Hannah finished her breakfast quickly that morning. Her relationship with Alden was back to zero; there was no conversation, not even a look from Alden in Hannah’s direction.
But somehow Hannah felt numb. There was no feeling anymore.
“I’ll excuse myself, sir. I’m going to the office now,” Hannah said as she stood up.
Alden was taken aback. He turned to Hannah. “Sir?”
Hannah nodded. “Is there a problem?”
“Why are you calling me ‘sir’ again?”
A long breath escaped Hannah’s lips. “You said yourself that our relationship is nothing more than business. I want to maintain professionalism in this relationship as well, but I’ll make sure… people out there know we’re still harmonious.”
“Hannah…”
“Good morning, sir.”
Hannah left the dining room quickly, leaving Alden stunned for a moment.
Suddenly, a pang of regret hit Alden as he realized how cold Hannah’s demeanor had become. He could have told Hannah to stay sweet.
But why? He felt that he had been toying with Hannah and treating her unfairly. Alden wanted Hannah to stay away and not get involved. And when Hannah’s attitude returned to its original state, Alden had to accept it, right?
As soon as she stepped out the front door, the driver opened the car door for Hannah. With mixed feelings, Hannah threw herself onto the seat, feeling her heart still throbbing with pain.
But Hannah was determined to build Texco only until the deal with Alden was done.
“Jacob,” Hannah called to the driver.
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Starting this afternoon, come to the office at four and teach me how to drive a car.”
The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Is there something wrong with my driving, ma’am?” Jacob asked, beginning to panic.
Hannah smiled. “No, Jacob. But I want to learn to drive on my own and not bother you. At least you can concentrate on getting Mr. Harrison where he wants to go.”
“Okay, ma’am.”
Yes, since last night, Hannah had already written down a list of to-do’s that she needed to accomplish by next year, and she was determined to do them. Including driving a car.
Whatever it was that would be useful in the future, Hannah would do it.
It wasn’t a form of revenge against Alden or a proof. But Hannah simply wanted to be a much greater person after she had freed herself from Alden.
Hannah would stand on her own, without anyone’s help.
Or beg from anyone.
…
When she entered the office, Hannah went straight to her room. Susan, Bernard and a man were already there. Hannah guessed he was her new secretary.
“Good morning, you’re right on time,” Bernard greeted her warmly.
“Good morning, sir.” Hannah nodded at Bernard, then smiled at Susan and the man.
“This is Oscar, who will be your secretary…”
Hannah immediately cut Bernard off. “Ah, sorry to interrupt. But I would like Susan to be my secretary, Mr. Gulfman. If you don’t mind.”
“Oh…” Bernard was a little surprised to hear Hannah’s sudden request. “Well, I don’t mind, actually. Have you talked it over with Susan?”
Hannah looked at Susan. “What do you think, Susan?”
Susan seemed to try to act casual, as if surprised. Even though she already knew about this plan. “Yes, it’s fine with me, ma’am,” Susan replied.
Hannah immediately sat down in her chair and glanced at Oscar. The young man seemed a little disappointed, perhaps thinking that Hannah didn’t like his appearance or his performance at work. But that wasn’t the reason Hannah wanted Susan to be her personal secretary.
“This is off the record, but I don’t want my husband to know I have a male secretary,” Hannah lied a little. “He’s a little jealous,” she chuckled.
“Oh, dear. I’m sorry, I didn’t think of that,” Bernard murmured.
Oscar’s face grew paler. He seemed to be afraid of being fired before he even started work.
Hannah added, “Well, I’m sure Oscar will work well with you, Mr. Gulfman.”
“Of course.” Bernard nodded quickly.
“We have two meetings today, the first one is sudden and will be in an hour. We have to go to one of the meeting places, Han- I mean, Mrs. Harrison,” Susan said, quickly changing the subject.
“Where is the meeting?” Hannah asked.
“One of the cafes, to meet with the people from the TV station.”
*
When Hannah arrived at the cafe, the TV staff were busy preparing equipment and cameras for the interview. They greeted Hannah warmly and seemed friendly. Hannah was asked to sit and wait while they finished setting up for the interview.
“It’s an honor to meet the owner of Texco,” the enthusiastic reporter said.
“I’m the one who’s grateful, and it’s an honor for me too,” Hannah replied.
“Just a moment, I’ll get a waiter. You must want a drink and some cake or something, wait.”
The reporter walked away, leaving Hannah and Susan sitting together. Susan studied the menu carefully.
“This cake looks delicious,” Susan whispered.
“Just order it. Won’t they be paying for it later anyway?”
Susan chuckled softly. “Oh, Hannah. You’re really something. Don’t give the impression that the owner of Texco and her secretary are taking advantage by ordering food and drinks during an interview.”
“One or two things won’t hurt anyone, Susan.”
Her attention was diverted by hurried footsteps approaching and a friendly greeting. When Hannah turned, she was surprised to see Jeffrey. Jeffrey was also surprised.
“Hannah?” Jeffrey’s face immediately flushed. Then he turned his attention to Susan. “Oh, Miss. Summer.”
“You work here?” Hannah asked.
Jeffrey cleared his throat quietly. “Well, yes. Thanks to you.”
Those words hit Hannah hard. A feeling of regret washed over her; if only she hadn’t acted so arbitrarily back then, Jeffrey would surely still be working at Texco.
What was Aspen going to do with her life, especially now that she was pregnant? Meanwhile, Jeffrey was working as a waiter.
But in the blink of an eye, Hannah remembered the revenge she was about to unleash.
Shouldn’t Hannah enjoy the moments of destruction of the person who had hurt her all along?
Hannah nodded gracefully. “You’re welcome, Jeffrey. You deserve to work as a waiter,” she said with a broad smile.