Operation Stink Bomb Chapter 3

Malcolm watched the entire spectacle unfold from the sidelines, his mind already working on how to use this situation to his advantage. He knew that with Reese's arrest and the subsequent drama, he had a golden opportunity to manipulate the family dynamics even further.

The next morning, the house was filled with tension. Lois was still fuming from the previous night's events, and Reese was trying to keep a low profile, knowing that any wrong move could set off another explosion. Malcolm, however, had a plan.

He found Lois in the kitchen, angrily scrubbing the dishes. "Mom," he began, his voice soft and concerned, "I think we need to talk about Reese."

Lois looked up; her eyes filled with frustration. "What about him, Malcolm? He's been nothing but trouble, and now this?"

Malcolm nodded sympathetically. "I know, Mom. But I think there's more to this than we realize. Reese is obviously hiding something, and I think we need to get to the bottom of it. For his sake and ours."

Lois sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know what to do, Malcolm. He's been so secretive and defiant. I feel like I'm losing control."

Malcolm placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Maybe we need to take a different approach. Instead of just punishing him, maybe we should try to understand what's going on with him. But we need to be careful. If he thinks we're just trying to control him, he'll shut down even more."

Lois frowned, considering Malcolm's words. "What do you suggest?"

"Let's keep a closer eye on him," Malcolm suggested, his tone thoughtful. "We can monitor his activities without him knowing. Maybe even set up a few traps to see what he's up to. If we can catch him in the act, we'll have a better idea of how to handle this."

Lois nodded slowly, her expression hardening. "You're right, Malcolm. We can't let him spiral out of control. We'll do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this."

Malcolm smiled inwardly, pleased that his plan was working. He knew that by keeping the focus on Reese, he could continue to bask in his status as the golden child while subtly manipulating the family dynamics to his advantage.

Later that day, Malcolm found Reese in his room, working on his sketches. "Hey, Reese," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "Just wanted to see how you're doing after last night."

Reese looked up; his eyes wary. "What do you want, Malcolm?"

"I just want to help," Malcolm replied, his voice smooth and sincere. "Moms really worried about you, and honestly, so am I. You've been acting so secretive lately. What's going on?"

Reese's jaw clenched, but he kept his voice steady. "Nothing you need to worry about, Malcolm. I'm handling it."

Malcolm nodded, feigning concern. "Alright, but just know that if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. We're brothers, after all."

Reese didn't respond, his eyes returning to his sketches. Malcolm walked away, satisfied that he had planted the seeds of doubt and suspicion. He knew that by keeping the pressure on Reese, he could maintain his position as the favoured son while manipulating the family to his advantage

The school assembly was in full swing, the principal droning on about the week's lessons while the students snickered and laughed. The "retard group," as the students cruelly called them, were lined up on stage, forced to answer stupid questions from the principal. The scene was a humiliating spectacle, and Miss Thompson, one of the teachers, stood by with a smile that made the whole charade even more unbearable.

Lois and a couple of police officers were present, their expressions stern. Malcolm sat with a smirk on his face, clearly enjoying the show. The principal moved down the line, finally reaching the spot where Reese was supposed to be. But Reese was nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, in New York City, Reese had fully embraced her identity. She had dyed her hair blonde and styled it in a topknot, secured with a green snake chopstick. She wore an emerald, green kimono robe with a matching haori jacket, green earrings, and green nails. Her makeup was flawless, accentuating her features with grace and elegance. She felt confident and free, ready to showcase her designs at a prestigious fashion show.

The day was a whirlwind of excitement and creativity. Reese mingled with other designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Her designs were well-received, and she felt a sense of accomplishment and pride that she had never experienced before. This was where she belonged, and she was determined to make her mark in the fashion world.

Back at home, Lois and the police officers stormed into the house, their faces flushed with fury. "Reese!" Lois shouted, her voice echoing through the empty rooms. "Where are you? Get down here right now!"

When there was no response, Lois's anger only intensified. She turned to one of the officers. "Find out where he is. He can't just disappear like this."

The officer nodded, pulling out his phone to make a call. Meanwhile, Malcolm sauntered in, his smirk widening. "What's the matter, Mom? Can't find Reese?"

Lois shot him a withering look. "This isn't funny, Malcolm. Your brother is in big trouble."

Malcolm shrugged, feigning innocence. "Just saying, maybe if you hadn't been so hard on him, he wouldn't have run off."

Lois's face turned an alarming shade of red. "This isn't about being hard on him. He needs to learn responsibility."

As the tension in the house reached a boiling point, Reese was blissfully unaware, enjoying her day in New York. She knew there would be consequences when she returned, but for now, she was free. She had found her place, her identity, and her passion. And she wasn't going to let anyone take that away from her.

Reese, now wearing boys' clothes, carefully snuck into the house, his heart pounding in his chest. He carried several fashion bags filled with outfits he had traded with other designers who loved his designs as much as he loved theirs. The bags also contained gowns, women's blazers, hair care products, and a full set of makeup. He had managed to get these items during his time in New York, and now he just needed to get them to his room without being caught.

As he tiptoed through the hallway, he heard a voice that made his blood run cold. "Reese!" Lois's voice was sharp and filled with suspicion. She stood at the top of the stairs, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of him and his bags. "What are you doing here? And what are those?"

Reese's heart raced, but he forced a smile. "Hi, Mum. Long time no sees." Without waiting for a response, he bolted up the stairs, trying to hide the bags in his room.

Lois wasn't having it. She followed him, her voice rising in anger. "Reese, stop right there! What are you hiding? Show me those bags!"

Reese slammed the door to his room, but Lois was right behind him, bursting in before he could lock it. She grabbed one of the bags and yanked it open, her eyes widening as she saw the women's clothes, makeup, and hair care products.

"Reese, what is this?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and confusion. "Why do you have women's clothes? And makeup? What are you up to now?"

Reese's face flushed with a mix of fear and defiance. "It's none of your business, Mom. Just leave me alone."

Lois's eyes blazed with fury. "None of my business? You're my son, and you're sneaking around with all this stuff? You better start explaining yourself right now!"

Reese clenched his fists, his mind racing. He knew there was no way to make her understand, no way to explain his identity and passions without causing an even bigger scene. "I don't have to explain anything to you," he said, his voice shaking. "Just get out of my room."

Lois's face turned red with anger. "You are not going to talk to me like that, young man. I want answers, and I want them now!"

The commotion had drawn the attention of the rest of the family. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey appeared in the hallway, their expressions ranging from curiosity to concern.

"What's going on?" Hal asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Lois turned to him; her face contorted with rage. "Reese has been sneaking around with women's clothes and makeup. I don't know what's gotten into him, but he refuses to explain himself."

Malcolm's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the drama. "Looks like Reese is up to his old tricks again."

Dewey, however, stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern. "Maybe we should just let Reese explain when he's ready. This isn't helping."

Lois shot Dewey a sharp look, but Reese felt a surge of gratitude towards his younger brother. "Thanks, Dewey," he said quietly. "But I don't think Mom's going to let this go."

Reese felt the walls closing in as Lois's eyes bore into him. "Leave me alone, Mom," he said, his voice trembling with a mix of frustration and defiance. "I bought this with my own money. Now, just leave me alone."

Lois's face twisted in anger and disbelief. "Your own money? How did you get the money for all this, Reese? We're struggling to make ends meet, and you're sneaking around with expensive clothes and makeup? Explain yourself!"

Reese clenched his fists, his heart pounding. "I don't have to explain anything to you. Just leave me alone."

But Lois wasn't backing down. She grabbed another bag, pulling out a gown and holding it up as if it were evidence of a crime. "How did you pay for all this, Reese? Are you stealing? Dealing drugs? What are you hiding?"

The situation was escalating quickly, and Reese could feel the tension in the room rising. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey stood in the hallway, their expressions a mix of curiosity, concern, and, in Malcolm's case, smug satisfaction.

"Mom, please," Reese said, his voice breaking. "Just leave me alone. I don't want to talk about it."

Lois's eyes flashed with fury. "You don't get to tell me what to do, Reese. You're my son, and I have a right to know what you're up to. Now, tell me the truth!"

Reese's mind raced. He knew there was no way to make her understand, no way to explain his identity and passions without causing an even bigger scene. "I don't have to explain anything to you," he repeated, his voice shaking. "Just get out of my room."

Lois stepped closer, her face inches from his. "You will tell me the truth, Reese, or so help me, I'll make your life even more miserable than it already is."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Reese's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with fear and defiance. He knew he had to stand his ground, but the weight of his secrets was becoming too much to bear.

Finally, Hal stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Lois, maybe we should give Reese some space. This isn't helping."

Lois turned to Hal; her eyes blazing. "Stay out of this, Hal. This is between me and Reese."

Malcolm, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward with a smirk. "Maybe Reese is just trying to be different. You know, get some attention."

Dewey, however, looked at Reese with concern. "Reese, if you need to talk, I'm here for you."

Reese felt a surge of gratitude towards Dewey, but he knew that the situation was spiralling out of control. He had to find a way to defuse the tension, but he wasn't sure how.

Reese's plea hung in the air, thick with desperation. "I'm telling you, Mom, please leave me alone. And can you back off? You're too close."

But Lois's sharp eyes had already noticed something else fabric peeking out from under Reese's boy clothes. It was part of the outfit he had worn to New York, the emerald, green kimono robe. Her eyes widened in shock and anger.

"What is that?" she demanded, reaching out to pull at the fabric. "Are you wearing women's clothes under your boy clothes? What are you doing, Reese?"

Reese stepped back, trying to shield himself from her prying hands. "Please, Mom, leave me be. It's none of your business."

Lois's face turned an alarming shade of red. "None of my business? You're my son, and you're sneaking around in women's clothes? What are you hiding? Tell me the truth, Reese!"

Reese's heart pounded, his mind racing. He knew there was no way to make her understand, no way to explain his identity and passions without causing an even bigger scene. "I don't have to explain anything to you," he said, his voice shaking. "Just get out of my room."

Lois's eyes blazed with fury. "You don't get to tell me what to do, Reese. You're my son, and I have a right to know what you're up to. Now, tell me the truth!"

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Reese's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with fear and defiance. He knew he had to stand his ground, but the weight of his secrets was becoming too much to bear.

Finally, Hal stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Lois, maybe we should give Reese some space. This isn't helping."

Lois turned to Hal, her eyes blazing. "Stay out of this, Hal. This is between me and Reese."

Malcolm, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward with a smirk. "Maybe Reese is just trying to be different. You know, get some attention."

Dewey, however, looked at Reese with concern. "Reese, if you need to talk, I'm here for you."

Reese felt a surge of gratitude towards Dewey, but he knew that the situation was spiralling out of control. He had to find a way to defuse the tension, but he wasn't sure how.

Lois's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Reese, taking in every detail. "Where were you, Reese?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "You just waltz back into this house after disappearing, and I want to know where you've been."

Reese took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I was in New York," he replied, his heart racing. "I had things to do."

Lois's gaze fell on his face, and she noticed remnants of makeup still clinging to his skin. "And what's with the makeup? You think I wouldn't notice? And your ears are pierced? What are you trying to do, Reese?"

Reese felt the heat rising in his cheeks, but he refused to back down. "Please stop. You're not helping. Why can't you just leave me in peace?"

Lois's frustration boiled over. "Leave you in peace? You think I can just ignore what you're doing? You're wearing women's clothes under your boy clothes! You're wearing makeup! This isn't normal, Reese!"

Reese clenched his fists, fighting the urge to lash out. "I don't have to justify myself to you, Mom. I'm not going to tell you anything."

Lois's expression hardened as she processed his defiance. "This is serious, Reese. I can't just sit back and watch you throw your life away. You need help."

Reese shook his head, his voice firm. "I don't need help. I just need you to understand that this is who I am. I'm not going to change for you or anyone else."

Lois stepped closer, her voice dropping to a low, intense whisper. "You think this is a game? You think you can just do whatever you want without consequences? I'm your mother, and I will not let you ruin your life."

"Ruin my life?" Reese shot back, his frustration boiling over. "You don't even know what my life is! You only see what you want to see!"

The tension in the room hung heavy, the air crackling with unresolved emotions. Lois opened her mouth to respond, but Reese turned away, feeling overwhelmed. He didn't want to fight, but he also couldn't bear the thought of explaining himself to someone who wouldn't understand.

"Just leave me alone, Mom," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please."

Lois stared at him, her expression a mixture of anger and concern. "I won't give up on you, Reese. You need to talk to me."

Reese shook his head again, refusing to engage. "I said, leave me alone."

With that, he turned and walked back to his room, shutting the door behind him. He leaned against it, his heart racing. He felt trapped between two worlds—his desire to express himself and the weight of his family's expectations.

Lois's frustration reached a boiling point as she stood outside Reese's room, demanding answers. "Reese, you can't keep shutting me out! I need to know what's going on with you!" she shouted, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation.

Malcolm, sensing an opportunity to stir the pot, leaned against the wall with a smirk. "You know, Mom, maybe Reese is just trying to get attention. He's always been a troublemaker."

Lois's eyes flashed with fury as she turned to Malcolm. "This isn't about attention, Malcolm. This is about understanding what's happening with your brother."

Malcolm shrugged, his smirk widening. "Well, if he won't tell you, maybe you should take some action. Show him that there are consequences for keeping secrets."

Lois's face hardened as she considered Malcolm's words. Her mind raced with the possibilities, and she made a series of decisions, determined to regain control of the situation.

"Fine," she said, her voice cold and resolute. "If Reese won't talk to me, then I'll take matters into my own hands."

She turned back to Reese's door and banged on it with her fist. "Reese, since you refuse to explain yourself, here's what's going to happen:"

1. "You are grounded indefinitely. No more leaving the house unless it's for school or a family event. And I will be checking in with your teachers to make sure you're actually attending."

2. "All your personal items, including your phone and any money you have, are confiscated until you decide to be honest with me. You will have no access to anything that could enable you to keep secrets."

3. "You will be monitored at all times. I will be going through your room, your bags, and anything else you bring into this house. If I find anything suspicious, there will be even more severe consequences."

4. "You will attend mandatory counselling sessions. If you won't talk to me, then you will talk to a professional. Maybe they can help you figure out what's going on with you."

5. "You will do extra chores around the house. If you have time to sneak around and keep secrets, then you have time to help out more at home."

6. "And finally, you will be under constant supervision. Either I or your father will be always keeping an eye on you. No more sneaking around, no more secrets."

Reese's heart pounded as he listened to his mother's ultimatum. He felt trapped, cornered by her relentless need for control. He knew that these measures would make his life even more unbearable, but he also knew that he couldn't back down now.

"Mom, please," he said, his voice breaking. "You're not helping. You're just making things worse."

Lois's eyes softened for a moment, but her resolve remained firm. "I'm doing this because I care about you, Reese. I just want to understand what's going on. But until you decide to be honest with me, these are the rules."

Reese felt a surge of frustration and helplessness. He knew he had to find a way to navigate this new reality, but he also knew that he couldn't do it alone.

Reese's defiance hung in the air like a storm cloud, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. "You will not confiscate my money, Mom. This money was given to me. You can't do this. I earned this money—one, I worked hard for it, and two, some of it was given to me. And no, Mother, I am not grounded. I have school, remember? And these clothes are mine. Some of them were designed by professionals. You will not throw them out. If I find out you threw away some of these clothes, I will take action. Some of them were handmade. This isn't the crap you see at Goodwill. And I will not give you my money. You want my phone? Fine. But this money was given to me, and it's not yours to take."

Lois's face turned an alarming shade of red, her eyes blazing with fury. "Reese, you don't get to talk to me like that! I am your mother, and you will respect my rules. I don't care where the money came from—if it means you're sneaking around and keeping secrets, then it's a problem."

Reese stood his ground, his heart pounding. "No, Mom. This money is mine. You have no right to take it. And you can't throw away my clothes. They're important to me."

Lois's eyes narrowed, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and frustration. "You think you can just defy me? You think you can just do whatever you want? You are my son, and you will follow my rules."

Reese shook his head, his voice steady. "I'm not going to let you control me, Mom. I have a right to my own life, my own money, and my own clothes. You can't take that away from me."

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unresolved emotions. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey watched in stunned silence, unsure of what to do or say.

Finally, Hal stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Lois, maybe we should take a step back and think about this. Reese has a point. We can't just take his money and throw away his clothes."

Lois turned to Hal, her eyes flashing with anger. "Stay out of this, Hal. This is between me and Reese."

Malcolm, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward with a smirk. "You know, Mom, maybe Reese is just trying to be different. You know, get some attention."

Dewey, however, looked at Reese with concern. "Reese, if you need to talk, I'm here for you."

Reese felt a surge of gratitude towards Dewey, but he knew that the situation was spiralling out of control. He had to find a way to defuse the tension, but he wasn't sure how.

Lois took a deep breath, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "Fine. Keep your money and your clothes. But know this, Reese: you are on thin ice. One more slip-up, and there will be consequences. Do you understand?"

Reese nodded, relief washing over him. "I understand, Mom. Thank you."

Lois turned and stormed out of the room; her anger palpable. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey followed, leaving Reese alone with his thoughts. He knew he had won a small victory, but he also knew that the battle was far from over.

Reese stood in the principal's office; the air thick with tension. Principal Herkabe's face was a mask of anger as he yelled at Reese for ditching school. "Reese Wilkinson, you think you can just disappear for a day and not face any consequences. This is unacceptable behaviour, and you will be punished."

Reese's heart pounded, but he kept his voice steady. "I don't care about your rules, and no, you have no right to know where I was. I accept no punishment. Go fuck yourself."

Principal Herkabe's eyes widened in shock, but before he could respond, Reese pulled out a document from his bag. "I was meeting with my lawyer for the day in New York. If you want to play fucking hardball, Principal, I can play that game too. Now, are you going to cause issues? I am legally allowed to leave school if it is to see legal counsel during the hours I am away, sir. These are the rules your bosses wrote. Now we are done here."

The principal's face turned an alarming shade of red, his hands trembling with barely contained rage. "You think you can just talk to me like that? You think you can just wave a piece of paper in my face and get away with it?"

Reese met his gaze, his voice cold and firm. "Yes, I do. Because I know my rights. And unless you want to face legal consequences, I suggest you back off."

Principal Herkabe's eyes narrowed, but he seemed to realize he was cornered. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling with frustration. "Fine. But know this, Reese: you are on thin ice. One more slip-up, and there will be severe consequences. Do you understand?"

Reese nodded, his heart still pounding. "I understand, sir. Thank you."

As he turned to leave the office, he felt a surge of triumph. He had stood up for himself and won, but he knew that the battle was far from over. The principal's threat hung in the air, a reminder that he would have to stay vigilant.

Back in the hallway, Reese felt the weight of the confrontation lift slightly, but he also knew he needed to be careful. He couldn't afford any more slip-ups, not with so many eyes watching him.

Reese stood in the living room, his heart pounding as he faced Lois. He held the same document he had shown to Principal Herkabe, his resolve firm. "You have a choice, Mother," he began, his voice steady but filled with determination. "I am legally protected from any prosecution and any punishment because I was at my lawyer's office yesterday. And that clothing you saw was work-related, something I don't have to explain to you."

Lois's eyes narrowed, her face a mask of anger and confusion. "Reese, you can't just—"

Reese cut her off, his voice rising slightly. "I, unlike that dickhead principal, know my rights. I saw my lawyer over stuff I don't have to explain to you, and the school couldn't do anything to me. You will be the same. I refuse to be grounded over breaking no rules, Mother. I have every right to see legal counsel if I wish. So no, I am not grounded. And if you try to ground me, you will be committing a crime."

Lois's face turned an alarming shade of red, her hands trembling with barely contained rage. "You think you can just defy me? You think you can wave a piece of paper in my face and get away with it?"

Reese met her gaze, his voice cold and firm. "Yes, I do. Because I know my rights. And unless you want to face legal consequences, I suggest you back off."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey watched from the doorway, their expressions a mix of curiosity, concern, and, in Malcolm's case, smug satisfaction.

Lois took a deep breath, her voice trembling with frustration. "Fine. But know this, Reese: you are on thin ice. One more slip-up, and there will be severe consequences. Do you understand?"

Reese nodded, his heart still pounding. "I understand, Mom. Thank you."

Lois turned and stormed out of the room; her anger palpable. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey followed, leaving Reese alone with his thoughts. He knew he had won a small victory, but he also knew that the battle was far from over.

As he sat down, his mind raced with the possibilities. He had managed to stand up for himself, but the tension in the house was at an all-time high. He needed to find a way to navigate this new reality, and he knew he couldn't do it alone.

Reese and his lawyer made their way to Miss Thompson's office, both determined and prepared. They knocked on the door, and Miss Thompson's voice called out, "Come in."

As they entered, Miss Thompson looked up from her desk, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Reese, what is this about?"

Reese took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Hello, Miss Thompson. I have an important matter to discuss with you. My lawyer and I have checked over the laws, and once I reach Year 10, you must allow certain kids who have work experience to leave school up to three days a week."

Miss Thompson's eyes flickered with interest, but she remained silent, waiting for Reese to continue.

"Because I already have that stupid construction program," Reese continued, "I am telling you know that, starting next week, the three days of construction I do as part of that criminal boys' construction program will be replaced by me running my business three days a week."

Miss Thompson's eyebrows shot up, and she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "And what exactly is this 'business' of yours, Reese?"

Reese met her gaze, his voice steady. "I design and create fashion. Dresses, blazers, gowns—you name it. I have clients, and I trade designs with other professionals in the industry."

Miss Thompson's lips curled into a mocking smile, and she let out a laugh. "Fashion? You expect me to believe that you're going to replace a structured, supervised construction program with... fashion design?"

Reese's lawyer stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Miss Thompson, the law is clear. Students with legitimate work experience opportunities are allowed to leave school for up to three days a week. Reese's business is legitimate, and he has the right to pursue it."

Miss Thompson's smile faded, replaced by a look of irritation. "This is highly irregular. I need proof that this so-called business is legitimate."

Reese reached into his bag and pulled out a portfolio, handing it to Miss Thompson. "Here are my designs, my client list, and letters of recommendation from other professionals in the industry."

Miss Thompson flipped through the portfolio, her expression shifting from scepticism to reluctant acknowledgment. She closed the portfolio and looked up, her eyes narrowing. "Fine. But know this, Reese: if you fail to meet your academic responsibilities, this arrangement will be revoked. Do you understand?"

Reese nodded, relief washing over him. "I understand, Miss Thompson. Thank you."

As they left her office, Reese felt a surge of triumph. He had managed to carve out a space for himself, a way to pursue his passion while still meeting his obligations. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but for now, he had won a small victory.

Dinner was tense as usual, but tonight there was an extra edge in the air. Lois had found out about Reese's meeting with Miss Thompson and was barely containing her anger. The clatter of utensils and the murmur of conversation seemed to fade away as Lois fixed her gaze on Reese.

"Reese," she began, her voice tight with barely suppressed rage, "I heard about your little meeting with Miss Thompson. Care to explain what you're up to?"

Reese took a deep breath, his heart pounding but his resolve firm. "I'm done, Mom. I've had a gut full. The days where I dig holes for a living are over. I'm going to go where my real talent can be utilized, and you can't stop me."

Lois's eyes widened, her face turning red. "What are you talking about? Digging holes is part of your program. You can't just decide to quit."

Reese shook his head, his voice rising. "Why would you fight me on this, Mom? I have a thriving business. Why the hell would I give that up to dig holes? I'd be mad to give up a thriving business for a career that is for losers. And I'm no loser, Mom. I'm a winner, and I don't need to prove myself to you."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. Hal, Malcolm, and Dewey watched with wide eyes, unsure of how to react.

Lois's hands trembled as she pointed a finger at Reese. "What business? What are you talking about? You can't just make these decisions without consulting me!"

Reese met her gaze, his voice steady but filled with defiance. "I design and create fashion. Dresses, blazers, gowns—you name it. I have clients, and I trade designs with other professionals in the industry. I have a thriving business, Mom."

Lois's face contorted with a mix of shock and disbelief. "Fashion? You expect me to believe that you're running a fashion business? This is ridiculous, Reese!"

Reese stood his ground, his heart pounding but his voice unwavering. "It's not ridiculous. It's real, and it's successful. And I'm not giving it up just because you don't understand it."

Lois's eyes flashed with anger. "You think you can just defy me? You think you can just do whatever you want without consequences?"

Reese shook his head, his voice calm but firm. "I'm not defying you, Mom. I'm following my passion, and I'm making something of myself. You should be proud of me, not trying to hold me back."

Lois's face turned an alarming shade of red, her hands clenching into fists. "This isn't over, Reese. You will follow the rules, or there will be consequences. Do you understand?"

Reese nodded, his heart still pounding. "I understand, Mom. But I'm not giving up my business. Not for you, not for anyone."

The room fell silent again, the tension hanging heavy in the air. Reese knew he had won a small victory, but he also knew that the battle was far from over. He had to stay strong, stay focused, and keep fighting for his future.