Angeline was clearly taken aback by the new condition Bryan had proposed. However, she didn't respond and simply left Bryan's house. Bryan, on the other hand, just watched her without expression.

The next day, Angeline was already at the police station. She appeared to have been holding back tears since she arrived. Shortly after, her brother Michael was released, and he immediately hugged Angeline with tears of sadness.

"I'm sorry, sis. I was too naive to fall for their offer. You must have been through a lot because of me," Michael said, regretting his actions.

"It's okay, I know you're not at fault. Let's go eat some good food; you must be hungry," Angeline released her embrace and smiled resolutely.

They went to an upscale restaurant, and Michael was puzzled because it was unusual for Angeline to take him to such an expensive place where he could eat anything he wanted.

"Why are you being so quiet? Come on, let's eat. You said you really wanted to have a steak," Angeline cut a piece of steak on her plate and exchanged it with Michael's plate.

"Is this for real? Can I eat it, sis? You've been working so hard to get me out of jail. Sis... don't tell me you borrowed from loan sharks?" Michael hesitated to eat the expensive meal.

"No, I didn't. You see, I got a high-paying job. Because I signed a contract, I have to leave in a week. And I won't be coming back for a year."

"A year? Isn't that too long? What about Mom? She has to undergo dialysis once a week, and I can't be the one to take care of her all the time because I need to work too."

"You don't have to work anymore. I'll send you money every month for your expenses and for Mom. You just focus on your studies for graduation and college."

"But—"

"Because I have to leave, you have to take care of Mom. And... Mom just had surgery. She'll get better after the operation. She won't be in pain anymore."

"Is this all real, sis?" Michael's eyes welled up with tears again. He couldn't believe that his life was improving even though he had spent five days in confinement.

"Yes, so finish your meal, and we'll visit Mom after eating," Angeline beamed, trying to reassure Michael that everything would be okay.

Michael wiped away his tears and began eating eagerly. Angeline was delighted and joined in the meal. They even sampled all the dishes on the table.

At the hospital, they entered the VIP room. Michael was speechless when he saw his mother's spacious room, complete with many amenities like a hotel.

"Is this really Mom's room, sis? Not a hotel room?" Michael asked again in amazement.

"Mom... how are you feeling? The doctor said the operation was successful, and you don't need dialysis anymore," Angeline asked her mother, who had regained consciousness after the surgery.

"I feel much better and not weak anymore. Angeline... you must have been through a lot all this time. I'm sorry for being a burden to you. I feel like I've failed because I forced you to be the breadwinner and suffer alone," their mother said with tears in her eyes.

Angeline held back her tears and tried to stay strong, smiling broadly. "Mom... after Dad's departure, Angeline became the head of the household. But Angeline has never regretted any of this. Angeline was only afraid that she couldn't make Mom well and raise Michael properly. From now on, our lives will change for the better. So, Mom, you just need to focus on your health, and Michael can focus on school."

"Big sister Angeline..."

"Mom hopes you find your happiness and aren't burdened by your responsibilities."

"Angeline is already very happy to see Mom recovering, and Michael can go to school like other kids."

Angeline cried in her mother's embrace, and Michael joined in, hugging Angeline tightly. The three of them wept tears of joy after enduring endless suffering.

A week later, Angeline was getting ready to leave. She explained that she had found a job overseas and wouldn't be able to come home for a year. She asked her mother and brother to carry on with their lives, even though they might not hear from her frequently.

"Do I really not need to take you to the airport?" Michael asked, looking sad.

"You have school today, don't you? You have exams in three months," Angeline said as she prepared to leave, carrying her suitcase.

"I could skip school."

"Angeline, have breakfast first. Take some packed food for the journey. I heard Europe is very far away, and it takes more than ten hours to get there," their mother said, looking refreshed and having prepared a lot of food.

"Mom, this is a feast, not breakfast," Angeline said, looking at the table filled with her mother's cooking.

"It's okay; a year will pass quickly. But you'll probably get lonely because you'll be alone there."

Angeline tasted her mother's dishes, all of which were her favorites that her mother hadn't cooked in a long time. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. It was very hard for her to leave her family. But if she didn't go, she didn't know what Bryan would do.

After the morning meal, Angeline bid farewell in front of their house. A taxi had been waiting there since earlier. Angeline loaded her suitcase into the taxi. She hugged her mother and cried again.

"I'll be back, a year is really quite short. Mom, take care of your health, and Michael, I'm sorry I can't be there for your graduation," Angeline said as she said her goodbyes.

"No need to apologize, just take care of yourself there. I won't do anything foolish again," Michael said awkwardly.

"It's true, you also need to take care of your health and avoid getting sick. Be careful, okay?" their mother said as she released Angeline from her embrace.

Angeline got into the taxi after wiping her tears. She gave a warm smile and made sure her mother and brother would stay healthy even without her. The taxi carrying Angeline drove away, leaving behind a home she would dearly miss.

During the journey, Angeline couldn't stop crying. She knew this was her own choice. After reassuring herself, Angeline wiped away her tears and steeled herself to do her job as best as she could.

Not long after, Angeline arrived at Bryan's house. She got out of the taxi with her suitcase and entered the estate. Angeline took a deep breath and walked with great confidence.

"Welcome, Miss," came a greeting from several servants who stood neatly, welcoming Angeline.

Angeline hadn't expected to be greeted like this. A servant took her suitcase and led her into the main hall. Bryan had been waiting there for some time.

Slowly, Angeline walked towards Bryan, who was looking at her expressionlessly. Angeline tried to give a smile. However, when Angeline was almost near, Bryan walked past her without a word, leaving Angeline baffled.