Before Ivy could fully process her thoughts, the captain spoke again:

"Remember, coming here isn't about enjoying life. We won't kill you, and we'll provide food and clothes, but in return, you'll need to cook three meals a day for us, do everyone's laundry, and clean the entire ship."

"What?!" Ivy's voice rose several octaves. She had been pampered all her life-treated as a princess in the Montgomery family. She had never done a single chore. Even after being cast out of the family, there was always a washing machine at hand, and her winter clothes were dry-cleaned. Meals? She could always order takeout.

Her time staying at Mr. Raymond's house had been comfortable too. Now, this man was telling her she had to cook, clean, and do laundry?

"I didn't even ask to stay on this ship! Let me go home. I've never done this kind of work in my entire life," she protested.

"Miss Montgomery, right?" The captain's tone turned colder. "Here, on this ship, the first thing you must learn is obedience. I'm the captain, which means you follow my orders. If you don't, I'll hang you upside down from the mast to use as shark bait."

Though his words were said lightly, his expression remained icy. His gaze was so cold it sent shivers down Ivy's spine.

She bit her lip. She told herself to endure. Once Aurora woke up, she would face the same fate. Ivy thought it best to familiarize herself with the situation first, then find a way to leave.

"Frank, take her below deck and show her around. We'll dock in a few hours to restock on food and water. Make sure she doesn't escape," the captain ordered.

"Yes, boss," Frank replied.

The captain added, almost as an afterthought, "Tell Mrs. Woolf to buy some women's necessities, especially clothes."

lowered her head and

this ship," Frank said, shaking his head. "You might look down on us, but we don't have a choice. If we had better lives, do you think we'd resort to

let me go," Ivy pleaded. "My mom is waiting for me at home. She'll worry if I don't

only one who seemed kind- hearted. She needed to appeal to him. The ship was set to dock in a few hours, and she

is a good man. Maybe when he's in a good mood, you can bring up leaving. But if I let you go now, it'll

the location. It was clear the pirates avoided well-known

me off the ship, at least let me call my mom to let her know I'm safe. We're

minute, and I'll be right here. You can't mention

and death. Frank couldn't risk the entire crew's safety for

nodded. She thought of Genevieve's gentle face the day before she left home. Contacting

there was

mind, quickly dialed Genevieve's number. It rang for a long time before connecting, but

"Mom."

is this number so strange? I almost thought it was a scam call," Genevieve

communication isn't great. We just arrived at a port. If you can't reach

going? Didn't you say

last-minute decision. Don't worry about me. Oh, and if you see any strange news, don't believe it. I'm fine," Ivy said, recalling how her and Aurora's disappearance might already be making headlines. She

"News? What news?"

believe anything you see. I'm traveling with friends. I'll send you a

of yourself," Genevieve replied, though Ivy's strange tone left

with a pleading look. "Frank, now everyone thinks I'm dead. Let me send my mom a photo so she doesn't worry

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