"What? They moved?"
Angel's voice rose with disbelief as she stood outside the rusty gate, her eyes wide with shock. The old apartment block she once knew felt colder now, unfamiliar. A breeze stirred dust around her feet.
Yes! It's been so long since they moved out of here."
The old woman balanced a worn shopping bag in one hand, squinting at Angel under the weight of time.
"Do you know where they live now?"
Angel stepped forward urgently, desperation creeping into her voice.
"Not at all! But I heard they left Outta City."
The words struck Angel like a blow to the chest. Her lips parted, and she swayed slightly.
"They left Outta City? They took my sister away?"
Her voice cracked. Celine moved closer, concern flashing in her eyes.
"Your sister?"
The old woman frowned thoughtfully.
"You don't remember me, ma'am? I was staying here with my family — a brother and a little sister."
"Oh, that girl? I remember you clearly."
Angel's breath hitched. Her hands curled into fists.
"Yes, ma'am! You don't have any clue at all?"
"Actually, when your parents left here, your little sister was not with them. She probably moved somewhere else too, but I can't really say a lot about that because they moved out not long after."
"Oh my goodness!"
Angel stumbled back a step, eyes glistening. Celine placed a gentle hand on her back.
"You should try and contact your other family members. They might have an idea of where they are."
"Alright, ma'am! Thank you so much."
"You're welcome", the old lady said and turned away, slowly disappearing around the corner. Angel stood frozen for a moment, then exhaled shakily and walked back toward the car.
"How will you find your sister now, Angel?" Celine asked softly.
Angel shook her head, her jaw clenched. "Let's go back! I will use my network to find her."
"That will be a better option then."
"I'm just wondering where she could be…" Angel looked out the car window as it began to roll away. "Since the old lady said she moved out before my parents, they didn't do anything bad to her, did they?"
Celine's expression darkened. "With the way you described your parents, they might have done something bad to her; they don't care about you guys at all."
Angel's fists trembled in her lap. "They better not! Because I will never forgive them for that." She turned sharply to the driver. "Drive!"
The car surged forward.
Harper jerked up from the bed, her chest heaving. She gasped for breath, eyes darting wildly as she tried to process her surroundings. Sweat clung to her temples.
"Harper! Are you fine, baby?"
"Quincy?!"
"Yes, I'm here. I'm with you." He reached for her hand, voice trembling with relief.
"What happened to me?"
"Are you asking what happened to you? Quincy sat beside her, gaze burning into her soul. You took poison and slept for three days straight.
I slept for 3 days?
She blinked in disbelief, her hand moving to her stomach instinctively.
How could you do this to yourself, Harper? How could you do such a foolish thing? Just because you wanna drive out Angel from the courtesan house doesn't mean you should risk yourself.
That was the only way I could think of… she whispered, tears pricking her eyes. If I didn't risk myself, we couldn't send Angel away. Because I wanted to — and that meant we were giving Logan the opportunity to rise back.
Harper! Stop saying this! We are talking about your life here! Your life matters!
Quincy's voice cracked. He stood abruptly, running a hand through his hair, then dropped to his knees by her bedside.
That's why I didn't take enough to get myself killed. Just a little stomach pain and sleeping for a few days won't kill me.
Was it not painful?!
It was! It hurt so much I thought I was gonna die! But what is this pain compared to what I went through while being trafficked down here? Her voice rose with fire, her eyes flashing with the agony of memory. I was brought here against my will and saw many people killed in front of me. I was forced to live among hundreds of men and fight for my life each day. It was 2 years of torture on the fields — getting trained and watching my mates get killed on a daily basis for being useless. I dreaded waking up every day… but I had to live. I only have my life and nothing else.
Her voice trembled with fury, pain, and purpose.
I was forced to live a life that I never subscribed for, Quincy! From the field and getting sold to the courtesan house! This fight is not just to drive Angel out. I'm preventing this from happening to others. My sister was taken away, and I was taken away. I don't wish this life on my enemies. Tell me — why won't I risk my life and fight for others? Why can't I go through a little pain to stop these crimes?
Harper! Quincy wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His heart thundered against hers. I'm very sorry, Harper. I didn't know how important this fight was for you. Don't cry again. I will make sure we fight this to the end. I won't allow any trafficking to take place here anymore.
Thank you, Quincy.
We still have a long way to go. I hope you will get better soon.
I know, right!
Don't risk yourself that way again. I was so scared. I thought I was gonna lose you. I felt so dreadful hearing that you ate poison. I was devastated.
I'm sorry for making you worried.
It's fine. I understand you better now. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. We have to be careful now. Things might become tougher these days, Harper.
I know! When I decided to devote myself to being a courtesan, I promised not to give up on anything and fight to the end. I have the power — and I will use it to my advantage.
Good girl.
A knock at the door interrupted them.
The doctor is here, sir! Jesse announced, poking his head in.
Oh, thank you! Let him in.
Yes, sir. Jesse stepped aside as the doctor entered with his kit.
The doctor moved quickly but gently, checking Harper's vitals, then packed his bag.
How is she now?
She will be fine. She just needs a lot of rest.
There's no poison remnants in her body?
Not anymore. We flushed out the whole thing. Actually, she didn't take enough to get her killed — it was just a little bit that disrupted her body system. She will definitely be on her feet after some days.
Thank you so much, doctor. I will call you if there's any issues again.
Alright, Mr. Dylan. I will take my leave now.
Jesse, please see him out.
Yes, sir!
Quincy turned back to Harper, his tone soft but determined.
Harper, I'm gonna help you find your sister. You just need to rest for now, okay?
I will.
I told Paige to look for Ross. He brought your sister down here, so he will tell us where she was sold to.
Yes, Quincy.