Chapter 256
“After them don’t let them get away!”
“I don’t care if you have to turn all of Plutonville upside down–find those woment
Overnight, the entire city was thrown into chaos.
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Rumor had it the concubine Hudson Bradford had just brought home had run off. So in the dead of night, guards from the powerful Bradford family could be seen scouring every alley and street corner,
Eliza and Isabelle were running as fast as they could, but they couldn’t outrun the sheer number of pursuers. As the sound of boots and shouting drew nearer, Eliza grabbed Isabelle and ducked into a narrow alleyway,
“Clear up front, nothing behind either.”
“Search it all. Mr. Bradford gave the order–bring them back no matter what. If they resist, beat them within an inch of their lives.”
The guards fanned out immediately.
Eliza crouched behind a stack of crates, peeking out just far enough to monitor the situation. No one had come their way-
yet.
She exhaled silently, heart still pounding. If Tina hadn’t drawn most of the Bradford men away earlier, they wouldn’t have made it this far.
Even now, plenty of guards were still hunting Isabelle. They could only hide and pray Tina returned soon–because at this rate, it wouldn’t be long before someone found them.
“Liza…” Isabelle coughed weakly, clutching her mouth to stifle the sound. “You actually came back for me…
She collapsed against the alley wall, exhausted and bruised from head to toe. Her legs could barely keep her upright after
the chase.
“Don’t overthink it,” Eliza replied, her eyes still locked on the alley’s entrance. “I just couldn’t stand seeing the Bradford dogs swaggering around like kings. If Hudson had just killed you outright, I wouldn’t have lifted a finger.”
Isabelle managed a breathless laugh. “So you did hear me crying for help. And you did care enough to come.”
“Alright…” Isabelle coughed again, harder this time.
And then… Eliza smelled it. Blood.
She whipped around. Under the dim alley light, she saw Isabelle’s hand trembling–drenched in crimson.
Eliza’s expression darkened. She seized Isabelle’s wrist, fingers flying to her pulse.
She doubled over, coughing another mouthful of blood.
Isabelle wheezed out a laugh. “So cruel… I thought nuns were supposed to be merciful. Serenity, how did you turn out so mean?”
Her tone was scathing. Her movements rough as she began applying medicine to Isabelle’s wounds with all the gentleness of
a hammer.
Isabelle gritted her teeth, face slick with sweat from the pain—but she didn’t complain. She knew Eliza was angry. Maybe because of what she’d said just now… or maybe because of everything in the past.
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Chapter 256
She kept her silence, quietly watching Eliza work.
Once Eliza had finished dressing the wounds, she frowned.
“Where’s your maid? I haven’t seen her.”
“Dead,” Isabelle said flatly.
Eliza’s eyes narrowed. “Dead?”
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“The night I was delivered to the Bradford estate… Hudson tried to force himself on me. Aria stepped in to protect me. He beat her to death.”
Her voice was calm. Too calm. Like it didn’t matter anymore.
Eliza stared at her for a long second, but said nothing.
Just then–footsteps. Loud. Fast. Headed straight into the alley.
Eliza tensed, eyes flicking toward the entr. 97
“There’s another alley here–search it!”
The Bradford guards were getting closer.
Before Eliza could move, Isabelle suddenly spoke.
“Liza… I can’t run anymore. But you c
for
- me. You really did. That’s enough. I won’t drag you down with me.”
And before Eliza could stop her–Isabelle stood up and ran.
“What was that?”
“Wait–stop right there!”
“She’s here! That’s her! After her!”
The moment they recognized her, the guards took off in pursuit.
Eliza stood frozen, her mind blank for a beat… before she snapped out of it and rushed out of hiding.
“Serenity!”
Tina had finally returned, breathless but alive.
Eliza grabbed her arm. “Tina–go after her. Now!”
But Tina’s expression darkened. “No. There are too many of them closing in. I can’t leave you alone here.”
“Then take me with you. We’re going. Now.”
Without hesitation, Tina swung Eliza onto her back and launched herself over the alley walls, dashing across rooftops toward the commotion.
Eliza’s eyes narrowed.
“Tina. Take them out.”
Tina didn’t need to be told twice. With a swift kick, she launched her sword through the air.
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Chapter 256
The blade buried itself in the ground–right between Isabelle and the guards.
“Who the hell are you?!”
“You dare meddle in the Bradford family’s business? You’ve got a death wish!”
Tina dropped to the ground, landing lightly on her feet. Eliza followed close behind, stepping forward calmly.
Then, in a voice that cut like steel, she said, “My name is Serenity. I am the Holy Lady of Walden.”
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The moment the words left her mouth, the street fell silent. The guards gawked–then stared at her face. Recognition hit like thunder. One of them–who had witnessed her last public prayer–fell to his knees with a trembling voice.
“Your Grace… please forgive us…”
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