Female Novel
Chapter 1491
Maja hadn't touched the watery oatmeal served to her.
The maid rolled her eyes and whisked the bowl away without a word.
"Just stay put in bed, honey. Nobody's here to wait on you hand and foot."
The door clicked shut, and it was only then that Maja cautiously slid out from under the covers.
Thankfully, her body felt unmedicated and strong.
Peering through the window, she realized she was trapped in a lavish estate, with faux hills and
babbling brooks decorating the grounds.
She tried to open the window, but it was sealed shut.
Next, she came to the door and tried pushing against it. It wouldn't budge, as it was locked from the
outside.
Was she being held captive?
At least the room was spacious, complete with an en suite bathroom.
She returned to the bed. Uncertain of her current predicament, she was left with no choice but to wait.
Meanwhile, in the grand parlor of the Bradshaw estate, a steaming cup of coffee sat before Patric.
The Bradshaw patriarch, Timothy, now in his forties, had taken the reins of the family after the previous
head passed away years ago.
Recognizing the Patric's poise, Timothy watched him with a light chuckle. "So, Mr. Patric, you're
interested in further business with us?" he inquired with a smirk.
Setting down his cup, Patric spoke in a nonchalant tone.
"What kind of business would the Bradshaws be unaware of? Aren't you folks the best at peddling
'bipedal beasts'?"
"Bipedal beasts" was a crass term for humans.
On Forbidden Island, everyone knew what the elite families were up to – a grim yet enduring trade.
And it was a monopoly held tightly by these families, who sold ordinary folks like chattel.
Here, women's status was pitifully low, as their value was nearly reduced to childbearing alone.
For every additional child birthed, a handsome reward was offered. As a result, there was rarely any
one-child family on the island.
Every school on the island existed solely to cultivate the children's innate talents, and those who
showed particular promise would be earmarked for greater things.
The rules weren't as exaggerated as Quentin had described to Maja, but they were close enough.
Only the select few heads of the Inner Island clans were privy to these rules, and even their own kin
remained in the dark.
The clan members had somehow felt their unassailable status, and therefore inflated their arrogance
when dealing with others.
Timothy narrowed his eyes to appraise Patric. Just days ago, an Eric had appeared and was seized by
the powerful families, but ended up escaping their grasp.
With Eric having fled, now here came a Patric, who looked eerily similar with Eric. Were they brothers,
or something else?
But Eric was a brute with a straightforward code, certainly not one to dabble in the trade of humans.
This man before Timothy was nothing like Eric. They couldn't be brothers.
Timothy remained silent, his gaze fixed on his teacup.
After a while, he asked, "How many 'bipedal beasts' does Mr. Patric require?"
"Mr. Bradshaw, I want twenty of the finest quality you have."novelbin
"No problem. But when will we receive the promised medication from you?"
"One month's time."
"Very well, in that month, the Bradshaws will ensure Mr. Patric is well accommodated."
Patric rose and left the parlor.
The butler fell silent, standing respectfully.
This Elder would claim people every three months, and none who left ever returned.
Besides the Elder, there was BLACK, the exclusive dealer of medications. BLACK was known to the
Elder but rarely seen with him.
The families all bought their drugs from BLACK, but the supplies were limited.
Now, with a new player offering medication, the Bradshaws had to take their chances. Content belongs
to Dr?мanоvels.com
After all, Patric had promised to sell exclusively to the Bradshaws, if his drugs met their standards,
which could mean a monopoly for them.
With his lips curled in intrigue, Timothy wondered what Patric would ultimately bring to the table.
He instructed the butler, "Whatever he asks for, accommodate him."
"Yes, sir."
Patric did have a request – he needed a lab. It seemed he intended to conduct his own research.
Within half a day, a pristine lab was set up next to Maja's room.
And to keep an eye on her, Patric had a small observation hole drilled into the adjoining wall.