?Chapter 219:


    I simply smiled, keeping my thoughts to myself. I knew she still had my ne, but that didn’t trouble me. She needed it as leverage, which meant she wouldn’t destroy it—not yet. I still had moves left to y. But that all hinged on one thing: keeping myself safe first.


    As Kristina’s figure disappeared into the distance, I struggled to hide the cold fire zing in my eyes.


    Makenna’s POV:


    After the assessment, I made my way back to my house, my thoughts a tangled mess.


    Lily practically flew at me, her eyes wide with worry. “Makenna, how are you? Feeling better? Did you pass? Alice filled me in—has everything been sorted?”


    Her rapid-fire questions left me momentarily speechless. I managed a smile, a mix of gratitude and resignation, and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Don’t fret, I’m perfectly fine.”


    Lily let out a long, relieved breath, her hand pressing against her chest. “That’s a relief. I’ve been on edge. Let’s head inside and talk.”


    We entered the living room, and I set the box containing the bonus on the table. Lily’s eyes immediately sparked with interest as she leaned closer. “What’s in there?”


    I nced at the box and said calmly, “This is the bonus for passing the assessment.”


    Lily looked envious. “It must be quite a sum, right?”


    Not sure how to respond, I simply nodded. “It’s decent.”


    “It looks like a lot of money…” Lily’s eyes widened, and she looked at me with a mix of hope and caution. “Can I have a look?”


    Despite my reservations, Lily’s pleading expression wore me down, and I sighed, opening the box.


    Your source for updates g?lnσν??ls


    “So much!” Lily gasped in awe. “I had no idea you could get this much for passing!”


    Seeing her envy, I could only smile wryly. “Yeah… it’s a fair amount.”


    The bonus was indeed substantial, but it was earned through immense trials. While the rewards were tempting, the penalties were fearsome; there was nothing to envy.


    Suddenly, Lily’s mood shifted, her face clouding with mncholy.


    She sighed heavily. “You’re so lucky. Unlike me, destined to be a maid with no future. You can earn such a big bonus, and if you win a prince’s favor, you’ll be set for life.”


    Why would she think like that?


    I frowned and shook my head. “It’s not quite like that.”


    As sex ves, our lives were dictated by those above us. Our fate was never truly in our hands. We had to find ways to please the princes, using our bodies to secure a position.


    Was that truly a good life? I wasn’t sure, but if given a choice, I would rather leave the pce and live by my own skills. It might be more demanding, but at least I would be free. That was why I had never wanted Lily to remain here. In many ways, life within the pce was no safer than life outside.


    I earnestly advised her, “It’s not as simple as you think. A sex ve is nothing more than a tool, with no real rights. You can’t control your own future. It’s better to live a grounded life, working hard for yourself.”


    But Lily seemed unable to hear me, her vision clouded by the allure of the bonus. She sighed wistfully, “Never mind. I understand it’s not meant for me.”


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