Revenge Wears Red Lipstick-Chapter 153: Donnero Lockwood

Rico was at his home, playing a video game. His pink hair was ruffled all over his face, his skin paler than usual while eyebags settled underneath his eyes as if he hadn’t gotten any sleep in centuries.

He played the game emotionlessly.

His family was facing bankruptcy but he didn’t care if they lost anything. After all, he would be used to pay the debt in the end so he might as well give his life away before his worst nightmare arrived.

He heard a knock before the door slowly opened ajar.

"Rico." Even with his headphones on, he could hear his mother’s voice clearly. "It’s time for breakfast. Aren’t you going to come down for breakfast?"

Rico glanced at his mother. She was only in her early fifties with red hair that still maintained its color and shine despite her age.

She had a smile on her face, as if that would change his fate from what was to come.

He glanced between his game and her hesitatingly before he logged out and followed her out of the room, towards the dining area.

As soon as he reached, he made eye contact with his father, the root of all his problems.

The older man scoffed when he saw him. "Someone finally decided to step out of their room today. I thought you were going to rot in there or something. But then, I can’t let that happen since you’re my golden boy."

Golden boy

That nickname sent a shiver down Rico’s spine, causing goosebumps to appear on his skin.

He despised that name. His father had given it to him years ago when he was still a teenager. Back then, sleazy old married men would want to have a moment with him. And they even offered his father a deal to raise his status if he just gave him to them for one night.

His father saw him as a golden boy since then, a tool he could use to restore his status if anything happened to his business and reputation.

Rico ignored his father and watched his mother dish out his food instead. Just simple eggs with bacon, nothing out of the ordinary.

Compared to their usual breakfast, he couldn’t remember the last time he saw such a simple breakfast on the table.

He glanced around and couldn’t spot any servants. He guessed his father had already sent them off, which also meant that things weren’t looking good from his end.

Which also meant...

"Donnero will be arriving today. You should probably get dressed after breakfast."

Rico’s head instantly snapped towards his father, eyes wide with disbelief.

"He’s arriving today?" He questioned, an edge to his tone which his father picked up immediately.

"Yes." He said flatly. "What? Were you expecting him to take longer before he came back or something?"

Rico didn’t answer and simply ate. But he’d suddenly lost every little appetite he’d gotten after days of barely eating.

"You might hate me for doing this, but you need to understand that we’re not currently in the position to maintain our reputation. Once you go with Donnero, he promises to lend me the money I owe the bank. And probably enough for us to start afresh in another city."

"Why don’t you just go to the same man you did things with and ask for help from him instead?" Rico questioned without looking at his father.

Mr. Reed’s face tightened instantly, blood rushing to his face out of embarrassment.

He was very much aware of who Rico was referring to. It was none other than Mr. De Rossi, the man he’d involved himself with by smuggling drugs into the city and selling them off to the civilians.

Due to the crash of the business, he couldn’t afford to pay the bank the loan he’d asked for from them.

"Why do I have to do this?" Rico asked, still not looking over his plate.

His mother glanced at him, and then at her husband. Her face softened, hoping her husband would rethink his decision.

"Because you have no choice. This is what you’re meant to do, Rico. Family comes first and you have to sacrifice yourself for the betterment of your family. We’ve been through this. Don’t make me explain myself again!"

"I don’t think you should yell at him," Mrs. Reed said softly. "Why don’t we try to convince the bank to extend the date so we can have more time to raise the money. Maybe...maybe we can use what’s left to start up a business and raise the money together. Or we could ask for help." She turned to Rico. "Why don’t you ask Dante? He’s your friend, right? He can help us with the money."

Rico instantly shook his head.

"Dante has his own problems to deal with," he replied.

Mr. De Rossi was still hidden where only God knows. Dante just got shot recently, and he’s thinking of mending things with Eva.

"I wouldn’t want to add to his problems," he added.

Mrs. Reed sighed. "Then we can start up a business then and ask the bank to extend the date further." She faced her husband, waiting for him to say something, but the look on his face made it known that he’d already made his decision.

"It’s because of the extended date that we get to keep this house. If I ask for more time, we’re just going to turn out homeless." Then he glanced at Rico who was nibbling on his bacon. "Don’t worry. After Donnero pays his part of the bargain, I’ll find a way to get you back. I promise."

However, Rico knew who his father was. He would use him to milk Donnero of everything he got before he would even remember his promise.

Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell rang.

Since there were no more servants, Rico stood to get it.

Mindlessly, he opened the door, only to see that face.

His lips parted in shock as he stared at Donnero Lockwood, his biggest nightmare.

"Long time no see, Rico."