Aspen boldly visited Sarah’s residence early in the morning before work hours. However, she couldn’t search for Sarah at Giantic or Goldtime, as she might run into Alden.
Upon arrival, Aspen was not welcomed at Sarah’s house. Security stopped her, but Aspen insisted that she had important information for Sarah. Eventually, Aspen was allowed to enter the house.
Sarah met Aspen in the dining room, and Aspen was left standing while Sarah continued to enjoy her breakfast. Aspen was genuinely annoyed by Sarah’s indifferent attitude, but she had to be patient if she wanted to collaborate.
“I don’t know who you are, but you mentioned Alden’s name,” Sarah said. “So what do you want from me?”
“You must know Hannah, Alden’s wife.”
Sarah glanced sharply. “Yes.”
“I’m Hannah’s stepsister, who was supposed to marry Alden first.”
Sarah was startled but tried to control her emotions and remained cold. She placed her fork on her plate, carefully wiped her lips with a napkin, and looked at Aspen from head to toe.
“What kind of nonsense is this?” Sarah grumbled.
“Our family owed a huge debt to the Harrison family. I was forced to marry Alden, but I refused. So Hannah took my place.”
Sarah remained silent, listening.
“Hannah and Alden’s marriage is just a business arrangement. Hannah had to cover the debt, and once it’s paid off, she can be free from Alden.”
“Is that so? But Alden told me he couldn’t let go of Hannah.”
“Yes, because of the debt.”
“Oh, dear…”
Aspen’s sneer widened. “There was never any true love between Alden and Hannah, as they say. They married out of obligation because of the debt and have been putting on an act ever since.”
“Why doesn’t Alden just clear the debt?” Sarah murmured.
Aspen laughed softly, shaking her head. This made Sarah even more curious. How significant was Hannah’s family debt that Alden wouldn’t let Hannah go?
“I don’t think Alden minds my family’s debt,” Aspen said.
“What do you mean?”
“I canceled the wedding, and Alden didn’t sue or chase me. You should understand.”
“I really don’t get it.”
“Hannah approached Alden and offered to marry him.”
Sarah’s mind began to whirl. So that’s why Alden was trying to hold on to Hannah. But Sarah couldn’t just jump in and pay off Hannah’s debt to free Alden from his marriage.
“Hannah doesn’t want to let go of Alden either because she’s enjoying the wealth. She doesn’t want to let Alden slip from her hands,” Aspen hissed.
“That wretched woman! How dare she use Alden all this time.”
“That’s what I think, too. That’s why I need your help to get rid of Hannah from Alden.”
Sarah still eyed Aspen suspiciously. “What’s in it for you? Are you personally trying to get close to Alden?”
“Oh, definitely not. I already have a husband and a child. In fact, Hannah is preventing my husband from getting a job. She even fired my husband from Texco for no reason,” Aspen argued.
“Really? Turns out Hannah is truly an evil woman.”
However, their conversation was interrupted when Kenneth entered the dining room and was slightly surprised to see Aspen. Sarah immediately stood up, smiling at her brother.
“My friend will be leaving now. Hurry up and eat your breakfast, Kenneth. We’ll be leaving for the office soon,” Sarah said, subtly dismissing Aspen.
“That’s all I wanted to say,” Aspen replied.
Then Sarah escorted Aspen out of the dining room, leaving Kenneth puzzled. He had never seen Aspen before.
At the threshold of the house, Sarah glanced back at the empty hallway, particularly at the dining room door. She was just afraid Kenneth might try to eavesdrop.
“What now?” Aspen asked.
“We’ll talk later. Give me your phone number so we can talk another time.”
Aspen nodded, then exchanged phone numbers with Sarah.
“When can we talk? Should I call you?” Aspen asked.
Sarah firmly shook her head. “Just wait for me to contact you. Never call me unless I reach out to you first.”
Aspen was slightly startled by Sarah’s reaction but again conceded. At least Sarah was willing to cooperate, even if it was uncertain when.
“Alright, I’ll wait for good news from you. This is for everyone’s sake,” Aspen whispered.
“Okay.”
“Don’t let Hannah have a child with Alden. That will make it even harder for Alden to break free.” Aspen exhaled. “I just feel sorry for Alden. He’s being deceived by Hannah without realizing he’s being used.”
“I’ll contact you as soon as possible. Don’t worry.”
“Alright, see you later.”
Aspen hurried out of Sarah’s residence.
Sarah then returned to the dining room to finish her breakfast with Kenneth. At the dining table, Kenneth remained silent, occasionally glancing at his sister, who seemed very calm.
“Who was that?” Kenneth asked.
“My acquaintance.”
“Don’t do anything rash, Sarah.”
Sarah sighed softly, her eyes glancing briefly at Kenneth, looking agitated.
“Why do you always think I will do something bad?” Sarah asked.
“How many times have you worried me with your actions?”
Sarah didn’t answer. She didn’t know why she acted impulsively and ended up in the hospital, and her memory often blurred about it. But now Sarah’s goal was to save Alden from Hannah. Sarah wouldn’t let go of Hannah if something happened to Alden.
“You should focus on your health and recovery,” Kenneth continued.
“I can’t let Alden get hurt or something happen to him.”
“Hurt? Who’s going to hurt Alden? Sarah, he’s rebuilding his career and his marriage. Stop bothering him,” Kenneth replied. “He’s already helping you during your recovery. Just leave him alone.”
“You don’t know how evil Hannah is towards Alden!”
Kenneth looked at Sarah in confusion, his sister’s talk starting to ramble again.
“Just stop!” Kenneth warned.
Sarah stood up and looked at her brother angrily.
“Alden and Hannah are happy. You should see that reality. Go back to being the Sarah I used to know. Alden is not your source of happiness; you must find your own happiness.”
“I’m leaving now.”
“Sarah…”
Sarah hurried out of the dining room, refusing to hear more from Kenneth. Her brother didn’t understand that Alden would suffer if he stayed with Hannah. Everyone was fooled, so Sarah would expose all of Hannah’s deceit.