Chapter 171: Henry's Concession

Giselle gazed at him with an intensity that bordered on desperation. Her eyes, pleading and raw, struck Henry like a dagger to the heart—a pang of agony that shredded through him mercilessly. Freedom was her sanctuary, the absence of shackles, her constant pursuit. Yet, her usual escape plans never reflected the pain and finality now evident in her eyes. This time, her pleas were laced with utter despair. They stood, locked in a silent standoff, until Henry’s voice softened once more. “Come on, let’s go find Grandma first.” “I can’t! Henry, please, just let me go.” “Henry, I don’t want to face a next time, or the time after that.” “But I’ve already sent my mother away; she can’t come back to hurt you again,” Henry explained urgently. “I want to leave you now,” Giselle declared. Her voice steadied, growing calmer with each word, “I don’t want to rely on running away to define myself. I am a person, not your possession. I want freedom—over my body and my soul.” “Damn it!” In a