Stole My Share? I'm Taking the Secret Recipe and Running

I've invested in my cousin, Jack Glenwood's farm. His net profit is more than four million dollars per year. On the day I'm supposed to receive my bonus, Jack tears the contract stating that I get a 55% profit share right in front of my family. After that, he transfers 40 thousand dollars to me. He even has the audacity to pat me on the shoulder with a smile on his face. "Noah, you never did anything throughout the year. Since I'm giving you 40 thousand dollars, that means I'm treating you well, right?" I just smile as I look at Jack's greedy and despicable expression. Then, I accept the 40 thousand dollars without saying anything. The next day, I cut off the secret formula to the farm's feed and travel overseas to carry out a new round of investments. This time, I want to see how Jack will fare without my secret formula. Chapter 1 At the family gathering, my cousin Jack Glenwood grinned widely at his phone screen showing an incoming transfer of 4.68 million dollars. He thrust his phone in front of everyone. "Over 4.6 million! We struck it rich!" His face glowed with fervor. He walked over and threw his arm around my shoulders affectionately. "Come on, Noah, let me raise a toast to you! This year, thanks to your formula, the livestock at our farm grew incredibly well!" Seeing his beaming expression, I felt happy too. I thought back to when he first hit a bottleneck with his breeding operation. Feed costs were high and results were poor, so I gave him the secret formula I'd spent ages researching and testing. At the time, he'd been overcome with gratitude, gripping my hand and promising, "Noah! We're practically brothers, so let's keep things clear between us! You provide the formula, I'll do the work, and when we make money, we split it 50-50! "If I go back on my word, I'll never get rich in this lifetime!" My uncle and aunt were also present then, and they repeatedly assured me as well, which was what finally convinced me. I raised my glass and clinked it with his, waiting for him to bring up the profit distribution. After several rounds of drinks, Jack moved to the center of the living room and cleared his throat. Everyone fell silent and turned to look at him. He launched into a lengthy speech about how hard he'd worked over the past year. He talked about managing workers, developing sales channels, and how difficult everything was. A vague sense of unease crept over me, but I forced myself to listen patiently. Finally, he changed direction and looked at me with a smile plastered across his face. "Noah, the formula you gave me really helped me out. I haven't forgotten that!" He pulled out his phone and tapped at the screen a few times. My phone buzzed with a notification that funds had been deposited into my bank account. I picked it up and looked. The number on the screen made me freeze for a moment—$40,000.00. I thought I'd misread it and carefully counted the digits before the decimal point again. There was no mistake. It was 40 thousand dollars. I looked up at my cousin, confused. He'd already put his phone away, that same smile still on his face. He walked up to me and slapped my shoulder hard. "Well, Noah, did you get the money?" His voice boomed. "You just go to work at your research institute, move your pen around and come up with a formula. As for me, I've been running around all year, implementing production, contacting clients, working myself to exhaustion. "This money we made is all hard-earned money. I thought it over and decided to give you forty grand as a technical consulting fee. That's not shortchanging you, is it?" When he said this, his eyes were on me, but there wasn't a trace of gratitude in them. Instead, there was a kind of condescending appraisal. My uncle and aunt kept their heads down over their food, eyes evasive. My parents sat nearby, looking uncomfortable. Just then, Uncle Luke came over with his wine glass in hand, wearing a magnanimous smile, and patted my other shoulder. "Noah, did you get the money? You're an educated man, working at a research institute. Respectable, stable. You don't need the extra cash. "Your cousin is different. He runs a physical business with high overhead and big expenses. He needs money everywhere. You're first cousins, and blood is thicker than water. Be understanding toward him." Aunt Louise also came over with an affectionate tone. "Exactly! Look at your cousin. He's lost so much weight from being busy this year. Your formula is good, sure, but without him managing everything inside and out, it wouldn't have turned into money, right? "40 thousand dollars isn't a small amount. Family is about more than money. Your cousin cares about you. When you need something down the line, you know he'll be there for you." They stood on either side of me, their words seeming to soothe yet also warn. I gripped my phone, my fingertips turning white from the pressure, but I slowly forced a smile. Looking at my uncle, my aunt, and my cousin, I nodded with a calm voice. "You're right. Jack really did work hard. I received the money. Thank you." The moment I finished speaking, all three of them visibly relaxed. "Now that's the spirit!" Uncle Luke clapped his hands together, his voice booming. "My nephew is so reasonable and understanding! That's what comes from being educated. So sensible and rational!" Aunt Louise immediately chimed in, "Exactly! I knew I wasn't wrong about you! "You've been smart since you were little, Noah, and now you're even more mature! We're family. Harmony is more important than anything. How could we let a few dollars come between us?" Chapter 2 Jack seized the moment and stepped forward. "There we go! I knew you'd understand! You're the best!" He tipped his head back and drained his glass, his face flushing even redder as his words came more easily. "But here's the thing, Noah. Look, our farm has really broken through now. "We've made a name for ourselves, and orders are pouring in like crazy! At this rate, doubling our business next year won't be a problem at all!" He paused and looked at me with keen eyes."That's why this premium feed is our lifeline, our core competitive advantage! Noah, you're our technical backbone! "Going forward, upgrading and optimizing the feed formula, and all the ongoing research and development, we're still going to need you for that! When we work together as brothers, nothing can stop us! Don't worry, I'd never shortchange my own brother!" Uncle Luke nodded vigorously beside him, chiming in. "Exactly! Noah, you're a specialist. We can't do the technical stuff without you. Just focus on your work at the research institute and your research. "Whenever we need new ideas or adjustments on this end, we'll count on you. With Jack leading the charge up front and you providing the core technical support from behind, our family business is only going to grow bigger!" "That's right, sweetheart," Aunt Louise added. "Look at it this way, you've got yourself a steady income stream now, haven't you? You're helping the family and earning a little extra for yourself. "As the formula keeps improving and Jack's operation gets more profitable, he certainly won't forget how much you've done. This is the smart long-term approach. Everyone wins!" They took turns speaking, their tones earnest and faces full of smiles. It was as if they weren't the same people who had just used 40 thousand dollars to buy out and belittle a year's worth of my contributions. I listened quietly, my face still wearing that calm, compliant smile. After dinner, Jack and his family cheerfully saw my parents and me to the door. The moment I reached the car, my phone rang. It was Frank Morris, the technical supervisor from the farm. He was probably calling about the feed, so I answered. Frank's apologetic voice came through the speaker. "Noah, sorry to bother you so late. That new batch of ingredients that arrived today seems to be reacting oddly after mixing. "A few pens of livestock are looking pretty listless when they eat. Do you think we need to fine-tune the formula ratios? Or maybe we messed up somewhere in the process?" I opened the car door and got in. Inside, it was quiet. I could hear my own steady breathing. I looked out at the heavy darkness beyond the window and cut him off. "Frank." "Yes, go ahead." Frank responded immediately. "Don't bother asking me about the formula anymore." There was an obvious pause on the other end, as if he didn't understand what I meant. "What? Noah, do you mean... Did we do something wrong? Just tell us and we'll fix it right away! We can't lose this formula. The whole operation depends on it!" I interrupted him, speaking slowly, clearly, enunciating each word. "What I mean is, you don't need to worry about the formula anymore. That farm is going to shut down tomorrow. You should start looking for your next job." "What? Shut down?" Frank's voice shot up, filled with disbelief and shock. "Noah, you're... you're not serious! How is that possible? Everything was fine just a few days ago. We've got orders lined up through next month! "The boss was just saying today that we're expanding next year! How could it suddenly shut down? We stayed here because business is good, the pay is high, and they actually pay on time. Other farms don't offer that kind of deal— "Did something happen? Is there a problem with the formula? Noah, what's going on? You have to explain this to us. My whole family is counting on this job!" His voice shifted from shock to panic, even taking on a pleading edge. I could imagine him on the other end, confused and terrified. But I had no obligation to explain. "There's no why," I said, my voice still flat and devoid of emotion. "I've said what I needed to say." Then, without waiting for more frantic questions or pleas from the other end, I pressed the end call button. The dial tone sounded, cutting off all the noise. I tossed the phone onto the passenger seat and started the car. Chapter 3 The car fell into dead silence. Every word of that phone call had reached Mom and Dad in the back seat. "Noah, what you just said... You were just upset, right?" Mom leaned forward. "I know you feel cheated. Your cousin and the others went too far today. But you can't do this. That's your own cousin! The only son in their family!" When I didn't respond, she continued, "Besides, your uncle is my brother. As his sister, I can't hurt him like this. "If you do this, how are our two families supposed to get along? How am I supposed to show my face around my family anymore? "Noah, I'm begging you, let's not be angry about this, okay? Can't we just move past this and you keep helping him with the formula?" I frowned and cut her off. "Mom, you saw their attitude today. They clearly just want to use my formula for free. Sure, he's my cousin, but when he went back on his word and burned his bridges, did he think about being my cousin then? "I worked myself to the bone researching that formula. I couldn't sleep properly for months. Does he really think that with his middle school education he could land those clients? "They only agreed to work with him because of me, because of my reputation. He just showed up to sign papers and suddenly all the credit is his. And now I'm the one who didn't do anything? "Mom, there's a limit to how much you can favor one side." "Noah! That's not what I meant!" Mom immediately tried to explain. "You're my son. How could I not care about you? But you're educated, you have a graduate degree, you work at a research institute, so you have a future! "Your cousin just has that farm. He barely went to school, and this is all he'll ever have! Can't you cut him some slack?" "Mom." I looked at her devastated expression in the rearview mirror and spoke slowly. "Have you thought about what happens if I give in this time and keep providing the formula for free, even upgrading and improving it? Jack's farm will grow bigger and bigger, making more and more money. "And then what? Next year, when it's time to split profits, will he give me 80 thousand? 100 thousand? "Or will he think that since I have a decent job anyway and don't need the money, he just won't give me anything at all? You need to understand that what I have in my hands, plus the connections and resources I've built up in this field, is worth far more than a measly four or five million dollars. "I chose to give it to him because he's my cousin, because you value this family bond. But I'm not a saint. I'm not here to give him charity. This was supposed to be a partnership based on trust and promises." "They're enjoying all the benefits Noah brings them, but they won't be grateful. They'll just think it's what they deserve," Dad added coldly from the side, cutting straight to the point. "They'll even think they're doing our son a favor by throwing him scraps." I nodded. "Exactly. Give them an inch and they'll take a mile. "Today, he breaks his promise of a 50-50 split and gives me forty grand. What's to stop him from screwing me over completely next time? Mom, what happens then?" After hearing my words, Mom's face turned deathly pale. "That won't work, Noah. You worked so hard to get into graduate school... You can't let this affect your future." Hearing this, I finally felt relieved. Dad took a deep breath and reached over to grip Mom's still-trembling hand firmly. Then he looked at me. "Noah, what are you planning to do next? After all this, I'm afraid things with the family are going to get ugly." "Mom, Dad." I picked up where Dad left off. "I'm pretty much done with everything here. I'm planning to go abroad. I've already taken care of all the paperwork. In a few days, once I finish up the last few loose ends here, we're leaving." "Abroad?" "What?" They both exclaimed at once. Chapter 4 "Yes, abroad." I repeated it calmly. "Everything's already arranged over there. I got an offer from a top agricultural biotechnology research institute. The position and compensation are both much better than what I have now." "But... But we're getting old, and we don't speak the language. If we go abroad where we don't know anyone, won't we just be a burden to you?" Mom recovered from the shock, her face full of fear and worry about the unknown. "And where would we even live? We don't know how to do anything." "Mom, I've thought all of this through." I softened my tone and explained patiently. "The institute provides transitional housing that's big enough for our family. The new place is already being renovated. There's a sizable Cerulean community there, so we can adapt gradually. It won't be a problem. You'll be able to communicate in Cerulean without any issues." Through the rearview mirror, I saw Dad's brow still furrowed. I knew he was worried about more practical concerns. "Noah, going abroad is a big deal. We're naturally happy for you that your work is secure. But your mother and I have spent our whole lives here. Our house and everything else are here. "If we just pick up and leave, what happens to all of that? Once we're over there, we can't just live off you alone doing nothing." "Dad, I've arranged for that too." I continued explaining, "My salary is enough to support us in living comfortably over there. You can treat it like retirement, just enjoy life without any financial pressure. If you get bored, I can bring you back to visit anytime." "You've had this planned all along?" Mom asked. "Yeah. Originally, I was thinking that once Jack's business got bigger and more stable, I'd hand over the formula. But now, there's no need for that anymore." My tone was calm. Dad leaned back heavily in his seat and let out a long breath. "Good!" he said emphatically. "Let's go! We're not too old to try something new! My son has ability, brains, and backbone! The three of us can live well anywhere! We'll do what you say!" Mom looked at Dad, her confidence suddenly restored, then at my profile. Finally, she nodded slowly but firmly. "Alright. We'll listen to you. As long as our family is together and safe, that's all that matters." The next day, I didn't go to the farm. The feed supply couldn't keep up in time either. At the farm, things descended into chaos early in the morning. The poultry that had grown accustomed to the specialized feed showed little interest in ordinary feed, and their intake dropped sharply. Some pens even showed signs of restlessness and agitation. The workers scrambled around frantically but had no solutions. Frank was so stressed that he was beside himself. He called me over and over, but no one answered. He had no choice but to go to Jack. At first, Jack didn't take it seriously. He thought the workers were making a big deal out of nothing, that the poultry just needed time to adjust. He confidently went to check on things himself several times, but unfortunately, he couldn't solve any of the problems. He could only try to contact me, but those calls went unanswered. More poultry started getting restless, and the workers' anxiety and whispered conversations began to spread. The pressure from order deadlines and customer inquiries left Jack increasingly overwhelmed. So one call after another began bombarding my parents. Aunt Louise tentatively called Mom to ask about my situation. She asked if I wasn't feeling well and why I hadn't come by the farm to check on things. Mom followed what I'd told her beforehand and just said I wasn't feeling well and was resting. Before long, Uncle Luke's call came through too, his tone full of complaints. "Renee, what's going on with Noah? The farm can't do without him right now. He can't just blow off his responsibilities like this! Tell him to get over here and take a look!" Mom's tone was neither servile nor overbearing. "Noah isn't feeling well and needs to rest. The farm is Jack's business. He's the owner, so if there's a problem, he should figure out how to solve it himself. "Noah's a researcher, not one of Jack's employees, so he doesn't have an obligation to be at his beck and call." Uncle Luke's angry accusations came through the phone, but Mom simply hung up calmly. I was in the study organizing documents for going abroad while my phone kept buzzing nonstop beside me. With no other choice, I finally answered. Chapter 5 The moment I pressed answer, Jack's roar exploded from the speaker. "Noah! Where the hell have you been? The farm is falling apart. Do you even know that? "You're not answering your phone, you're not showing up. What's your problem?" I put it on speaker and set the phone on the desk, continuing to organize the documents in front of me. My voice was flat. "What do you want?" "What do I want? You're asking me what I want?" Jack bellowed. "The livestock won't eat! They're all listless! The workers can't handle it! What the hell are you playing at? "Did your worthless formula screw up or something? I'm telling you, if the farm takes a hit because of this mess, can you even afford the losses?" I picked up a document, my tone still unchanged. "You begged me for that formula. You're the one who controls ingredient sourcing and production. If there's a problem, you should be asking yourself and that technical supervisor you're paying so much." "Don't give me that crap!" Jack cut me off sharply, his tone domineering. "Noah, don't forget that I paid you! 40 thousand dollars! You take money, you do the work! "I'm your cousin and I've been good to you! Now what, you think you're too good for this? Getting cocky and throwing a fit?" He got angrier as he went on, dumping all his rage on me. "I'm telling you, before the sun goes down today, you'd better get your ass to the farm! Fix this problem for me! "Otherwise, don't blame me for not caring that we're family! Next year's profit share? You won't see a single cent! Mark my words!" The threat came out hard and definitive. He'd completely forgotten that I was the reason he got this far. I stopped what I was doing and stared at the blinking call display on my phone screen. Suddenly, the whole thing felt absurdly laughable. To him, that forty grand wasn't a buyout but a salary. My help wasn't a partnership but an obligation. I paused for a few seconds, my voice calm. "Are you done?" Jack probably hadn't expected that response. He choked for a moment. "If you're done, I'm hanging up," I stated plainly. "Also, let me correct you on something. That forty grand wasn't a salary: it was a consulting fee. We're even. So as of yesterday, anything that happens at your farm has nothing to do with me. As for next year's profit share—" I paused, my tone mocking. "You seem confused about the situation. It's not a question of whether you'll give me a share. It's whether your farm will even have a next year." "Noah! You—" I'd pushed Jack over the edge. His voice went shrill. "Oh, so you're too good for us now?" He laughed bitterly. "You say we're even? Let me tell you something. We're not even! "You're walking off the job right now, and the farm's falling apart. These losses are on you! That 40 thousand was an advance payment for you to do your job! Now you're not doing the work, and you've created this huge mess. You have no right to that money!" He took a deep breath and barked out each word like an order. "Noah, wire that forty grand all back to me! Not a cent less! If you're not doing the work, you don't deserve that money! That's just how it is!" Outside the study door, Mom and Dad heard every word. The last shred of family loyalty Mom felt toward them disappeared. I laughed quietly. "Jack." I said his name and asked, "You're sure you want that 40 thousand back?" "Yes! Wire it back now!"