. But all that got him was even harsher verbal abuse and manipulation! "Heh." Arthur let out a sarcastic laugh and stared straight at John. "John Gray, who is really your biological son? All these years, you've only ever believed Zac's words. Just because he's three days younger than me, I've had to yield to him in everything. Have you all forgotten who your real son is?" Arthur's sudden outburst left everyone stunned. They stared at Arthur in disbelief. He actually addresses Dad by his full name! How dare he? How could he dare? "B*stard! You've actually found some courage, huh!" Smack! John shouted as he swung his hand, delivering a brutal slap to Arthur. Arthur anticipated it and quickly dodged, retreating just in time. The full force of John's slap landed squarely on the chair beside him. In that instant, John's hand felt like it might snap! Everyone froze, shocked by the sudden turn of events. They stared at Arthur in disbelief. Holy hell! Did we just see that right? He actually dared to dodge! In the past, whenever John raised a hand to strike him, Arthur would stand there like a meek lamb, not daring to utter a word. But now, he had the audacity to dodge, making John hurt himself in the process! John clenched his trembling hand, nearly convinced he was imagining it. For a moment, he couldn't even process what had just happened. How dare he dodge? After a beat of stunned silence, John erupted, his voice thunderous, "Arthur! How dare you! You've actually found some courage!"