Losing their freedom meant they would essentially have no will of their own unless their master allowed it that would continue for generations until their master would let them become free.
"Your family proposed marriage to my family because they wouldn't get any money from your grandfather's will unless either you or your brother married me." I watched Julian to make sure I was understanding his explanations properly. "They didn't want the heir to marry me, because that would mean my children would inherit the company. But after engaging me to you-" I pointed at him. "-your brother ended up in his wheelchair and they made you the heir. But why not re-engage me to your brother?"
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