Before stepping into the car, Nicole feigned hesitation and asked, “Will you come and see me later?"

The man stroked his chin, his response ambiguous. “You want me to come and see you?"

“Of course. You're the only one I'm not scared of," Nicole replied.

The man, smitten, seemed to forget the injury on his head caused by Nicole. “Okay, little beauty. I'll find a time before you leave..."

Nicole eased slightly and climbed into the car. As the door shut, her expression shifted to one of cold determination.

Inside, there were two other girls, younger and with visible injuries on their faces. They had clearly been harshly punished, as they stared at Nicole with wide, fearful eyes, hesitant to speak.

Nicole spoke calmly. "Don't be afraid. Don't lose hope."

The girls seemed a bit reassured by her presence.

Perhaps Nicole's composure was contagious. One of them, with a round face, whispered timidly, “Can we really get out?"

Nicole nodded firmly. “As long as you don't give up. Fight until the very end."

Just then, the driver approached. Nicole quickly shook her head at the girls, signaling them to remain silent to avoid being overheard.

The driver entered the car, silent, and began to drive. It was clear he was accustomed to this.

As the car wound through the mountainous terrain, Nicole watched the passing scenery intently. The driver's steady driving lulled her into drowsiness, and soon, the two girls beside her had fallen asleep.

But Nicole clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay alert. Every second was crucial, and she was determined to capitalize on any opportunity.

Regrettably, she noticed that the car had been modified. Door locks were installed on the outside to thwart any escape attempts from within.

Abandoning the idea of fleeing through the doors, Nicole continued to watch the trees and birds flit by the window.

After about an hour and a half, the car halted at a secluded courtyard at the mountain's base, cleverly concealed.

The driver honked three times, and someone on the inside opened the gate.

The journey continued along a hidden mountain road, revealing that the courtyard was merely a facade, camouflaged by trees.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at a cluster of wooden buildings, both large and small.