The Devils Claim

Chapter 7 Shackled Pride

Leon's body stiffened, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Katherine. "You think starving yourself will scare me? Heh, then wait for death!"

"Rather than being tortured, it's better to die and be reborn. At least I will still have my pride. I don't need to beg or let you trample all over me!" Katherine's throat was so tight that even speaking was difficult, but she forced herself to articulate each word with unwavering determination.

She was as stubborn as a winter plum, blooming defiantly against the bitter cold.

"Really?" Leon leaned in with interest, gripping her chin and tilting her face toward him. His next words were slow, deliberate, sharp as a dagger plunging into her heart.

Katherine sneered and turned her head away in disdain. For a moment, the room fell silent.

Without another word, Leon rose and walked away, his cold silhouette disappearing into the dim light.

As soon as Katherine sensed his departure, she tried to move, but pain surged through her body, making it difficult even to sit up. The memory of his repulsive actions made her stomach churn with disgust.

But she had no choice. Even water was out of reach. Crouching into herself, she tried to shut out everything.

Yet, things weren't as simple as she imagined. Leon's cruelty wasn’t that easy to escape. He wouldn't let her die so easily. He wouldn't be satisfied until he had completely broken her.

The next morning, while Katherine was still asleep, something heavy hit her face.

Startled awake, she sat up and saw a tray on the floor and a set of clothes — a maid's uniform — lying in her lap.

A woman, arms folded across her chest, stood before her, picking her teeth with utter nonchalance.

"Eat!" the woman ordered gruffly. "Once you're done, get to work. Do you think fortune falls from the sky?"

Katherine picked up the uniform and glanced at the tray of food, her expression indifferent. Instead of reacting in anger or frustration, she calmly asked, "And what if I don't?"

Her voice was even, without arrogance or entitlement, but there was a distinct challenge in her tone.

The woman smirked, a malicious glint flashing in her eyes. "Ha? You won't? You think it's that simple?" She clapped her hands.

The door swung open, and a tall, burly bodyguard in black strode in, rolling up his sleeves as he approached.

Katherine immediately clutched the surrounding blanket, her voice low and dangerous. “Get away. Don't come any closer.”

The woman stepped forward, her smirk deepening. "Will you walk out on your own, or shall these fine gentlemen escort you?" She lifted the corner of Katherine's quilt deliberately.

Fury boiled inside Katherine. She wanted nothing more than to strangle the hag where she stood. But she knew better. Fighting back would only make things worse.

Taking a deep breath, she finally nodded curtly. "Fine. Isn't it just work? I'll eat, then I'll leave. Tell them to back off — I'll follow."

The woman flicked her toothpick aside and gestured to the bodyguards. "You heard her. Get out."

The men obeyed, exiting without a word, but the woman remained, stepping even closer.

"Get dressed and eat," she ordered, her tone laced with condescension.

Katherine glared at her but said nothing. You old witch, just wait. The moment a chance arose, she would make her pay.

Despite the oppressive atmosphere, Katherine maintained her composure. Lifting her bowl, she ate with slow, deliberate grace.

The woman's expression darkened with jealousy. "Tch. Look at you, still acting all high and mighty. A fallen heiress still putting on airs while stuffing her face like a starving dog."

Katherine ignored her, finishing her meal in silence.

After bathing, she changed into the gray maid's uniform. It was dull, unflattering — but somehow, on her, it exuded a quiet elegance.

The woman scoffed, nearly rolling her eyes. "You little vixen, are you dressing up like that to seduce someone?"

Katherine lifted her gaze, her lips curling into a faint, icy smile.

"Do I need to?"