Nuong's steps faltered as she crossed the threshold.
The mansion swallowed her in silence. It was massive—more a fortress than a home. Marble floors stretched in every direction, polished so finely they reflected the chandeliers above. Tall ceilings loomed overhead like cathedral arches. Every hallway was guarded by thick, carved doors and gold accents.
This wasn't just wealth.
This was power.
She followed Piseth down a long corridor, trying to stay upright. The adrenaline was crashing now, leaving only trembling guilt in its place.
They led her into a sitting room—lavish, but quiet. A guard stood at the door. Another brought a tray of water.
Despite his gentlemanly look, Piseth thrusts her onto the couch.
Nuong holds her wrist in pain, but she dares not utter a word.
She couldn't.
She just kept her eyes on the floor until she heard a familiar voice cry out her name:
"Nuong!"
Her head snapped up.
Maly, the orphanage's director, rushed inside. Her scarf had slipped from her shoulders, and her face was pale with shock and rage.
Before Nuong could react, a sharp slap landed across her cheek.
"You reckless child!" Maly's voice cracked. "Do you know what you've done?"
"I didn't know—"
"You should have known!" Maly's eyes were wet. "What if they had killed you? What if they hurt Vin? What about the other children who look up to you?"
Nuong's chest caved inward. She didn't answer. Her tear rolls down across her chubby cheek. This is the first, Maly, the woman whom she called "Mother", is showing her disappointment before everyone towards her.
Then Maly turned to Piseth and Pisal.
"I beg you," she said quietly, her voice breaking, "forgive her. She is just a child trying to save another."
Piseth's expression didn't change. But Pisal stepped forward and offered Maly a nod of respect.
"You know where the girl is?"
Maly nodded. "Yes. That gang—Ma and his people—they don't stay where they say they do. They tricked you. They always hide in the old drug den on the edge of the city. It's an abandoned building. You'll need backup."
Pisal looked at his brother. "We don't have time."
Piseth turned to Nuong. "Go with us! Lead us there!"
She straightened. Her voice was small, but steady.
"I will."
"Then get ready," Piseth said, already moving toward the door. "We leave in ten."
Maly touched Nuong's hand. Her anger had faded now, replaced with quiet sorrow. "Come back alive."