Chapter 467


    The path beneath Gabby''s feet transitioned from rugged to smooth, and although she had no idea where she was headed, she


    made a mental map of every turn and dip, readying herself for the escape she vowed woulde one day.


    As they followed the winding trail, a quaint farmstead unfolded in the distance. It had the orderly charm of a typical rural hamlet,


    and for a moment, Gabby allowed herself a sliver of relief. Perhaps being sold into servitude in a vige might offer a chance for


    freedom.


    What Gabby didn''t know was that this seemingly normal enve was steeped in blood and cruelty. The owner of the estate was


    notorious for acquiring women and children at a bargain through deceit or outright abduction.


    The estate was a deceptive mirage of freedom where, in truth, every soul was shackled. The servants were property, their lives


    hanging on the whims of their owner.


    The staff were desensitized through harsh conditioning, toiled in the fields, tended to livestock, and reared children who would


    eventually serve the master''s bidding. Those with potential were groomed for special tasks, while the more attractive ones were


    imed by the master himself, only to be discarded back to servitude once he grew bored of them.


    This was no paradise, but a gilded cage. A hell disguised in finery.


    The perimeter was fortified with barbed wire, a menacing boundary meant to clip the wings of any who dreamed of flight. The


    electrified fences stretched for miles; a single touch could reduce a person to ashes.


    In such a fortress, escape was a fool''s hope, save for the heavily guarded main gate.


    Urged along by her captors, Gabby, clutching Anna, passed through hidden doors and secret passages until they reached a


    grand mansion. As she stepped inside, a cruel kick to her legs sent her kneeling on the opulent foyer floor. Quick to react, she


    clutched Anna close, preventing the child from tumbling to the ground.


    Unphased and curious, Anna gazed about with wide eyes, oblivious to the danger lurking in every shadow. Gabby hugged her


    tighter, fearing any misstep might provoke a terrible consequence.


    At the head of the hall sat an elderly man, his scalp a polished dome. His gaze was cloudy, and his eyes looked weak beneath


    the weight of deep wrinkles. He had a visage that would instill fear in the stoutest of hearts.


    Anna clung to Gabby''s clothes, confused as to why they were kneeling. She whispered, “Mommy, why are we on the floor? Isn''t


    it cold? Get up, please.”


    “Shh,” Gabby quieted her with a look, her voice low at Anna''s ear. “This ce is dangerous. We must tread carefully.” She


    instantly regretted scaring Anna with such a harsh reality but knew that worse days loomed ahead. Facing the danger head-on


    could be their only wise course.


    The men who brought them in approached the old man, speaking rapidly. The old man finally nced at Gabby, his focus shifting


    to Anna, whose blue eyes blinked innocently under flutteringshes.


    He rose and approached, attempting to take Anna into his arms, “What''s the little angel''s name?”


    Fearing for her daughter''s safety, Gabby held Anna tightly, saying nothing.


    Anna was fearless, reached out, and said with childlike trust, “I’m Anna. | like you, sir. Thank you for letting us stay.”


    The old man, perhaps unustomed to such affection from a child, smiled with delight. “Good. She''s bright and has potential,”


    he muttered and ordered the henchmen, “Take this woman to work. The girl stays with Curtis.”


    With a nod, the thugs led Gabby and


    Anna to a modest row of houses.


    Their front yards were-adorned Mhth


    frephighanriered Clothes They


    pointed to a vacant home and


    warned, “You''ll live here. When the


    bell rings, you work, or you''ll regret it.”


    With that, they left. Please read the


    original content at .


    Gabby spat after their retreating backs, then turned toward the house they had been assigned.


    The room was small, with only a stiff cot and a worn dresser. The windowsill was lined with dusty bowls, signs of long disuse.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    As Gabby began to tidy the sparse room, Anna asked, “Mommy, why can’t we stay in a big house? Why are we staying in this


    old, strange ce? And everyone looks so scary, scarier than Daddy.”


    With a heavy heart, Gabby embraced


    Anna, kissing her cheek. “I''m sorry,


    Anna. It''s all my fault. If\| adn''tbeeh


    seyeenernone vel e in this


    ss. But remember, my love, when


    you''re at the mercy of others,


    patience is your strength. Hide your


    ws until you can strike.” Please


    read the original content at


    .


    Although Anna was young, she was particrly sensible and well-behaved. Therefore, she remembered every word Gabby said


    to her without fail. Even though she didn''t understand, she obediently nodded and said, "Okay, Mommy, | remember."


    Gabby and Anna arrived at the


    mansion in the evening, so as they


    sat in the newly arranged room for a


    while, the maids w padpeaO"""


    Kingrin the FiSids came back one


    after another. They were surprised to


    find there was a newpanion but


    did not say much. Instead, they all


    went back to their rooms, brought


    out some bedding and basic


    necessities, and quietly ced them


    at Gabby''s door. Please read the


    original content at .