A born criminal. Mentally disturbed. Insane. He was someone who would end up in jail in the future for murder.Those were all the things that his birth mother had called him over and over again ever since the day he decided to draw.Hannah didn't answer. Instead, she extended her hand toward him before gently saying, "Pass me the brush."Kaden expression was complex. Nevertheless, he obediently passed Hannah a brush.Hannah casually placed the canvas on an easel and asked, "Do you mind if I add to your artwork?""I don't mind. Go ahead," Kaden replied, fixing his attention on his drawing.Hannah studied the artwork before her once more. Then, without hesitation, she dipped the brush into the paint and drew some wildflowers.Hannah had drawn those wildflowers at the feet of the boy in the cage, making it seem like the flowers depended on the boy to live and vice versa.Hannah then mixed some paint and drew more rays of sunlight on the artwork. The golden rays of light that
The lights of the studio suddenly came on. The sudden brightness stunned Hannah for a second, and she chuckled awkwardly at all the eyes on her. "Why is everyone here?"With Nina crying behind her, it seemed as if she had bullied the poor girl to tears. Hannah had no idea how to explain herself."I'm … I'm here to tell you that dinner is ready," Naomi stammered, clearly stunned by the situation."We heard someone crying …" Avery swallowed audibly before continuing, "We were afraid that something had happened, so we came upstairs with Mr. Winchester."Darren had taken the lift upstairs and was the last to arrive at the scene. His gaze was dark, and his expression was unreadable as he steered the wheelchair toward Hannah.Did he really misunderstand the situation and think she bullied his sister?Seeing his darkened expression, Hannah hurriedly tried to explain herself. "I don't know what happened either. I just …""Mr. Winchester," Flynn said resolutely as he stood between them
"Not at all. This way, please," Darren nodded as he replied mildly.Though their interaction seemed friendly, Hannah couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.Hannah was about to say something, but before she could, Naomi and Taylor had enthusiastically grabbed onto her arms and began to chatter excitedly as they led her downstairs. As such, Hannah had no choice but to be escorted downstairs by the both of them.Now that it was only the both of them, Flynn dropped his smile as he asked lowly, "Mr. Winchester, how's your leg?""It's nothing for you to worry about. The treatment is going well," Darren replied with a courteous smile. "Mr. Cameron, are you still studying?""My grades aren't as good as Hannah's. I'm no longer studying."The elevator doors opened. Flynn pushed Darren's wheelchair in. They both watched as the elevator doors shut once more, but none of them made a move to press the button that would bring them downstairs. "I'm also not as lucky as Mr. Winche
Taylor was an extrovert. It didn't take long before she became friends with the younger Winchesters. Even when it was time for them to leave, she still had her arm looped around Nina and Naomi. She was whispering to both of them.Flynn stood further away from the rest of them and stared at the crescent moon in the night sky, deep in thought.Avery looked at Flynn and paused for a while before calling out lightly, "Hannah …"Hannah hummed in acknowledgment and raised her head to look at him. Avery was only 17 years old, but he was already very tall.Amongst the four of them, Flynn was the closest to Hannah in age and was often the person she turned to when she needed help. Together, they kept a close eye on the two younger children.Taylor was energetic and clingy. She was the perfect definition of a younger sister.Avery, on the other hand, was much quieter. Oftentimes, he would be smiling silently on the sidelines, and sometimes he just seemed emotionally unavailable.However
When Nina went downstairs for breakfast in the morning, she saw Darren reading the newspaper. Upon closer inspection, she realized that the fiasco at the Garners' party was on the front page of the newspaper.Darren's observation skills were keen. Feeling a pair of eyes on him, he turned to meet Nina's eyes.Nina paled and clutched at her hands worriedly when she saw Darren staring at her."What's wrong?" Darren asked in amusement. He watched his timid younger sister."Are you afraid that I'm upset?""Are you not angry?" Nina asked cautiously. She took a breath before she tried to explain what happened that night. "Someone had been plotting against Naomi, and Hannah was only trying to protect her …"Nina was afraid that Darren would be angry at Hannah.Hannah was such a good person. She didn't deserve to get scolded.Hearing Nina bring up the events from that night made Naomi pale as well.She had always been afraid of her stern and smart oldest brother. No matter how ar
As he approached them, they could smell the pleasant scent of his cologne.He appeared both refined and disciplined."Riley Harrison." He extended his hand. "I'm delighted to serve you, Ms. Emerson." "Riley Harrison," Hannah thought in surprise.She had heard of this man in her previous life.He had graduated from Oxford and was a financial doctor who had returned from overseas. He had made a prominent name for himself in Melford at a young age.In Hannah's past life, Nigel had considered hiring this man. But he had hesitated, fearing that Riley might overshadow him. During that period of indecision, Riley had declined Nigel's invitation and taken a position at an emerging company instead.At the time of her death, that company had risen to great heights under Riley's leadership, establishing itself as a leader in the business world."Mr. Harrison." Hannah smiled as she shook his hand. "Wouldn't it be a waste for someone as talented as you to be my assistant?"She was i
"Be a good girl." Robert smiled. "Go home and persuade Mom to behave herself during the banquet. Our family can only prosper if I do. That way, you all can continue living a luxurious life. Understood?"He lightly patted her cheek twice.The chilling sensation from his hand made Jane shiver uncontrollably, her lips quivering. Robert felt satisfied when he saw the fear in her eyes and smiled wider. "I'm asking you a question. Do you understand?"His grip tightened as if he could snap her wrist."Robert, it hurts ..." Jane's tears fell, her fear overwhelming her. She softened her tone and nodded repeatedly. "I … I'll listen to you, Robert. I'll persuade Mom to apologize to the Winchesters.""Bring a valuable gift and apologize sincerely," Robert emphasized. Only when she nodded did he release his grip and straighten his suit."There's no need to get upset," he sneered, a hint of disdain in his voice. "You women always fuss over trivial matters like this. A crude, uncultured
"Otherwise ..." Hannah smiled, her tone gentle yet icy. "Since you know I'm Mrs. Winchester, I suppose you wouldn't mind if I rely on the Winchester family and attempt to … abuse my power, right?"In her previous life, Nigel had insisted on marrying her and refused to be with Catherine, no matter what. Even after a few years of marriage, he had continued to claim that he didn't like girls like Catherine and that they were just like siblings. Yet, in the end, those two had ended up together like Cordelia had hoped.The Moores were all sick in the head, just like in the story in this book. Without hesitation, Hannah hung up. On the other end of the line, Cordelia gripped the phone tightly as the disconnection tone rang. Amidst her anger, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.Back when Nigel had frequented the slums, she had despised Hannah, thinking that the woman had deliberately ensnared her son and was using him to climb the social ladder.But now Hannah was mar