Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 879

Lucius’s face instantly hardened at the woman’s disobedience.

“Don’t ask so many questions,” he snapped. “Just do as you’re told!”

The woman flinched at his sharp tone and looked pleadingly at Honora. “Honora, I don’t want to change. You said this was just a job interview.”

Honora offered a placating smile and patted her shoulder. “Just listen to Mr. Lincoln. Be a good girl. If you please him, you can go from rags to riches. You’ll never have to work another day in your life.”

But the woman wasn’t swayed. She shook her head. “I don’t want that. Honora, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, but I really just wanted to pick up a few skills to improve my job prospects… I should be going now…”

She turned to leave, her steps hurried, desperate to escape the unsettling atmosphere.

But Honora grabbed her arm, yanking her back with surprising force.

“Now that you’re here, you don’t get to decide whether you want to or not. Mr. Lincoln told you to change, so you’ll change!” Honora’s face had turned ugly, her voice no longer gentle but sharp with command.

The woman hadn't expected such treatment and struggled to break free, her face a mask of terror.

“No…”

Smack!

The crisp sound of a slap echoed through the room as Honora’s hand struck the woman’s face.

The woman stumbled from the force of the blow, a bright red handprint immediately blooming on her cheek.

The woman’s face went pale. “Right now?”

Lucius’s patience was wearing thin. “Stop wasting my time!” he snarled.

Overwhelmed, the woman finally broke. “I’m sorry, Honora. I… I really have to go,” she stammered, turning once more to flee the terrifying room.

But Lucius wasn’t about to let her go. “Insolent brat,” he muttered, then barked an order for his men to seize her.

Her struggles were futile. She was quickly dragged back before him. Before she could even steady herself, Lucius rose and delivered a vicious kick to her stomach.

The force of the blow was far greater than Honora’s slap. The woman crumpled to the floor, curling into a ball and groaning in pain as waves of nausea washed over her.