Chapter 408

408–Keep Following Me

Madelines

“But did any of you ever ask why women do that?” he continued. “Because you push them to it. Look at her. She has nothing left, and all you are doing is cornering her until she reaches the same breaking point. And even if she does choose it willingly, why do none of you question the society or the men who line up to sleep with her p>

As he spoke, I watched faces lose their color.

“That man stood at a wedding and admitted he was unsure if he was the father,” Lord William went on. “That was an admission of guilt. He slept with her. He paid her. Yet he faced no consequences p>

He was speaking about Yuvonne’s father. I took a deep breath, feeling lighter for the first time in a long while. Someone finally understood what it felt like to be cornered

“That is a wonderful speech, William, but let us not forget that we still have rules to follow. So what do you suggest we should do?” Lord Eldon finally spoke up. The disdain on his face was clear, both for me and for William defending me.

“I know you will never do anything for her unless it is a sickness you need help with p>

The moment he mentioned sickness, pack members began exchanging looks and nodding.

“How are you all going to ask for her help?” he questioned.

One of the elders from the crowd raised his hand like a child asking for permission to speak. When attention turned to him, he lowered it, glanced around the crowd, then looked back at us.

“But they did ask her for help, and she refused,” he stated. She has not even told anyone about the cure p>

When he finished, people nodded in agreement, some pointing at him as if urging others to listen.

“And I wonder why,” Lord William remarked calmly.

“I do not expect any of you to help her,” he continued, his voice firm. “But I will not stand here and let you throw her husband out when this child has shown nothing but understanding toward all of you p>

He took a deep breath and straightened his posture. The crowd went silent. I watched their expressions change as they realized he had reached a decision.

“She has my vote p>

The moment those words left his mouth, I snapped my head toward the council leaders and the crowd.

“William, think about this. You cannot just help someone,” Lady Abigail began, but she fell silent halfway through. She had almost revealed her hatred for me.

“I have heard enough,” Lord William stated. “This is my decision. Just as no one interferes with yours, no one will interfere with mine. You will not change my mind p>

He turned slightly, addressing everyone.

“As of now, her husband will continue to be treated here. She will also be allowed entry whenever she wishes, along with her children, to visit their father. That is all. Now go back to your work. You all enjoy gossip far too much p>

He waved his hand, dismissing them.

I watched the crowd scatter, guilt visible on several faces. Elgin and Graham remained behind, silently staring at

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“I am deeply disappointed in what this world has become,ord William said, speaking directly to me. “As a Council leader, it feels like I wasted years allowing this behavior p>

He looked so burdened that he could not meet my eyes.

“You have no idea what you have done for me,” I whispered wiping my tears with the back of my hand before bowing to him in respect. “Thank you p>

After that, I walked away successfully, feeling triumphant and relieved, at least for now. At least there was someone who was not blind or deaf to what was happening around him.

As I passed Silver and Kaylee, I noticed them look me over from head to toe before turning their faces away in disgust.

But as I began to walk away, I started to hear footsteps behind me. I turned briefly, and when I saw Graham and Elgin there, I sped up. I had no idea why they were following me, but I was already nearing the end of the path, with the border clearly in sight. T

They had waited deliberately before coming out of hiding. The moment I sped up, they did too. Within minutes, one of them stepped in front of me, forcing me to stop, while the other stayed behind.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I snapped, clenching my fists as I looked at both of them. “You cannot harass me like this p>

I quickly scanned my surroundings, making sure no one was watching. If they tried to touch me, I would tear them apart.

“We did not come here with hostile intentions,” Elgin replied quickly. “We came to offer you a job. Now that your husband is in the hospital and no one else is helping you, you might need money.” 1

His words only made me raise my eyebrow.

“And what makes you think I would accept a job from either of you?” I questioned in disbelief. “ If I need help, I will go straight to Lord William. So fuck off p>

The confidence in my voice surprised even me. Knowing someone was on my side reminded me of girls who grow up with fathers. That kind of support gives them a different strength, something I never had.

But the moment Lord William placed his hand on my head, felt like I was standing under his protection.

“And how will you do that?” Graham asked. “Will you walk to his home or fly to his place p>

It was his way of reminding me that I had no means to contact Lord William in an emergency. I did not have a phone. I did not have much money, only a few pennies left.

The realization hit me hard. 1

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