That afternoon, Hannah had just finished a meeting with her employees, and she looked much better in Susan and Bernard’s eyes. Hannah was more focused, although her expression still showed traces of sadness. However, Susan didn’t dare ask questions, fearing it might add to Hannah’s burden. Unless, of course, Hannah chose to share on her own.
“Are you heading home now or staying until evening?” Susan asked as she entered Hannah’s office. “It’s Friday, Hannah. You should spend the weekend with your husband.”
Hannah chuckled softly. “Okay, I’m almost done.”
Hannah quickly clicked her mouse, sent an email, and shut down her computer.
“What are you doing this weekend, Susan?” Hannah asked.
“Going on a date with my couch.”
They both laughed together.
“Hey, how about you come over for lunch sometime?” Hannah suggested.
“Your house or your husband’s?”
“Ah, both… whichever you prefer. We can do it this weekend if you like.”
“Yeah, let me know. I’ll think about leaving my apartment or just taking a nap.”
“You’re something else,” Hannah said, shaking her head.
As evening approached, Hannah hurried out of her office and headed downstairs with Susan. They discussed the plans for meeting a client tomorrow, and everything seemed fine until they reached the lobby…
Hannah was startled to see Sarah waiting by the reception desk. Even Susan showed the same reaction; they were both surprised.
However, Hannah kept a casual expression and approached Sarah.
“Hello, Hannah. I’m sorry for coming without notice,” Sarah said, smiling.
Susan realized that Sarah was indeed stunning; she had to admit that physically, Sarah was more striking than Hannah. No wonder Sarah felt confident about trying to win Alden back.
“It’s okay.” Hannah returned Sarah’s smile, acting very relaxed. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“I want to talk to you. In private.”
Sarah’s tone indicates that Hannah sensed something was off but didn’t show concern. Hannah glanced briefly at Susan.
“You can head home now, Susan. See you tomorrow,” Hannah said.
Susan seemed hesitant to leave Hannah but nodded. “Alright, ma’am. See you too.”
Sarah hadn’t said a word until Susan had completely exited Texco. Finally, Hannah gestured for Sarah to follow her.
“Let’s talk in the meeting room,” Hannah suggested.
Their heels echoed slightly in the office corridor as Hannah opened the meeting room door and turned on the lights. Sarah sat down, her eyes scanning every corner of the room. Sarah thought there were no security cameras, or perhaps they were well hidden.
Hannah sat across from Sarah.
“What do you want to talk about?” Hannah asked in a very neutral tone.
“I just want to tell you that you should leave Alden before everyone finds out your true intentions towards him.”
Sarah’s eyes were piercing as she spoke to Hannah, armed with information from Aspen. Sarah wasn’t afraid to confront Hannah.
“My true intentions towards Alden?” Hannah tilted her head. “I’ve never had any intentions towards Alden.”
“You married Alden because of a debt. You never loved Alden; you’re just after his wealth.”
Hannah was shocked. How did Sarah know about that?
But Hannah didn’t need to guess any further. It had to be Aspen.
Jeffrey and Francesca wouldn’t be able to meet Sarah, while Aspen could do nothing. Besides, there was no way Edward, the butler, would tell Sarah either.
“I don’t know where you heard that, but if you want the truth… I’ll tell you everything,” Hannah said flatly.
Sarah crossed her arms, waiting to hear Hannah’s defense. After that, Sarah plans to press Hannah to see if it proves that Alden’s wife is wicked.
“I was supposed to marry my ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey, who is now married to my half-sister. It should have been Aspen, my sister, marrying Alden because our family owed the Harrison family.”
“Okay.”
“But the situation turned around, and I had to marry Alden because of this issue,” Hannah continued, “There was never any love between us initially.”
“Your boyfriend married your half-sister?”
“My ex,” Hannah corrected.
“But…” Sarah was slightly puzzled.
“After the wedding, Alden and I came to understand each other. Eventually, we fell in love. I never wanted Alden’s wealth because that’s not why I married him,” Hannah added.
“You’re lying!”
“Have you ever asked Alden why he won’t let me go?” Hannah looked directly into Sarah’s eyes, unflinching. “Even though I’ve wanted to leave him many times.”
Sarah scoffed and laughed bitterly. “A woman like you would do anything to trap a man like Alden.”
“Yes, just like you. You’re doing everything you can to get him back, right?”
“That’s different!” Sarah stood up, her emotions flaring. “He is mine. You took him from me!”
“Then ask him to leave me. I will walk away from his life.” Hannah also stood up. “If he refuses, then you should realize who he truly wants. And clearly, it’s not you.”
Sarah clenched her trembling fists.
“You should consider your health, Sarah. Because that’s what Alden cares about for your sake, and so do I.”
Sarah didn’t respond, storming out of the meeting room with a heart full of hurt and anger. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Alden had always loved Sarah, no matter what, even if he couldn’t express it because of Hannah.
But why did Hannah claim that she and Alden loved each other? It made Sarah feel betrayed by Alden.
Meanwhile, in the meeting room, Hannah remained standing. Her body felt cold and trembling. It was her first time speaking so firmly to Alden’s ex. Hannah didn’t like conflict but was forced to defend herself, especially after being accused of wanting to take over Alden’s wealth.
Hannah was a bit worried about the consequences of her words on Sarah’s mental health. She feared becoming the villain, especially since she had agreed to help ensure Sarah’s well-being until she fully recovered. Hannah’s head started to throb.
As Hannah tried to leave the meeting room, she suddenly felt the room spinning and fell to her knees. She held her head, sweating profusely.
“What’s happening to me?” Hannah murmured, anxious.