Linden's mother acted quickly. Within a few days, the people from the mountains arrived. However, they had lowered the bride price; they felt Jacqueline Spann was tainted by misfortune and would only offer eighty yuan.
"Eighty it is, then. She belongs to your family now. Whether she lives or dies is your business; it has nothing to do with us anymore."
Linden's mother was agreeable. She would have gladly handed her over for free.
She had Linden Golding fetch Jacqueline Spann. The moment Jacqueline entered, she saw the woman who had come to look her over before—the fool's mother. Jacqueline tried to bolt, but Linden's mother grabbed her, yanked her back, and slapped her viciously.
"Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt, I'm begging you! Please don't sell me! I won't be a burden; I can support myself! Please don't sell me..."
Jacqueline Spann shrieked, hoping Silas Golding and Linden Golding would have a shred of compassion.
