Annie's eyes widened a little. She stared at Ivy in disbelief.
"Cut ties… and bribe her?" Annie whispered, almost afraid to say it out loud.
"Yes," Ivy nodded. Her voice was calm, almost teacher-like.
"If you show her that staying with you gives her nothing but trouble, and leaving gives her food, security, and money, she will go on her own. People like her, Annie, only care about benefits."
Annie's lips trembled. She bit them hard. "But… what if she refuses? What if she still clings to me?"
Ivy leaned forward.
"Then we increase the price. We will not increase the price in terms of food or money, but rather in terms of risk. You make her see that being with you will bring disaster to her. Give her enough to leave, and give her reason to fear staying."
Annie's fingers curled tightly. Her heart pounded.
'It sounds cruel… But maybe it is the only way. If I can buy her off, then I don't need to kill her. I don't need to dirty my hands. Maybe this way… I can breathe.'
