The Unseen Genius: A Family\'s Ruin

“I finally won. First place in the state math decathlon, the key to the gaming PC my family promised. But when I walked through the door, my savings were gone, spent on ridiculously expensive lacrosse gear for my adoptive brother, Caleb, who was expertly faking devastation over a lost game. My father scoffed, calling my victory "showing off" and my computer "stupid," while my mother and sister rallied around Caleb, reminding me of "the rule" – I was never to outshine him. Then, at dinner, they ignored my severe dairy allergy while meticulously catering to Caleb's, leading to him faking a fall and accusing me, prompting my family to unite against me, forcing a hollow apology, and culminating in my sister throwing my backpack out the front door, effectively banishing me. It was clear: in their eyes, I was merely a guest, a problem to be managed, and my achievements were just an inconvenient truth. But as I walked away into the night, a quiet resolve solidified: they wanted a failure, and I would give them one – on their terms – while secretly building an empire they knew nothing about.”