Chapter 953

Aurora had never been one to give up easily. Even a wretched existence was preferable to death. She firmly believed that no one could remain unlucky forever. As long as she lived, there was always a chance of redemption. If she couldn't become a female general, she would find another path to success. The world was vast, and she was determined to carve out her place in it. Therefore, she couldn't die.

Barrett looked at her incredulously. "What good is your escape plan? Do you know how many people Westhaven brought? Over a hundred, with at least sixty or seventy guards! I can't save you."

"You're not alone," Aurora whispered, her voice barely audible.

Barrett strained to hear her. "The people from Hell Monarch Estate will help. Once I'm in Westhaven's custody, I'll ensure they demand Dominic's release as well. They won't abandon him. You just need to follow their lead. When they rescue him, they'll have to save me too."

A chill ran through Barrett as her words sank in. "What are you saying? How could you get Westhaven to demand General Sullivan? What's your plan?"

Aurora shot him a sidelong glance and scoffed. "That's none of your concern. Just agree to help. Save me, and we're even. After that, my fate is no longer your responsibility."

"No, I can't promise that," Barrett said, drawing a deep breath. "I just can't."

Aurora's voice turned icy. "Barrett Warren, you've never truly forgotten Carissa, have you? You've been unfair to me. Yet, even knowing that, I altered my testimony to protect you. Are you seriously telling me you feel no gratitude?"

"Then tell me your plan. What guarantees do you have—"

Aurora frowned and cut him off sharply. "Whether you help me or not, Dominic is being dragged into this. He's going to Westhaven with me! Stop wasting time and answer me—will you repay the favor I did for you?"

Barrett stared at her, a mixture of doubt and disbelief in his eyes. "You're still scheming? After everything, you won't stop?"

"What nonsense! Am I supposed to wait to die?"

Aurora stretched out her swollen fingers, one by one, before Barrett's face. Her expression twisted with anger.

"I've endured so much—beatings, and falsely confessing to acting on Dominic's orders. I changed my testimony only because you were involved. Barrett Warren, if you don't save me, you're a heartless bastard who's betrayed Carissa and me!"

Barrett looked as though he'd been struck. His face paled, and his lips parted slightly in shock.

Meanwhile, at Hell Monarch Estate, the study bustled with activity. People came and went, bringing updates and reports. Jacob and Kyle were inside, along with Winona. Tonight, there was a new addition—Everett, an imposing figure who had just arrived in the capital. He entered Hell Monarch Estate after dinner, his expression dark and stormy. His presence sent chills down everyone's spines. Everyone quickly stepped aside.

Kyle and Winona, seasoned martial artists, were terrified. In their uncle's eyes, they were unruly children needing discipline. Worse, they had avoided returning to the Pathfinders Guild to escape Everett. Now, their reckoning had arrived.

Everett sat calmly sipping coffee with Jacob. Kyle and Winona were being punished—forced to hold a horse stance while balancing large water jars on their heads. The jars were so massive their heads seemed to disappear, leaving only their struggling legs visible.

Kyle's usual grace was gone, and Winona's confident figure was a clumsy, bent-legged mess. They had endured this for an hour.

Those entering the room saw the scene but wisely controlled their reactions. They dared not laugh aloud, though amusement was evident in their fleeting glances.

Dylan, however, wasn't as restrained. He stifled his laughter until his stomach hurt. Since no one dared enter the study, reports were delivered to him outside, which he relayed to Jacob.

"I have an update on Hartstone Estate," Dylan announced, snapping out of his amusement. He kept his gaze down, avoiding the comical sight of Kyle and Winona as he prepared to deliver his report.