Ethan's rant was abruptly cut off by his rescue.
Dazed, he shoved me away, his voice filled with bitterness. "Why save me? You can't give me anything. Why not just let me go?"
I positioned myself strategically, sobbing uncontrollably. "Ethan, I want to give you the very best. But since your dad dumped you on me, he's been completely unreachable. I can't afford $70,000 worth of gifts all by myself."

"Let's just buy the essentials, okay? Don't be so reckless. The firefighters risked their lives for you."
"I've already hired a lawyer to sue your irresponsible dad. I'm not neglecting you - I'm saving up for your college education."
Ethan's eyes widened in shock. "You're suing Dad? On what grounds?"
I let the tears well up in my eyes, looking utterly pitiful. "After the divorce, he had custody, but he just shoved you off onto me and never paid a cent in child support. He's failed miserably as a father."
He grabbed his hair in frustration, his face red with anger. "You can't sue him! He's struggling with his company. Why can't you understand? You're so selfish!"
I remained silent, tears streaming down my face.

The live - stream erupted with comments:
"Wow, that sister was right. Give the deadbeat a crumb, and this kid turns on his mom."
"Ditch this son. He feels sorry for the deadbeat, not you."
"No custody? Let him go. Ungrateful kids never learn."

"Forget about college. He's just a waste of resources. Live your own life, lady."
Ethan, realizing what was happening, grabbed his dropped phone and was met with a flood of condemnation.
In a fit of rage, he smashed it, but onlookers restrained him, fearing he might pull another stunt.
After calming him down, we returned home.
My lawyer, Mr. Grant, was waiting. "Ms. Young, I've prepared the documents to sue for back child support and Ethan's custody. Let's go over them."
I nodded, ignoring Ethan's look of shock, and invited Grant inside.
Before we could start reviewing the papers, there was a knock at the door.
Ethan sprang up to open it.
Henry stormed in, spotting Grant and freezing. "Who's this? Hiding a man, no wonder you drove Ethan to jump!"
He tried to assert his dominance but faltered at the sight of Grant's imposing build.
Like father, like son - both cowards.
I took a sip of tea and said calmly, "Gone for so long, and now you show your face? Take Ethan back."
Henry, stunned, stammered, "What? He's suffered enough with you, and now you want to ditch him? Found a new guy and abandon your own kid? That's real responsible, huh?"
I let out a laugh. "Custody was yours. Your home should be his. You're so rich - $70,000 in gifts is nothing to you."
"This is Mr. Grant, my lawyer. You owe years of child support, and you'll take custody of Ethan right now, or we'll see you in court. You don't want your failing company's assets frozen, do you?"
Henry reeled back in shock. Ethan caught a key point and asked, "Dad, what's wrong with your company? What about the recovery? You promised to send me abroad!"