Chapter 241

Chapter 241

“With the Malakai Group,” she said, her voice steadying, “I will make sure the next generation of Sta. Cristina won’t have to leave just to escape poverty… like my mother did.” A quiet determination burned in her eyes now.

“And if they choose to leave,” she added, “it will be because they’re ready–because they’re equipped to face the world beyond this town, not because they were forced to run from it.”

Her smile returned, faint but resolute–though the pain beneath it was unmistakable.

“I won’t let them carry the same fate as my mother,” Cassie said.

A gentle, almost sacred silence settled between them as they struggled to steady the storm of emotions rising in their chests. No one spoke. No one dared to break it.

Then–