Hannah entered the church, walking next to Alden’s wheelchair. As they arrived, all eyes turned with different expressions. However, people were curious as to how Hannah became the companion of Maxim Harrison’s son.
A front row seat was reserved for Hannah so that Alden could remain in his wheelchair without moving. But as Hannah settled into the pew, Aspen immediately expressed her annoyance.
Suddenly, Aspen stood up and glared contemptuously at Hannah.
“Mom, I want to move. I cannot sit in the same row with that ungrateful woman,” Aspen grumbled as she tugged at Jeffrey’s arm.
It seemed absurd for Aspen to make such a scene. It would be better to at least pretend to be a harmonious family for John’s sake. Instead of being the object of ridicule.
“Can’t you sit down and talk about this at home?” Hannah said quietly.
They were already the center of attention and Hannah didn’t want to make things worse.
It was clear that Francesca was the troublemaker, but she acted as if she knew nothing. She even looked dejected and sad, a real actress indeed.
“Home? You kicked my mother out of what you call home!” Aspen pointed out.
Before Hannah could answer, Alden’s hand gripped her arm. He cleared his throat quietly, then moved his wheelchair slightly forward to face Aspen, Francesca, and Jeffrey.
“This matter will be discussed at home,” Alden repeated Hannah’s earlier statement.
Aspen immediately fell silent, her face flushing red. It was obvious that Aspen had broken her promise to marry Alden. Facing Alden, Aspen undoubtedly felt her heart pound with fear.
“This is Mr. Sears’ funeral ceremony. If you truly consider him a father, do you want to cause a disturbance and embarrass your family?” Alden asked frankly.
No words came out of Aspen’s mouth; instead, she looked around nervously. People began to murmur, seemingly disturbed by the drama Jeffrey’s wife was causing.
Jeffrey pulled Aspen’s arm to sit back down.
Knowing that Aspen had stopped the argument, Alden moved his wheelchair back to face Hannah. Hannah reflexively turned to face Alden, then nodded slightly as a gesture of gratitude. Suddenly, Alden grabbed Hannah’s arm and patted it gently.
“Calm down,” Alden whispered.
Throughout the service, Hannah felt relieved. She felt protected by Alden, who had been cold and indifferent all along. Whether Alden was acting or not, Hannah was grateful.
After the service ended an hour later, everyone went to the cemetery.
The atmosphere at the cemetery was solemn, and Hannah couldn’t hold back her tears as John’s coffin was lowered into the grave.
After all the mourners left, Hannah stayed by John’s grave. She felt very sad and was reluctant to leave, even though the sky was beginning to turn gray. Francesca had not left either; she approached Hannah and Alden.
“I want us to settle the inheritance dispute over the house now,” Francesca said firmly.
“Oh dear.” Hannah was really annoyed to hear that.
“Wait, Mrs. Sears…”
“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Harrison. But I’m old and I have nowhere else to go,” Francesca interrupted. “Aspen and Jeffrey live in an apartment where I can’t possibly live with them.”
“Legally, the house is mine. Because the house was bought by my parents.” Hannah didn’t want to lose. “You have no right to this house!”
“I took care of your father!” Francesca pointed at Hannah.
“If you ask nicely, I won’t throw you out! But you’re telling lies to people, even Aspen! My God, Mom! How could you be so cruel to me?” Aspen burst out.
Alden’s palm suddenly rose and he cleared his throat loudly enough to stop the argument. Francesca looked breathless with anger while Hannah tried to hold back her tears.
“You can stay in the house, Mrs. Sears, as long as you like. But if you want to sell the house, only I can buy it,” Alden said. “I’ll put up the money and leave peacefully.”
“What?” Hannah was shocked.
“I’m going to sell it,” Francesca said.
“Fine, come by the house tomorrow and we’ll discuss payment,” Alden said casually. “But after that, there will be no more ties between Hannah and your family.”
“Very well. I don’t want to be part of such a greedy woman’s family,” Francesca replied.
Francesca immediately left Hannah and Alden and hurried to Aspen, who was waiting outside the cemetery gate.
Hannah was immediately furious; how could Alden make such a decision? The house was clearly Hannah’s inheritance, not Francesca’s!
“You have no right to buy and sell, it’s illegal! The house is not Francesca’s!” Hannah shouted, unaware of her growing anger.
“The house is yours, take it. I just don’t want your stepmother talking about inheriting such a measly house,” Alden replied.
“Without asking my permission?”
“Why? You have no right to say anything. The money I spend is mine.”
Hannah clenched her fists. For some reason, Alden’s words were insulting.
“Fine, I’ll sell this miserable house and pay off all my debts to you!” Hannah said.
Alden just stared at Hannah, their eyes locked.
“Then I won’t be your slave anymore. Because I’ll have paid off everything, even though I have nothing left,” Hannah continued angrily.
“That’s not in our agreement.”
“It isn’t! But just because it isn’t, doesn’t mean I can’t do it, right?” Hannah challenged. “As long as I can pay it all off, our agreement is over and no one is prejudiced. Right?”
Hannah stepped back, distancing herself from Alden. But as soon as she took a few steps, Alden called out firmly.
“Hannah Harrison, stop!” Alden snapped.
Hannah froze. It felt strange when Alden called her by her last name, not ‘Sears’ but ‘Harrison’.
The sound of Alden’s wheelchair approached, then he turned to face Hannah.
“You can try to sell this house wherever you want. But I’ll make sure no one buys it, and you’ll stay by my side, forever.”