Everyone else had been dealt with, leaving only Lucia, who Cynthia Grant had trussed up completely.
Lucia's eyes filled with panic when she saw Flora Bloom and Joel Bloom approaching. She shook her head violently on the couch, watching as Flora's family and a group of strangers surrounded her, staring as if she were a spectacle in a monkey show.
The bloody scenes of the siblings' recent slaughter filled her mind.
"Don't, Joel! Don't kill me. I love you!"
Flora Bloom put away her axe and stood to the side. "Joel Bloom, what happens to her is up to you. Like I said, if you want to keep her, the team can afford one more mouth to feed."
Joel Bloom stared at Lucia for a long time, a flicker of conflict in his eyes. Finally, he made a choice.
"Cynthia, untie her."
The terror on Lucia's face instantly melted away, replaced by delighted surprise.
"Joel, you've forgiven me? This is wonderful! I knew you still loved me!"
