Owen finally woke up when the sun went down. Beside him, Elena was still fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. Moving quietly, he slipped out of bed and went to the kitchen. He hid away all the food and water in the house. He didn't want his customers to see his supplies and get any ideas about stealing or worse. In plain sight, he left only a few packs of crackers. Next, he pulled out two daggers, tucking one behind his waistband and sliding the other deep into the couch cushions. Then he scattered scissors, screwdrivers, and other makeshift weapons in hidden spots around the house. He wanted to make sure that, no matter where he stood in the room, he'd be ready to strike first if things went bad. When everything was in place, he sat back on the couch, calm and confident, waiting. It wasn't long before a knock came at the door. Owen leaned against the peephole. When he saw the faces he expected, he opened up with a smile. "Hey, come on in!" Three men stepped inside. The one in front grinned at him. "We brought another friend along. I hope you don't mind." Owen's eyes flicked to the supplies in their hands. Then he laughed. "Of course not. Didn't we agree you'd bring more people? The more, the better!" He nodded toward the bedroom. "She's inside. Go ahead." The three men exchanged a look, then dropped their things and walked in with eager smiles. Almost at once, Elena's startled cry rang out. "What are you doing?! How did you get in here?! Where is Owen? Owen, help me!" Her voice rose with panic, followed by the sounds of a fierce struggle. Owen sat with his legs crossed on the couch as if he couldn't hear a thing. Before long, Elena went quiet. The muffled sounds from the bedroom carried through the walls, but Owen ignored them. He calmly sorted the supplies the men had brought. Every item matched their promise—nothing missing. As he stacked the food and water into the cabinets, a thought filled him with relief. If this keeps up, I'll never have to worry about running out again. An hour later, the room fell silent.The three men came out looking satisfied. "Not bad," one of them said with a grin. "That was something." Owen forced a flattering smile. "I didn't tell her ahead of time so you'd get the thrill of surprise. If you're happy, just remember to send more people my way." The leader patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. Tomorrow we'll bring more friends." Owen cheerfully saw them off, then went back into the bedroom to check on Elena. Elena lay on the bed naked, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her nightgown was in shreds on the floor. Owen pulled a fresh dress from the closet and walked over, trying to help her get dressed. At last, Elena's blank eyes came to life. She lifted her hand and struck him hard across the face."You monster!" she shouted. She had heard the conversation outside. The shameless man who claimed to protect her had traded her away like a bargaining chip for food. Her eyes burned red with fury as she glared at him. The slap left Owen's ears ringing. He shook his head, his face darkening. In his mind, this woman had done nothing but eat his food, sleep under his roof, and live off his efforts. She had never once gone out to find supplies. If not for her usefulness—someone who could meet his needs and act as a backup source of trade—he would've thrown her out long ago. Owen's face turned grim. So she dares to slap the very man who feeds her? I only asked her to share a little of the burden, to help bring food into this house. His voice dropped into a cold, commanding tone. "From now on, every single day, you will entertain our customers." She stared at him, stunned. "Entertain customers? What do you take me for?!" "Times aren't what they used to be," Owen snapped. "Food is worth more than gold now. Do you really think you can stay here forever, eating and drinking without giving anything back?" She glared at him, her face burning with rage. But he didn't back down. His words came sharp and final. "If you won't do it, then leave." Elena spat at him, trembling with fury. She rubbed her sore waist, pulled on her clothes, and yanked a suitcase from under the bed. Tossing her belongings inside, she began to pack with quick, angry movements. Owen leaned back in his chair, arms crossed."Walking out is easy. But think carefully. Once you leave, what chance does a defenseless woman have out there?" Elena froze, her hands pausing in the middle of packing. Owen noticed right away. He leaned back against the headboard, folding his arms behind his head, looking relaxed as he continued speaking. "Believe me, out there you'll face the same treatment as tonight. The difference is—without me, you'll suffer for nothing. No food. No water. No protection. At least here, you can live in comfort." Elena's packing slowed, her movements growing slower and slower.