Chapter 328

Malcolm had regained consciousness at some point -no one noticed exactly when. Before Hannah could even react, his arm snapped around her throat,tight as a steel cable.

The keys slipped from Hannah's fingers and hit the floor with a metallic clatter. A strangled sound forced its way from her lips as she fought to breathe, panic rising.

Malcolm's voice was filled with venom. "You bitch!Got brave now, did you? How dare you hit me? Tried to make a run for it?"

He panted, dragging her back by the neck, and snarled at the other women, "All of you, get your asses back in the cages! Now! Or I swear I'll strangle her right here-then fuck her in front of every last one of you! Let's see if you still think you can run!"

Shrieks filled the air. Fear tore through the underground cell like a raging storm.

Nina spotted Hannah's twisted face and acted fast.

With a desperate cry, she dove for the iron rod,gripped it tight, and swung with all her might at Malcolm."Let her go!"

Then, a sickening thud echoed as metal struck flesh.

Malcolm let out a furious roar, spinning toward Nina,his eyes wild. "You little whore-get over here!"

But Hannah took advantage of the instant his grip loosened. She gathered her remaining strength,jerked her knee upward, and slammed it hard into his groin.

"Argh!" Malcolm howled in pain and finally let go.

Elsa was the first to charge forward. "Now's our chance! Get him! Don't let him up!"

The rest of the women surged forward, screaming,kicking, and clawing-using whatever they had.

Malcolm's cries faded beneath the fury of their attack.

At last, Malcolm dropped to the floor, knocked out cold.

Delia, still behind bars, exhaled a shaky breath she'd been holding for too long.

Elsa stood above Malcolm's still form, eyes wide with surprise. "Wow, that actually felt good."

"Me too," someone murmured from the crowd.

Quiet, trembling laughter bubbled up-uncertain at first,but growing more real with every breath.

A faint smile appeared on Hannah's lips. "Hold on to this feeling. That's what it means to stand up for yourself."

She knelt, gathered up the keys, and walked straight to Delia's cell. With a click, she turned the last lock.

Delia wasted no time, rushing out to wrap her arms around the others.

Facing the group,Hannah's voice rang out. "Alright- let's get out of here."

She led the way toward the corridor that sloped upward.

Behind her, the women leaned on each other, legs still shaking, hearts racing as they followed her lead.

Light gleamed at the end of the tunnel.

After endless darkness, the harsh glare outside made them squint and shield their eyes.

Suddenly, a familiar figure sprinted toward them.

It was Vincent. He reached out, found Hannah's hand, and took it firmly. No questions, just a steady squeeze. "Let's go," he said.

Together,they walked out from the gloom.

On the factory's open lot, police sirens screamed through the night, and red and blue lights pulsed across the asphalt. Uniformed officers were already clearing the area.

Jason spotted Hannah and Vincent emerging safely from the building. For a moment, relief softened his hard features. Then, he stepped forward and returned their phones to them, his voice earnest."You both have guts. Real guts."

Vincent and Hannah exchanged a look.

Hannah stepped up and quietly let Jason know where Marion's body was hidden in the underground cell. Jason nodded, promising,"We'll take care of it."

Nearby, the women huddled together, gazing at the swirling lights and the steady stream of officers. It finally hit them-they were safe at last.

Some women covered their faces and sobbed, the realization almost too much to bear.

Vincent pulled a seaed pouch from his pocket and pressed it into Hannah's hand. "Here's the proof.I made sure to get it."

Hannah closed her fingers around it. "Thanks."

Off to the side, Delia watched them and whispered in awe, "You two really do make a great pair." Hannah's eyes widened. She rushed to explain,"Actually, we're not-"

Vincent stepped in without missing a beat, histone quiet and sure as he changed the topic. "What's going to happen to these women now?"

The question snapped Hannah's attention back to the group of women. She turned toward them, her voice soft. "Would you like to go home?"

Delia glanced around, eyes lost and unsure. "Home?Funny, isn't it? We're free now, but I don't even know where I belong."

Silence settled over the others. Fear had faded,replaced by a heavy uncertainty none of them could shake.

Hannah asked, "Would you like to work?"

Delia nodded right away. "I'd love to. But who would ever hire someone like me?"

"You don't have to worry about that," Hannah replied,her tone firm. "I'll hire you myself." The women fell quiet in shock.

"I mean it. Come work for me," Hannah said. "I'll take care of housing and jobs."

Elsa squinted, puzzled. "You own a business?"

Hannah answered with an easy calm, "I actually have two."

Vincent turned, watching her closely.

"Wait, seriously?" Elsa's voice rose in disbelief.

The other women now looked at Hannah with a spark of hope.

"Absolutely," Hannah replied, holding each woman's gaze. "From here on out, things are only going to get better." She reached for her phone. "Let me call someone to come get us."

Vincent stopped her, giving a light clap.

The sharp sound echoed, and a row of sleek black SUVs glided into the lot, pulling up in perfect order.Bodyguards in matching suits stepped out, nodding to Vincent as they took their positions.

Hannah blinked at the sight and then turned to Vincent, wide-eyed. "When did youset all this up?"