Chapter 20

"It's useless," Kourtney murmured, lowering her head. "I'm just a woman, meaning I was never meant to inherit anything. Even if you win in court, the village won't back me." These villagers did not care about the law or fairness—they were stuck in old traditions that favored sons over daughters. To them, a man was a family's backbone. Without one, a woman like her was nothing. "When did we ever need their support?" I countered. "I'll take you away from there. After that, everything will be handled by the lawyer. You won't have to see these people ever again. "Once you're back in Dynora, you'll be free to live the life you choose. You'll finally have the future you deserve—not the one that drains the life out of you." Her eyes shimmered with tears as she looked up at me, stunned. "Dr. Ranford… do I really have that choice?" She had heard so many cruel words lately. She had been treated with such disrespect that even when I reached out my hand, she hesitated, like she did not be