?Chapter 844:


    A smirk briefly crossed Harlee’s face. Oaklee’s methods were always straightforward, designed to avoid unnecessaryplications.


    “Alright,” Harlee said, pushing open the door to find Etta bound and sprawled across the bed like a captive.


    Etta’s eyes widened in shock at the sight of Harlee.


    “How… how are you still unscathed?” Etta stammered, her mouth agape. The disbelief in her voice was unmistakable as she struggled toprehend how Harlee had returned without a scratch.


    Harlee remained silent, offering only a detached nce at Etta before settling into a nearby sofa.


    From the very beginning, Etta had been perplexed by Harlee’s demeanor.


    Harlee carried herself with an easygoing, almost indifferent air, a sharp contrast to the tension that consumed Etta during their encounters. This pattern had never wavered.


    Hesitant to provoke Harlee, Etta reluctantly began reciting the excuses she had prepared.


    “I was cornered by Lindsay. She threatened to harm my family and me if I refused to cooperate. I felt trapped…”


    For nearly ten minutes, Etta borated on her predicament in a reluctant tone, ending with a feeble apology that painted her more as a victim than someone taking responsibility for her actions.


    Harlee, her chin resting on her hand, listened in silence.


    Her expression remained unreadable, as though she were enduring an exceptionally dull story.


    Even after Etta’s lengthy exnation, Harlee’s interest remained far from piqued.


    The silence and Harlee’sck of reaction left Etta confused.


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    Etta’s mind raced. What was missing in her plea? Did itck the ring of true remorse? Or had they simply seen through her facade? Despite her lengthy attempt at an exnation and apology, Harlee remained detached.


    No reprimanding words came from Harlee, as if she hadn’te to confront her for her involvement with Hale and Lindsay.


    Etta felt her anxiety grow, her thoughts scrambled. She felt a wave of heat wash over her, leaving her dizzy.


    Harlee should have been enraged, maybe even banished her to the mercy of the pythons. Yet, Harlee remained ominously quiet.


    Was it Sk’s influence that tempered Harlee’s anger? Perhaps Harlee was considering leniency. This thought briefly flickered through Etta’s mind, but the unreadable expression on Harlee’s face extinguished any hope.


    Dizziness clouded Etta’s thoughts. She wanted to wipe the nervous sweat from her forehead, but the ropes binding her hands mocked her helplessness. She gazed at Harlee with eyes full of silent pleas, hoping for any response, but each nce only met the suffocating silence.


    Time dragged on, ten agonizing minutes stretching on.


    Etta’s spirit wilted under the weight of the quiet. The silence was more terrifying than any reprimand—a vast emptiness where her pleas seemed to disappear into nothingness.


    “Harlee, what do you want from me?” Etta’s voice cracked slightly as she stared at Harlee.


    “You want to take my life? Is that it? Go ahead and kill me!”


    eptance settled in Etta’s heart. She was ready to face whatever Harlee decided—punishment or death.


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