?Chapter 1679:


    With her vision obscured by the blindfold, her sense of smell had be unnaturally heightened. Despite Alfy’s attempts to press herself further into her corner, she found no relief from the overwhelming sensations.


    The ship swayed relentlessly for what seemed an eternity. She had lost all sense of time, aware only of her body’s growing protest, feeling as though her limbs might detach from sheer exhaustion.


    Just as Alfy felt herself wiltingpletely, the ship lurched to a sudden halt. The sound of heavy footsteps thundered above, punctuated by the harsh curses of men. Then Alfy felt rough hands seizing her, dragging her from the ship along with the others.


    When Alfy finally stepped onto solid ground, a wave of disorientation washed over her. Her body swayed uncontrobly, betraying the lingering effects of the long and treacherous sea voyage.


    The group struggled to walk, their movements hampered by hunger and exhaustion. The ship’s constant rocking had affected their bnce, making each step a challenge. Around her, women and children copsed onto the hard ground.


    In that moment of collective weakness, the sharp crack of a whip cutting through air pierced Alfy’s ears, followed by a child’s agonized cry. “Ah! It hurts!”


    Each pained wail tore at Alfy’s heart. Despite her desperate desire to help, she couldn’t even protect herself, let alone others.


    The next moment, fiery pain exploded across Alfy’s back as the whip found her. Agony radiated through her body in searing waves.


    The man spat his words like venom. “You bunch of trash! Can’t even walk?”


    As the man raised his arm to strike Alfy again, someone beside him caught his wrist mid-motion. “Stop it,” the second man snapped. “If you leave any scars on these girls’ skin, they won’t fetch a high price.”


    The first man immediately lowered his whip, though rage still contorted his features. “I’ll let you off for now,” he growled, “but you better watch yourself!”


    With her hands bound tightly, Alfy couldn’t even reach back to touch her wounded skin. Her tears had nearly dried up during these harrowing days. Fear consumed her heart as she silently prayed that her uncle and Vincent would somehow find her.


    And Jaxen… In this moment of despair, she suddenly found herself longing for Jaxen. She yearned to tell him how desperately she missed him and how deeply she loved him. Yet reuniting with Jaxen seemed nothing more than a distant dream in her current nightmare.


    Alfy remained silent, allowing her captors to guide her. She understood that obedience was her only shield against further brutality.


    Soon, those men left. Barely two or three minutes passed before a shuttle bus arrived. Alfy and the others were roughly ordered aboard and swiftly transported away from the shore.


    The salty sea breeze gradually faded, and Alfy inhaled softly, catching a delicate floral fragrance in the air. Something about this scent tugged at her memory—familiar somehow, yet she couldn’t ce where she had encountered it before.


    While Alfy was still trying to recall the origin of this hauntingly familiar fragrance, the shuttle bus lurched to a halt. She felt rough hands dragging her outside.


    Once everyone had been herded into a room, the cloths that had blinded them were finally torn away. After being blindfolded for so long, their eyes revolted against the sudden brightness. They shielded their faces with trembling hands, allowing their vision to slowly adjust to the light.


    But the moment their eyes finally opened, every person in the room fellpletely silent, stunned by what they beheld. The room before them was adorned with extravagant luxury, each item radiating wealth and exclusivity.


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