Chapter 4

I opened my eyes to see my mom's anxious face in front of me.

Here it comes—their second test.

"Okay."

My mom froze for a few seconds, seemingly surprised by how decisive I was.

She took me to a private hospital and personally sent me into the examination room.

"Thea, why are you so thin?"

I didn't answer, only asking, "Mom, is the money I earned these past few years enough?"

My mom avoided my piercing gaze, nodding frantically in her panic.

That was two hundred thousand dollars I'd earned in exchange for my health and future.

A few hours later, my dad and I were wheeled out of the operating room together. He gently squeezed my hand.

"Thea, I've been a burden to you."

I closed my eyes, hiding the moisture welling up in them.

"It's okay."

Back in the hospital room, I looked at the surgical incision on my lower abdomen and laughed.

The surgery scene was too realistic.

When my mom wheeled my dad in to see me, I was swallowing the last few painkillers.

They asked hesitantly, "Thea, what are you taking?"

"Just regular vitamins." I changed the subject and asked them instead,

"Is there any money left over from the surgery?"

My dad's expression immediately turned annoyed, and my mom quickly made an excuse about needing rest after surgery and took him away.

But I needed money. I needed treatment.

After a while, I figured it out. I got out of bed, ready to come clean about everything.

To trade whatever family bond we had for some money to leave.

Just as I reached my dad's room, I heard voices inside.

Through the small window in the door, I saw Sophia lying in the hospital bed.

And my brother Derek was feeding her fruit.

He pulled out a key from his pocket and dangled it, saying gently, "The luxury apartment next to the company—your graduation gift!"

He said it so casually, while I swallowed all my bitterness.

The expensive prime location—my two hundred thousand dollars probably couldn't even buy half a bathroom there.

My dad sat on the sofa, his face dark with anger. He slapped the table.

"Right after surgery, Thea came asking us for money!"

"All she cares about is money. We'll start the third test immediately. If she doesn't pass, we won't want this daughter anymore!"

No one objected.

My dad picked up his phone and typed. My phone received a new message.

[Hello, the production batch number on the bread you purchased has won our company's million-dollar grand prize]

[Please come to the address below before midnight tonight to claim your prize]

I instantly understood everything.

I didn't push open that door. I just went back and packed my things.

So this was the third test.

When I returned to the basement, I found they were already waiting for me.

My parents' faces were full of anger and they were about to speak, but I felt dizzy and my vision went black as I collapsed onto the cold floor.

"Thea!"