Chapter 149

Jasmine's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she spoke, her voice laced with quiet sympathy. "But some time ago, Anne was diagnosed with leukemia. She had to drop out of school to begin treatment. Her brother, Lucas, has been working almost around the clock at a factory to pay for her medical expenses. Sometimes, he worked over a dozen hours in a single day." At those words, Anne, who had only just calmed down, began crying once again. "My brother was too exhausted during one of his shifts, and when operating the machine, his hand got caught. He lost his entire right hand…" Her voice broke as the sobs took over. "I… I…" Jasmine gently patted her back, trying to soothe her breathing. "Ms. Yates, Lucas is still hospitalized. This was clearly a work-related injury. But the factory refused to offer any compensation. The boss gave him two months' salary and dismissed him. "He's been officially retrenched. The factory hasn't paid him a single cent for disability compensation, medica