The monthly family dinner at the community center was usually a boisterous affair, filled with laughter and the clatter of chopsticks. Tonight, a palpable tension hung in the air. Liem walked in with Anh, every head turning, every conversation dying down to a murmur. He could feel the weight of their scrutiny.
Kevin stood at the head table, beside Uncle Duc Vo, the stern-faced head of the family council. A stack of papers lay before him. He wore a crisp, tailored suit, a stark contrast to Liem’s worn jacket.
“Father,” Kevin said, his voice resonating with forced deference. He nodded towards Liem, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
Liem walked forward, his muscles stiff, feeling like a defendant on trial. He planned to confront Kevin privately, but it was clear that opportunity was long gone.
Uncle Duc cleared his throat, his gaze heavy on Liem. “Nephew, we have matters of family honor to discuss.”
Kevin picked up a document, his polished English smooth and confident. “Members of the council, I have here medical evaluations, privately commissioned, detailing Father’s severe post-bankruptcy trauma.” He held up a paper. “They indicate auditory and visual hallucinations, consistent with stress-induced psychosis.”
Liem’s hands clenched at his sides. He saw his cousins, aunts, and uncles staring at him, their faces a mix of pity and suspicion.
“Hallucinations?” Liem managed to say, his voice a strained whisper.
“These reports,” Kevin continued, ignoring Liem’s interjection, “suggest a compromised mental state. One that renders him incapable of managing his personal and financial affairs.” He laid the papers down, smoothing them with his palm. “Therefore, to protect the family’s good name and Father’s well-being, I formally request the council sign this petition.”
Kevin gestured to a document at the center of the table. “A petition granting me legal power of attorney over Father’s personal affairs, including the management of any family assets that may soon come into his possession.” His gaze, sharp and cold, met Liem’s.
A gasp rippled through the room. Anh moved closer to Liem, her hand resting on his arm, her grip tight. The accusations hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, making Liem feel the ground shifting beneath his feet. He looked at Uncle Duc, whose face remained impassive, betraying nothing.
➡️ Read CHAPTER 7 to continue the story
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