Lemira's voice was icy-cold, "To put it accurately, you were not my brother long ago."

"You want to cut ties with me?"

"How many times have you said that before? Have you forgotten?"

Alaric felt a twinge of guilt, "I-I was just blowing off steam. I never meant any of it."

"But I did. Actions should follow words."

Lemira faced her two brothers, "I never speak just to vent. Goodbye, or rather, let's hope we don't see each other again."

Her expression was unusually serious, her fair complexion contrasting with her piercing eyes. After speaking her piece, Lemira turned and spotted Orion and Thaddeus.

A look of satisfaction was evident in Orion's gaze. Thaddeus began to clap, "Well said!"

Seeing them, Lemira felt a wave of relief wash over her.

In fact, she never wanted to voice these thoughts, as if she cared too much about the Langstons. But today, when Lucian contacted Orion behind her back and pressured him to come to the hospital, she'd had enough. "Lemira, don't think you're something special just because you aced your exams, thinking you can leave the Langston family behind! Without the Langston family, you're nothing!"

Alaric's eyes were red with anger for what she'd said. He couldn't believe Lemira cared so much. Why hadn't she said anything before? He thought she didn't care.

Lemira turned back, her gaze icy, "Without me, wouldn't you fail to even make it to the finals of the team competition? Without me, wouldn't that game program deal fall through?"

A look of embarrassment flashed in Alaric's eyes. He couldn't argue; these were facts.

Thaddeus added fuel to the fire from nearby, "Without you guys, Sweet Lemon's grades skyrocketed, becoming the top of the city. She became a gaming sensation, with teams lining up to offer her deals. She's better off without you." Orion's tone was cold, "Ask yourselves, what have you done for her all these years?"

Alaric instinctively retorted, "We have."

But then, he couldn't think of anything, more of Lemira focusing on him. He had taken Lemira's sacrifices for granted, forgetting that they should be reciprocal.

Lemira's expression was utterly indifferent, "Let's not talk about the 'blood is thicker than water' or 'we are family' excuses anymore.It's quite laughable."

With that, she strode away.

Lucian, clutching his stomach, collapsed to the ground, feeling a profound sense of loss.

Alaric and Evelina shouted, "Lucian!"

Lemira heard their voices as she entered the elevator and saw Lucian on the ground, who was looking up at her.

She watched him emotionlessly until the elevator doors closed, cutting off all connection.

"Lemira!!!" Lucian called her name, closing his eyes tightly, finally realizing he had truly lost his sister.

Before, Lemira would have never left him in his moment of need. She always cared about him, including the time she took him to the hospital.

But Lucian realized this time was different. He was about to lose his sister for good.

---

Leaving the hospital, Lemira exhaled deeply, looking up at the sky.

Thaddeus spoke while driving, "Sweet Lemon, you should've done this a long time ago, to keep them from getting too arrogant." "You're right."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Lemira felt she should have clarified this sooner, to prevent them from thinking she was just throwing a tantrum.

From the beginning, she wasn't

joking. She had planned her steps carefully before finally leaving the Langston family. Yet, they still clung to the hope that she was just being petulant.

Orion, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at the rearview mirror, "It's not too late now."

Lemira felt at ease, "By the way, something's been bothering me. Dorian suddenly dropped the issue and didn't even demand an apology."