His family was falling into shreds, who wanted to remain friends with him? Those friends whom he used to bully, ganged up against him. When he received a beating twice, he dropped out from school.
As for Julian Jr, who was in the military, because his family was in trouble, couldn't face anyone with his head held high anymore, but he didn't quit. Who would protect his sister if he did? So he persevered, only for his sister's sake.
Old Mr. Simeon tried to reach out to his associates. They could help his family, but words suddenly came from the Watson family in the Capital that any family who helped the Simeon family would become their enemy.
The Simeon family slowly began to wither away. The only person who wasn't very sad was Ms. Sonia. She helped Gregory bring down the Simeon family, and she didn't doubt that he would stick to his words.
It just wasn't the right time yet.