CHAPTER 182.

Kendrick sat at the head of the table, his demeanor a blend of stern authority and understated compassion. The room was thick with tension, and every movement felt amplified in the confined space. Peace stood with her shoulders hunched, her expression a mask of weariness and resignation.

Florence, the family lawyer, had just arrived and was now seated beside Kendrick. She examined the agreement with meticulous attention, her professional demeanor unwavering. Peace glanced at the document with a mixture of dread and hope, the words on the page an unyielding reflection of her predicament.

"Here," Florence said, her voice gentle yet firm as she pushed the pen towards Peace. "Please sign here. This agreement will outline that you'll work for Mr. Kendrick until the debt is settled."

Peace took the pen with trembling fingers, her gaze flickering between the document and Kendrick. She could feel the weight of the room's scrutiny on her. With a shaky breath, she signed her name, the pen scrat