Chapter 120 Slave Market

Lord Thorne… there is a shipment due next week. Not silks, mind you. Something… more delicate." He lowered his voice even further, his eyes darting around the room like a cornered rat. "Young women. Fresh faces, all of them. Highest quality for the discerning buyer." Jane's blood ran cold. This was confirmation, a horrifying glimpse into Black Bart's nefarious operation. Lucian, his face a mask of controlled fury, tightened his grip on the coins. "And where might one… acquire these delicate goods?" he pressed, his voice icy. Bartholomew hesitated, a flicker of fear replacing the greed in his eyes. "Black Bart is very… particular about his clientele. Not just anyone gets an audience." "But surely, with the right… introduction…" Lucian trailed off, letting the coins jingle in his hand. Bartholomew chewed his lip, torn between caution and the lure of easy money. Finally, he sighed in defeat. "There's a private auction," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. "Black Bart unveils