Chapter 22
Cecilia gazed at the increasingly striking young woman standing before her, her expression a mix of satisfaction and regret.
She was satisfied because this girl would make a fine daughter–in–law for the Cole family. But there was regret too. Back then, Zachary had eyes for no one but Anna, and they had missed out on such a good match.
Now, with Zachary and Anna no longer together, if Hannah could come back and be part of the family, it wouldn’t be so bad.
After listening to Cecilia, Hannah didn’t say much. She simply placed a credit card in front of Cecilia.
“Here’s double the amount your family once supported me with. If it weren’t for that sense of obligation, I could have paid it all back, with interest, in a couple of years.”
The Cole family was known for their philanthropy, helping more than just her, and the funds were always transferred directly to their accounts.
Over the years, the Cole family never demanded anything in return from those they helped. Maybe she had been too naive, walking willingly into their lives. Now everything had been pieced together but she didn’t have
the intention to deal with it.
Without waiting for Cecilia’s reaction, Hannah picked up the card and walked out.
Cecilia was momentarily taken aback, a surge of irritation rising within her. But remembering the families backing Hannah, she had no choice but to swallow her frustration.
As Hannah stepped out of the Cole residence, she bumped into Zachary, who had just returned.
“Why are you here?”
There was a hint of surprise and delight in his voice.
Hannah let out a derisive laugh. “She wants me to give up my future and career, like I did seven years ago, and waste more of my life by your side.”
Zachary’s face turned pale as he recalled the agreement he had seen two years ago.
During those five years of repaying her debt, Hannah had to abandon everything to stay with him.
Anyone would go mad after a year or two, let alone five, especially considering how he had treated her back then. Her life during those years must have been unbearable.
Pain spread through him as he clenched his fists, murmuring, “I’m sorry.”
Hannah had long since lost patience for his apologies. She didn’t even spare him a glance, brushing past him.
Maybe it was something she said, but Zachary didn’t come looking for her in the following days, allowing Hannah some peace.
That was until the West family’s banquet, where, as Cameron’s sister, Hannah was invited. Throughout the event, Doris stayed close, ensuring nothing happened to her.
“Hannah, what are you doing here!”
A shrill voice sounded from behind. Turning, Hannah saw Yolanda charging toward her.
Being Cecilia’s daughter, Cecilia couldn’t bear to let her suffer, so she had begged Cedric to bring her back.
Seeing Hannah, all Yolanda felt was resentment. It was all Hannah’s fault!
Hannah divorcing was one thing, but her brother sending Yolanda off abroad because of it was infuriating. Twʊ whole years had passed before Cedric brought her back.
Behind, there was the champagne tower, and Hannah instinctively stepped down the stairs to dodge, missing a
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Chapter 22
step.
“Hannah!”
Doris swiftly pulled Hannah to safety, shielding her. Yolanda, unable to stop, crashed straight into the champagne tower.
There was a loud crash, drawing the attention of all the guests, who turned to see Yolanda sprawled among shattered glass, her skin marked with cuts.
“Yoli!”
Upon noticing the commotion, Zachary rushed over, attempting to help her up, but Yolanda yelped in pain at his touch.
Doris, having checked Hannah to ensure she was intact, turned to face the scene.
“The Coles sure know how to raise the daughter. Charging blindly at Hannah like that. Did our Hannah do something to provoke you? If I recall correctly, two years ago, it was Ms. Cole and her friends who pushed our Hannah into the champagne tower.”
