Francesca appeared elated after receiving the check from Alden, while the man sitting in front of her showed no expression whatsoever. In fact, he seemed disgusted by Francesca.
“Thank you, sir. For the legal matters regarding the house, Hannah will be contacted by the lawyer,” Francesca said in an over-excited tone.
Alden nodded diplomatically. “Yes, she’s aware of that.”
Alden deliberately didn’t involve Hannah in the meeting, as it would surely trigger emotions again. Alden just needed to prepare Hannah to become a resilient woman who couldn’t be shaken by anyone.
“I need a few days to pack my things. Is it okay if I stay there for a while?” Francesca asked.
“No problem at all. Just contact me as soon as you’ve left Mr. Sears’ house,” Alden replied.
Hearing these words, Francesca’s heart was slightly offended. Wasn’t she John’s wife? Why did Alden seem to imply that she and John were someone else? But Francesca didn’t want to prolong the matter.
After all, Francesca had gotten what she wanted. A lot of money!
“In that case, I’ll take my leave,” Francesca said goodbye.
“One more thing, ma’am. I don’t want you or Aspen to bother Hannah under any circumstances. After the purchase of this house is completed, there will be no further relationship between you and Hannah,” Alden assured her.
Francesca’s lips parted slightly. “Yes, I understand. You don’t have to remind me.”
“In any way,” Alden repeated with emphasis.
“Of course, of course.” Francesca nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Alden. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”
Then she hurried out of Alden’s office. Meanwhile, Alden just stared at Francesca’s retreating figure with a cold stare.
One problem solved.
Though it wasn’t certain that Hannah would be able to accept it gracefully. But at least there would be revenge in the future that Hannah would take on Francesca and Aspen. That was what Alden had in mind.
Alden’s hand reached for his phone, and he tapped out a message to Hannah, asking her to meet him at his office. A few minutes later, Hannah arrived and knocked on the door, poking her head inside.
“You called for me, sir?” Hannah asked.
Alden gestured for Hannah to enter. Hannah stepped into the office and sat across from him.
“Are you aware that Francesca came and took her money?” Alden asked.
Hannah shook her head. “No, but I’m sure she wouldn’t miss such a big opportunity.”
“Is it all right if I give her the money? Because what is rightfully yours won’t be diminished one bit.”
“I understand, sir,” Hannah nodded.
“Good. I want you to concentrate on our next task. Are you ready, Hannah?”
“Of course, sir.”
*
John’s death didn’t leave Hannah in despair; it only spurred her on. For a week, Hannah studied everything Alden taught her from morning to night. Hannah didn’t complain at all; in fact, she was very grateful for Alden’s tireless efforts.
“Okay, today we’ll finish what you need to learn,” Alden said as he closed his laptop.
That evening, Alden suddenly decided to end Hannah’s training early. Hannah looked at her watch, which showed five in the afternoon.
“Do you have any plans for tonight, sir?” Hannah asked.
Alden smiled and nodded. “Yes, I’m going to a dinner.”
Hannah nodded quickly. “Oh, okay, sir.”
“In fact, I want you to get ready soon.”
“Me?” Hannah was surprised.
“I’m going out to dinner with you. Do you mind?”
Of course, Hannah shook her head quickly and her smile widened. It was like a treat after days of studying, sometimes with an unbearable headache.
“I’ll get ready right away.” Hannah rose from her chair. “Thank you, sir.”
“Oh, Hannah?”
Hannah turned to Alden. “Yes, sir?”
“Wear a dress that suits you, okay?”
Hannah nodded in agreement, though she wasn’t sure what dress would be appropriate. Soon Hannah excused herself and went into the house after spending hours on the back porch with Alden.
In the hallway, Hannah thought about what kind of dress she would wear. First, Hannah didn’t have a collection of dresses. Second, the dresses she had were only for her wedding and John’s funeral.
Hannah didn’t bring her dresses from home because she was too lazy to go back. Surely Francesca was still lurking in her childhood home.
As soon as Hannah entered the room, she was surprised by the gift on the bed. There were several boxes neatly lined up, light blue boxes with white ribbons. Curious, Hannah sat on the edge of the bed and opened the largest box.
A beautiful baby blue dress caught Hannah’s eyes. It was an extraordinary gift. Hannah looked at the other boxes that contained shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
“Oh my, Mr. Alden,” Hannah murmured in disbelief.
The words “Wear a dress that suits you” could have been Alden’s clue that he had already prepared a surprise for Hannah. Though Alden was quite strict when teaching Hannah, behind it all, Alden was someone who was very caring.
And these gifts implied that Hannah deserved to wear them.
Only then did Hannah understand that Alden wanted her to become a worthy, confident woman who would be able to become someone of authority in the future. Slowly but surely, Alden was training Hannah to be that person.
“I won’t let you down. I’ll do my best,” Hannah whispered again.
…
After dressing and tidying up, Hannah hurried out of the room. It was almost six o’clock, and Hannah thought about waiting for Alden in the living room. But it turned out that Alden was already waiting at the front door.
“I knew it would suit you.” Alden’s thin smile was visible.
“You’re not embarrassed to take me out, are you?”
“No, in fact, I want to show this to everyone.”
“Everyone?”
“Yes, there’s a gala dinner tonight with snooty rich people. You need to steal all their attention, Hannah.”
“Are you serious?”