This Life, I Will Be the Protagonist

No wonder MightySocks is doing so well!

There are other brokers selling information, but most of them only deal with minor heads of families or factions. Not MightySocks though—she goes straight to the top leaders of major families.

No one knows how she pulls it off.

After reading the information from her, Matthew's first reaction was to tell Mateo that MightySocks had come to sell them information again.

Mateo shut his mouth. His first thought was the same.

The two had even once experienced buying information from MightySocks at the same dinner table, unaware of each other's dealings.

[Matthew]: Just talk to me. My son's sitting right across from me.

[MightySocks]: Ah, haha, what a coincidence! Want to buy? I've got the latest on Zoey. You'll be interested for sure.

[Matthew]: My daughter? I already know everything about her.

[MightySocks]: Oh? Are you referring to that player you sent to track her?

[Matthew]: She bought him off?

[MightySocks]: Let's call that a freebie.

[Matthew]: How much?

[MightySocks]: The Lopez family is always straightforward. Not too expensive—20 gold. I'll send it to you first. If you think it's worth it, you pay.

Matthew knew himself well enough. Even though MightySocks offered to send the information first, he knew he'd pay. His reputation was worth more than 20 gold. But if it were Josephine? She'd probably reply, "Hahaha, put it on my tab," and never pay.

After receiving the email, Matthew clenched his teeth and transferred the money, suppressing his anger.

Without even caring what Zoey was doing, he immediately called her, demanding she return to the Lopez family estate.

That night, Zoey returned home with Rick after leveling up. Knowing how Rick's luck benefited the Lopez family, and how everything seemed to go smoothly after meals together, she brought him straight to Matthew's study.

Experience more on empire

The moment she stepped inside, she sensed something was off.

Not just from Matthew, but even Mateo looked at her with an accusatory gaze. Judging by when Matthew had called, they'd been fuming the whole day, unable to calm down. Why such a long-lasting grudge?

Matthew decided to give Zoey one last chance. His tone was deep and serious as he said, "Zoey, you need to give up on the dragon contract."

Zoey found a seat and sat down, not surprised by the demand but curious about how quickly it came. "And why's that?"

Matthew responded, "You think I don't know what you've been up to? I've been giving you chances. I've been patient. You don't want to sing *Hopeful Hymn* every day for the family? Fine. I know you have your pride.

I didn't force you. You said once a week, and I agreed because your happiness is more important to me than anything.

"I know about the dragon too. I didn't interfere in your little competition with the younger generation, no matter who won or lost. You're all my pride and joy.

"But this? This is how you repay my patience?

"You're using *Hopeful Hymn* to trade with the Special Affairs Bureau? You're asking them to help you with the dragon and training?

"The Lopez family's S-rank skill isn't for outsiders!

"Do you trust the Lopez family so little? You're willing to lower yourself and sing for outsiders to gain resources, but you won't use it to benefit your own family?

"You and your grandfather are the only ones with free access to the Lopez family's vault. What more could you possibly want? How has the Lopez family wronged you? Have I not been good enough to you?"

Zoey found the situation almost amusing.

Two years ago, when Matthew had tried to convince her to agree to an arranged marriage, he'd scolded her the same way. Every word was about how much he had done for her, never acknowledging her contributions to the Lopez family.

Two years later, it still ended with the same line: *"Have I not been good enough to you?"*

This time, Zoey answered the question out loud, one word at a time: "Not enough."

Two years ago, she could only scream "Not enough" in her mind, while on the outside, she had to act sweet, submissive, and even beg.

Now, she stood up, her voice clearer and stronger. "*Not enough!*"

Matthew was stunned. He had used that line for years—on mistresses, wives, sons, and daughters.

Usually, no matter what they thought deep down, their faces would show guilt, silence, or self-reflection.

This was the first time someone told him outright, "Not enough."

Matthew opened his mouth, then closed it again. After a few seconds, he softened his tone, speaking earnestly, "Sweetheart, your gift is a supreme support ability. You were born to help lead the Lopez family to greatness. When the Lopez family prospers, you'll prosper too."

Zoey laughed—a clear, melodious laugh full of mockery. She walked to the desk, placed her hands on the edge, and leaned in, towering over the man she used to look up to.

"You say you've been good to me? Then let me ask you, have I not been good enough to you?

"After discovering the game, I brought you all into the beta test. I gave advice, used my connections to buy medicine and equipment, and used my Divine Gift to help you build a team. And what about you?

"The so-called people loyal to *my* branch of the family? When I give an order, and Mateo gives an order, they hesitate, unsure who to follow.

"No matter when we're out raiding dungeons, I'm never the one in charge. After defeating bosses, you and Mateo get to distribute the loot, while the things I earn leading my own team have to be handed over to the family for redistribution based on contribution. You and Mateo, even Grandpa, can assign teams as you like, but I have to apply for it.

"*Power.* I want *power!* I want the authority you're all holding onto so tightly! I don't want your love, your sweet talk, or your so-called access to the vault. Don't you see the difference? Or do you see it all too well?

"I'm doing fine right now. It's *you* who can't live without *me.* Father, in this world, the strong are the ones who speak. If I walk out right now and announce I'm leaving the Lopez family, who do you think they'll follow—you or me?

"That pack of dogs outside—they're staying because of my Divine Gift, not because of loyalty to you!

"Lopez family's prosperity equals my prosperity?

"No! You've got it backward.

"It's only when *I'm* doing well that the Lopez family can do well!"

Zoey's words grew colder and colder.

Matthew's face was tense, his jaw clenched. He was on the brink of exploding with anger, but he had to hold it in because Zoey was right—the Lopez family couldn't do without her.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Mateo, on the other hand, couldn't stand Zoey's arrogance.

He stood up, walked over, and shoved her away from the desk. The sight of Zoey looking down at Matthew had been unnerving.

"You think just because they'd follow you out the door that they'd respect you?" Mateo sneered. "So what if you have an S-rank Gift? You really think the moment you leave, they won't find a way to lock you up in some place where no one will ever find you? They'll treat you like a tool, like an object, and you'll wish you were dead."

That hit a nerve. That was exactly why Zoey didn't want to break ties or turn the table just yet.