The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 664 They Must Take Control of Their Futures Themselves

Natalie stepped forward and stood by the table, speaking to the others. "The people here aren't as simple or pure as they seem.

"You've seen it for yourselves. Getting here isn't easy. If we can't hold them down, we won't just fail to save the girls-we won't be able to leave in one piece either.

"So, things may get physical later. You've seen these weapons. They're for suppressing violent protests. We may get injured, but no one will die.

"If anyone is scared, you can hide upstairs on the second floor now."

"I'm not scared, Ms. Natalie," Connie said first. "We've been here before. I know how it goes. I'm not afraid."

"Me neither," Zane quickly chimed in. "Ms. Natalie, I'm a grown man. I can't be less brave than Connie."

Natalie looked at Sophia, who nodded firmly. "Nat, I'm not afraid either. I want to do something meaningful, and I now know that this is it."

If Sophia wasn't afraid, Zachary wouldn't be either. He smiled and held Sophia's hand. "I'll protect her, Mrs. Holden. You don't have to worry."

Marcus stood up and moved behind Natalie. "Nat, you know what I'm capable of. I won't hold you back."

Natalie smiled. "Good. I'm not worried about Elijah either."

"This place is called Ashford Vale, located deep in Coalmarsh. Almost everyone here was born, raised, and will die here. They're ignorant but united. They'll sacrifice their wives, daughters, and sisters, but when it comes to their own interests as men, they won't concede an inch.

"When we first came here, we tried to talk it out, but it didn't work. We had to fight and use force to subdue them. Only then did we slowly manage to make progress.

"You've seen the children here. They're kind and innocent, but the same can't be said for the adults.

back down now. If we yield even once, we give them leverage. We have to maintain the upper hand here and make them submit. This is not for their sake, and not to

raised his hand too. "Ms. Walker, don't worry. I've never lost a fight." Zachary nodded. "Mrs. Holden, rest assured. I'll protect Sophia and do my part." As for Marcus and Elijah, Natalie didn't need to say a word. The two of them were more than capable-not only in defending themselves but likely also in taking down half the village

villagers don't care about their lives. That's why we use weapons-to suppress

need to be too tense. This kind of

for her hand. "Nat, is this how it's

nodded. "Yes. Feeling sorry for

am," Marcus replied

She was just a young woman, and even though she had people with her, she had to travel long distances and face unreasonable, hostile villagers. She

that was why she felt such deep empathy for girls like them-and why she

know what I'm doing. I only act when

held her hand tight. "From

working

finished speaking, Taylor returned and with him came Lynette, Sue, and Ann, along with their

brought half

him. Just about every household representative was present. They were

for

a wide

to talk. We know now that

our conditions to Mr. Cole. Since you called us here, are you planning to agree to

him," Natalie said, ignoring Maverick and turning to the girl. Lynette stepped forward, pulled out three documents from her backpack, and

Maverick

Ann, and I are cutting all ties with our families. We're severing

the 30,000 dollars, but only on the condition that we are no longer considered your daughters. From this day forward, we shall live separate lives and never cross paths