Chapter 1540:


    Tasha’s expression softened. “Last night, after you returned to your room, I took a bowl of chicken soup to Mr. Briggs. He ate every bit of it and even mentioned that it tasted good.”


    Disbelief struck Ste so suddenly that her heart lurched. He had actually drunk it? At the kitchen doorway the day before, his eyes had lingered on the soup with open contempt, and she had been convinced he despised it entirely. Could that single bowl have eased his temper enough that he was now willing to allow her a small measure of freedom?


    The realization stirred aplicated blend of feelings within her. A faint sense of happiness rose in her chest — her effort had finally been acknowledged — yet a bitterness she could not quite name followed quietly behind it. Lately, making her days more bearable required constant effort. She had to appease him, cate him, adjust herself to every shift in his temper. Although every concession was meant to earn freedom, she still found herself bowing her head, offering apologies, and epting me she did not always deserve.


    Ste kept her lips pressed together, uncertain how long such days would continue. Still, the chance to step outside and breathe fresh air felt better than having nothing at all.


    Without lingering, she got herself ready and pushed the vi door open. The guards stationed outside made no move to stop her — they only watched her in silence as she passed.


    She suddenly remembered that Josie and Sharon lived nearby, in the vi next door. Uncertain whether either of them was home, she rang the doorbell.


    Sharon opened the door, and her face brightened the instant she recognized Ste. She seized her arm and pulled her inside. “Stel! How did you manage to get out? Did that bastard William make things hard for you these past few days?”


    The noise drew Josie downstairs, and the moment she spotted Ste, surprise flickered across her face before settling into clear worry. “Stel, did you slip out without permission?” If Ste had truly escaped on her own, arrangements would have to be made at once to send her overseas and keep her safe.


    That long-absent concern loosened the tight knot Ste had been carrying inside. She offered a small smile. “He gave his permission. I did not slip away on my own, so there is no need to worry.”


    Sharon’s brow arched. “That is unexpected. Are you sure he is not nning something?”


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    Ste shook her head and gave a brief ount of the chicken soup she had made for William the day before. She left out his cutting remarks entirely and said only that he had drunk the soup, seemed to be in a fair mood, and allowed her a single day of freedom.


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    Message from Noa: New week with renewed hopes! Have a great week, dear readers. God loves you, and Noa wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


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