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
"But ..." She hesitated. "Kaden will be taking the college entrance exam next year. If I take it, won't I be in the same class as him?""You'll be my junior!" Andrew's eyes lit up, and he shouted enthusiastically, "That's great! If you attend our school, I'll have your back!"His reputation as the third child of the Winchester family carried a lot of weight at the school."You only got into that school because we donated two buildings to the school board. Who are you to advise your sister-in-law?" Darren glanced at him, his tone devoid of any emotion.His words left Andrew shrinking back, unable to retort to that."At your age, it's not too late." Kaden also encouraged Hannah. "I can help you outline the key points for your exams."Being a top student, he had confidence in tutoring his sister-in-law.Nina, who hadn't attended regular school and had been homeschooled, said weakly, "I-If Hannah feels stressed with her studies, I can play the piano to help her relax!""And I
Robert's voice remained at a normal volume, so everyone around him could hear him. Their looks toward him carried a hint of appreciation. People who dared to admit their mistakes and defend their family would always earn a certain level of admiration."I understand that Jane made a mistake. My mother couldn't help but defend her, and I suppose that left you with a bad impression of us."He had beautiful eyes. They were not of a specific shape. His eyelashes were long and thick, with slightly lighter brown irises. His eyes exuded an indescribable tenderness and affection, which could be easily seen as sincerity. "I sincerely apologize. I wonder where Darren and Naomi are. I would like to apologize to them as well.""Well …" Hannah stared at him for a while before smiling. "We're family. There's no need for such formality.""We should be apologizing." Hailee's eyes were filled with frustration, but she had learned from her mistakes and maintained her smile. "Something mus
The affectionate, tender, and caring facade Jane had put on in the past had all been a lie. She was clearly an ungrateful snake, waiting to strike at any moment.Despite her reluctance, Noami knew that she couldn't embarrass the Winchesters and her sister-in-law. "Naomi."She felt Hannah gently holding her tightly clenched fist.There was silent encouragement in Hannah's eyes. "Do you want to accept her apology? Just be honest. There's no need to be afraid."Noami felt a lump in her throat, and tears welled in her eyes. She shook her head. "No, I don't want to."No one knew just how scared and helpless she had felt when everyone had accused and doubted her. Why should she forgive the mastermind behind that scheme? She admitted that she was petty and preferred never to see Jane again.Hailee, Robert, and Jane had extremely unpleasant expressions on their faces now. Even Robert's smile had disappeared."Well ..." Hailee forced a smile, showing her disapproval of the younge