Brent concocted something simple for Jacqueline. She took a spoonful of it and suddenly swept the bowl off the table. "What the hell is this? Is this even edible?"

Leia slapped her. "You should be grateful that you have something to eat. You're not in the position to be picky."

Jacqueline growled, "Leia Miller, I'm warning you, Olivia's life is in my hands now. If you don't treat me well, I'll kill her!"

That was her only yet useful bargaining chip.

Brent, who didn't know much about curses, reined in his anger. "Ms. Fordham, as you can see, this village is isolated. The villagers have never interacted with the outside world. This is what they eat every day. The rice you looked down on is the corps they cultivated with their blood, sweat, and tears.

"There are no snacks or gourmet food here. Even if you ask for something better, the best cook here won't be able to make it."

Jacqueline had observed how backward the village was and knew that he had a point.

She suppressed her fury