“Hannah is sick, Mom. But we don’t know what is wrong with her yet,” Jeffrey said.
Aspen scoffed. “Oh, she’s probably just trying to get your sympathy.”
“She showed me the results. And you didn’t see how devastated Hannah was by the condition!” Jeffrey’s voice rose again.
Francesca looked shocked. She hadn’t expected something so terrible to happen to Hannah, and her guilt grew even stronger.
“Where is Hannah? I want to see her,” Francesca said, shifting the focus away from Jeffrey and Aspen.
“She’s gone, Mom. Because of Aspen’s actions, Hannah was falsely accused, and Mr. Alden was furious,” Jeffrey explained.
Francesca’s eyes went cold as she stared at Aspen. “Why would you do that, Aspen? Hannah’s done so much for us.”
Aspen remained silent, unwilling to say a word. Her face flushed with anger, and Jeffrey’s patience wore thin.
“Tell me, who gave you these photos?” Jeffrey demanded.
“And what if I refuse?”
“Then we might as well get a divorce, Aspen!”
*
Aspen was having a serious conversation with Sarah, her face pale. Jeffrey was furious and threatened to divorce Aspen if she didn’t tell the truth about who had given her the photos. Reluctantly, Aspen admitted that Sarah had given them to her.
This time, Aspen endured another scolding from Sarah, who feared being backed into a corner by Alden.
“You idiot! Jeffrey would never divorce you because you have a child together,” Sarah scoffed. “Besides, even if he did, you’d still get money for child support.”
“I never wanted to divorce my husband!” Aspen snapped, her frustration growing.
Sarah thought Aspen was too stupid, blinded by love, and unable to think clearly. Now, Sarah had to find a way to stop Jeffrey from telling Alden.
“You should’ve just made a name and said someone else gave you the photos. Why did you mention me?” Sarah hissed. “Now I’m the one who has to clean up this mess.”
“We had an agreement, and you never mentioned that part.”
“Well, at least you’re safe now, right?”
“And what about that money you promised?”
“Money?” Sarah’s eyes widened.
They stared at each other, their looks sharp. Aspen felt wronged by the whole situation since Sarah had told her that her husband was having an affair, which turned out to be a misunderstanding. In Aspen’s eyes, Sarah had been reckless in accusing Jeffrey of cheating.
On the other hand, Sarah felt that Aspen was just using her without adequately carrying out her orders.
Aspen scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’re returning to your word, Sarah.”
“You haven’t done your job well, Aspen.”
“I’ve already apologized to Jeffrey and asked him to keep this from Alden. The situation is under control, and I’ve made it right. Do you really think I’m that stupid? Is that what you think?”
“Well, that’s fine.”
“But if you don’t keep your promise, I will tell Alden everything.”
Sarah’s face instantly turned pale, surprised by Aspen’s threat. But Aspen’s smirk made it clear that she wasn’t bluffing.
“All right, I’ll give you the money. But you and your husband better keep your mouths shut forever!” Sarah said, pointing at Aspen.
Aspen’s smile widened. “Consider it done.”
Aspen didn’t bother telling Sarah about Hannah’s illness or inability to have children because he didn’t think it was necessary. What mattered most to Aspen was the money Sarah had promised.
After Sarah signed a check for the agreed-upon amount, Aspen left her house. Aspen vowed to revisit Sarah only if she needed financial help.
Aspen was sure that Sarah would continue to give her money as long as she kept reminding her of the problem.
Alden would not keep quiet if he found out that Sarah had driven Hannah away from Summerhill.
Sarah would work hard to cover it up.
After Aspen left, Sarah went to her room, still feeling uneasy. But Sarah was confident that Aspen wouldn’t reveal anything to Alden.
“Sarah.”
Sarah was startled when Kenneth called her from his office. Reluctantly, Sarah stopped in the doorway and stared coldly at her brother.
“What is it?” Sarah asked.
“Why are you still involved with Hannah’s family?”
Sarah was silent for a few seconds before she sighed. “It’s nothing important.”
“I overheard your conversation.” Kenneth stood and approached Sarah. “What have you done? Do you realize the consequences of your actions? You ruined Alden and Hannah’s marriage.”
Sarah clenched her fists and looked at Kenneth defiantly. “So what? Are you going to tell Alden?”
Kenneth didn’t answer right away, knowing how stubborn Sarah could be. Considering her condition, which couldn’t handle too much pressure, Kenneth had no choice but to keep his voice calm.
“Sarah, I just want you to think more clearly,” Kenneth pleaded.
“I just want Hannah out of here, and that’s all I need to think about.” Sarah crossed her arms. “Now she’s gone and won’t bother Alden anymore, and you want to disturb my peace?”
“Please, don’t make Alden and Hannah suffer anymore. Didn’t Alden pay enough attention to you? He’s never neglected you, Sarah.”
“It’s not enough!” Sarah shouted in anger.
Sarah quickly left Kenneth, but her older brother followed. Kenneth didn’t want anything bad to happen to Alden and Hannah’s marriage.
Kenneth had once said that Alden should take responsibility for what he did to Sarah, which led to her accident and mental illness.
But over time, Kenneth felt that Alden had paid enough. Alden also suffered and couldn’t walk for a long time. Hannah helped Alden get better.
And it wasn’t fair for Hannah to be hurt, especially by Sarah.
“Sarah, it’s not too late. Alden won’t be angry if you tell him the truth,” Kenneth said.
“Don’t ever expect me to open my mouth, Kenneth. My lips are sealed.” Sarah glared at her older brother. “And you should do the same. If you don’t, you’ll find me dead.”
“Don’t threaten me like that again.”
“Because if Alden rejects me, if he leaves me because of you, I’d rather die, Kenneth!”
Kenneth grabbed Sarah’s arm as she tried to enter her room.
“What is wrong with you?” Kenneth looked at Sarah in horror. “We must go abroad if you keep acting like this.”
“Go ahead. I’m not afraid of anything! I want you and our parents to be sorry when I’m gone. Isn’t that what you all want?”
“It’s not that, Sarah.” Kenneth looked desperate. “Please, don’t hurt anyone else.”
“Shut up, Kenneth.” Sarah pulled away from her brother’s grip. “Don’t get in the way of me getting Alden back. And I mean it!”