The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 678 Giving a Heads-Up in Advance

Lynette wiped her eyes. After she finished speaking, Zachary and Sophia fell

silent. They exchanged a glance, and from the look in their eyes, they understood what the other was thinking.

"We want to be part of this too," Zachary said. "We'll provide targeted sponsorship, but we do have some conditions.

"We'll put together a full proposal once we're back, and we'll assign a team to follow up. Mr. and Mrs. Holden, may I officially represent the Holt family in joining your charitable work?"

He smiled slightly, his gaze sincere and steady as he looked at Marcus and Natalie. "We truly care, and we'd like to do whatever we can to help."

Natalie smiled warmly. "We'd be honored. Having the Holt family involved is a blessing for us. Really, thank you."

She reached out to shake Zachary's hand, but Marcus gently held her hand back and extended his own to Zachary instead.

Natalie noticed what he did and found it a little amusing, but she didn't say anything.

"Sophia, what about you?" Natalie turned to her. "Do you want to be part of this with us?"

Sophia nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! Nat, you helped me before, and now I want to help other girls who are struggling too."

"Great. Then let's do it together."

"Yeah. Together."

There was a new energy in Sophia's smile now-brighter, more determined. "Zachary and I talked, and we've decided to stay here a few more days.

"Sue told me there's an even smaller village over the mountain you haven't reached yet. We want to go check it out, but Mr. Cole advised against it."

"I don't think you two should go there alone, either," Natalie said, her expression serious. "I worked with some officials before to scout a path into that area.

"The truth is, they're even harder to deal with than the people in Ashford Vale. At least in Ashford Vale, we could still use force to take control if necessary.

in animal fat and set themselves on fire, turning themselves into human fireballs to attack us. They're not afraid of pain or death. We still haven't figured out a safe way to

terrifying," Sophia said, glancing at Zachary. His face had darkened too after hearing what Natalie had

really is." Natalie sighed. "That's why we've focused all our efforts on Ashford Vale so

or treat us

help one person, we help them. If we can save one girl, we save her. But if they respond with violence, with death threats, or try

matter how noble the cause, our priority is always our own safety

we won't go. We'll just focus on learning more about Ashford Vale

with me. As for Daniel and Denzel, they've already spoken to Taylor. They'll stay behind for a bit, help their

the time. "Let's grab something

"Sounds good."

Lynette, Sue, and Ann, then took Marcus with her. Together, they headed to

made from fresh,

and called for the three girls. Elijah helped carry their bags. They then said their

this time and hadn't brought much with them. They would

the path leading out of the mountains, their hearts pounded faster with every

as long as they could remember, this was their first time leaving

out, we'll study even harder. We'll make sure we live up to everything you've done

they walked, the more emotional they became. They couldn't stop themselves from making promises to Natalie again

need to live well-really live. Only when you can stand

out and gently patted

temptations. Life out there won't be as hard

to keep up with others, to show off,

really matter. I'm telling you this now so you'll be

of who you are, if you give in to temptation or go

three girls nodded

Ms. Natalie. We'll stay true to ourselves. We won't let you down. Mr. Cole already warned us about a lot of

this far in such a short time means I believe you can stay

but no matter

be as painful as being