Renee furrowed her brows slightly. "Zac, your body hasn't fully recovered yet. How could you possibly study abroad? Education is important, but your health comes first!" Hearing Renee’s words, Zac felt warmth spread through his heart. A mother’s love is truly unconditional—she always puts me first. Looking at Renee seriously, Zac said, "Mom, I’m fine. I don’t want my injuries to delay my education. I want to grow quickly, to become strong, so that I can protect you and make sure you never suffer again." His words were sincere. Renee looked at him, her expression unreadable. She fell silent for a long time. Zac couldn’t help but ask again, "Mom, which university did dad arrange for me? I want to start researching it early. I’ll make sure to study hard and make you proud!" He sat in his wheelchair, his limbs still in casts, but his eyes were filled with hope. He refused to believe that he would lose to Arthur. That worthless nobody was never even a match for me growing up. How could he suddenly surpass me? If he can get ahead of me, then I can definitely surpass him! Studying abroad, that’s a much better opportunity than the so-called professors who took him under their wing. Hah, I’ll always be one step ahead of him! Lost in thoughts of his bright future, Zac failed to notice that Renee had been avoiding his gaze the entire time. When no answer came, Zac frowned in confusion. "Mom, what’s wrong with you today?" She had been distracted all evening. He assumed it was because of Arthur’s recent success. Thinking of this, Zac softened his tone. "Mom, don’t worry. Arthur’s moment in the spotlight won’t last long. Once I return from studying abroad, I’ll crush him. He’ll never stand above us again!" Zac kept talking, but Renee remained silent. She continued to avoid his eyes, unable to face him. Just as Zac was about to speak again, Renee suddenly cut him off. "Zac." He looked at her, waiting for what she had to say. She must be proud, he thought. She must be relieved that I never gave up. She has to be happy. But Renee’s next words completely stunned him.After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke carefully. "Zac… your father never arranged for you to study abroad." Zac froze. Disappointment flashed across his face, but he quickly asked, "Then which university did he arrange for me?" Renee took a deep breath, then finally met his eyes. "Zac, listen to me. Your injuries haven’t healed yet. University could put too much strain on your body and cause irreversible damage. Please, be good and stay home. Let me take care of you. Let’s forget about university, okay?" Zac was completely stunned. He quickly protested, "Mom, no! I’ll be careful! How can I not go to college? If I don’t even go to university, how am I supposed to surpass Arthur?" He wanted to say more, but Renee suddenly raised her voice. "Zac!" Her sharp tone startled him. Realizing her outburst, Renee immediately softened her voice. "Zac, why do we have to compare ourselves to Arthur? Can’t we just focus on living our own lives?" Zac’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Mom, what… what are you saying?" His emotions spiraled out of control, but because it was Renee, he forced himself to hold back. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Mom, you know I’ve always crushed Arthur beneath my feet. Now that he’s suddenly successful—" He glanced down at his own body. "Look at me! All these injuries are because of him! He didn’t just do this to me—he humiliated me in front of everyone! Mom, this is a disgrace I can never forgive! How can I just let it go? How can I not fight him?" By the time he finished speaking, Zac was practically roaring in rage. Renee was taken aback. In her memory, Zac had always been obedient and well-mannered. She had never seen him this emotional before. Zac, too, realized he had lost control. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. But deep down, he knew—this university issue wasn’t as simple as he had thought. His gaze locked onto Renee’s eyes as he asked seriously, "Mom, tell me the truth. Is it because dad doesn’t want to acknowledge me? Is that why he doesn’t want me to go to college? Because he doesn’t want the world to know I’m his illegitimate son?"