Chapter 339

"We're being shipped out at dawn tomorrow. I may never see my family again."

"I can't die like this! Please, someone help us!"

The room fell into heavy silence, broken only by muffled sobs.

Evelyn Carter's hands clenched into fists, her nails biting into her palms. Even in this modern age, such barbaric practices still existed.

Her gaze swept across the dimly lit room.

Then she saw her - a girl who couldn't be older than eighteen, yet her eyes held the calm intensity of a seasoned warrior.

The girl stared back unflinchingly, her expression unreadable.

Neither spoke.

The silent standoff lasted thirty tense minutes.

Finally, the girl's voice cut through the darkness, laced with cautious hope. "Can you actually get us out?"

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "I will."

For a brief moment, hope flickered in the girl's eyes - then died when she noticed Evelyn's bound wrists.

Evelyn glanced down at the amateurish knots with contempt.

These amateurs couldn't tie their own shoelaces properly.

With practiced ease, she twisted her wrists and the ropes fell away.

Gasps filled the room.

"You...you're free!"

"How did you-"

Evelyn raised a finger to her lips. "Quiet!"

Understanding dawned on their faces. Even the weeping woman wiped her tears.

Without wasting words, Evelyn moved swiftly, freeing each captive with efficient movements.

The previously composed girl now looked at Evelyn with something akin to awe. "I'm Noelle Winslow. If we make it out, I'll find a way to repay you."

Evelyn gave a small smile and ruffled Noelle's hair. "We're getting out of here, Noelle. That's a promise."

Noelle nodded fiercely.

Evelyn gathered everyone close, whispering instructions like a seasoned general. No one questioned her authority.

Moments later, desperate screams erupted from the attic.

"Help! Someone's dying in here!"

"Please! We need a doctor!"

The coordinated cries soon drew their captors.

The door slammed open. "Shut your mouths unless you want to die tonight!"

One woman pointed frantically. "She's not breathing!"

As the guards rushed forward, Evelyn struck like a viper - her makeshift club connecting with a sickening crack.

One guard collapsed.

"Now! Run!"

The women didn't need telling twice. They surged toward freedom like a tidal wave.

But their hope was short-lived.

A wall of black-clad enforcers blocked their path.

"Foolish little mice," the leader sneered, cracking his whip. "Did you really think you could escape?"