The Jenkins had been merciful enough to give Maria another chance so she could contribute to the family, and that they could actually kill Maria at any time if they wanted to.

The skinny old Lady nodded. "Well, that child is blessed. Let her live well.”

“You've shown great mercy, your ladyship!" Doris praised her quickly.

“Tomorrow, I will bring them to see you. Then, I'll arrange for the youngest generation to take a test to see how talented they are when it comes to ancient martial arts. I hope they won't disappoint us.”

Hearing this, the old lady's eyes lit up.

“Even just one talent will already be good enough. I want the talent of the grade nine.”

At seven o'clock in the morning, Maria woke up.

She had asked Isla to stay last might. However, because of her rapid onset of narcolepsy, while Isla was busy taking a bath to get rid of the old person smell, Maria couldn't help but fall asleep.

During that night, nothing happened.

When Maria woke up, she found that Isla didn't sleep a wink the entire night. She was still sitting on the edge of the bed, tightly clutching the manuscript in her hands as she read intently.

Because the curtains weren't drawn, the sunlight couldn't enter the room. Isla positioned herself near a dim bedside lamp so she could continue reading. She read all night that when morning came, her eyes were red and bloodshot.

“Isla, your eyes could use some rest."

Maria spoke out of the blue that it startled Isla, causing her hand to shake and the manuscript to scatter all over the place.

“Miss Maria... I'm sorry..."

Isla knelt in a hurry to pick up the papers. It was such a natural response from her that even Maria was surprised by it.

Do you often kneel down?" Maria couldn't help but ask.

"Yes," Isla replied nonchalantly, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Maria sighed and shook her head. It seemed that Isla had been negatively affected by the harsh Jenkins family rules ever since she was a child.

Although she could read, she wasn't educated in modern culture. Instead, she was taught how to be a proper slave.

Still, Maria couldn't help but feel amazed by Isla. Even though Isla had been brainwashed to be obedient to whatever the masters said, she still had that spark of curiosity within her that hungered for words and knowledge.

Although Isla's eyes were bloodshot, she was still brimming with energy.

Looking at Isla full of life, Maria couldn't help but admire her.

It was really good for Isla to be a young and healthy girl and not have the threat of narcolepsy hanging over her head.

"Miss Maria, I'll prepare breakfast for you," Isla said as she reluctantly put down the manuscript.