<h4>Chapter 367: A Mother-Daughter Reunion</h4>


    In their eyes, E was barely in her twenties, significantly younger than them, yet here she was, standing at the top, making decisions that overruled theirs. It was hard for them to ept. Eric’s unwavering support only fueled their resentment; no matter what E decided, he backed herpletely, treating these high-level executives as if they were invisible.


    If she didn’t experience failure, how would she ever realize her ownck of skill?


    Meanwhile, E kept herself busy, bncing her studies with creating operational strategies for thepany. She learned that mastering consumer psychology was key to sess in this line of work. Amidst the busy days, she nearly forgot that Hannah had returned, given that Hannah had been unexpectedly quiet.


    Even at LX Fashion shows, where E asionally made appearances, Hannah was nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, Lauren called E once every week or so, with the sad news that Henry’s health had not improved over the past two years.


    One day, apanied by Logan, Hannah visited Brianna in prison.


    It had been three years since she’dst seen her mother. Brianna was a mere shadow of herself, gaunt and aged far beyond her years, with hair that had turned entirely white and deeply lined skin from all the hardships she’d endured.


    "Hannah... Hannah! You finally came back," Brianna sobbed, clutching Hannah’s hand tightly. "Please, stay away from E. That woman is terrifying—don’t provoke her!"


    Hannah gazed softly at Brianna. "Mom... are you alright?"


    Brianna looked at her daughter in shock. "Your voice... what happened to it?"


    Hannah gave a bitter smile. "I was poisoned, Mom. My voice was permanently damaged."


    Brianna held Hannah’s hand tightly, staring at her with a strange intensity. "Hannah, do you remember... your grandfather’s birthday?"


    Hannah nodded quickly. "Yes, September 16th."


    "Go see him... and your uncle too. They’re living in hardship." Tears filled Brianna’s eyes as she reminisced, memories sweet but tainted with the bitterness of how things had turned out.


    Hannah nodded obediently.


    "Don’t hold a grudge against E. Don’t seek revenge, do you understand?" Brianna urged softly.


    Hannah shook her head. "Mom, she did this to you—how could I just let it go?"


    Tears streaming down her face, Brianna reluctantly released her daughter’s hand. "Your time is up. You should go."


    Hannah stood there, looking at Brianna’s retreating figure, and then blurted out, "Mom, I swear I’ll get revenge for you. I’ll get you out of here!"


    Brianna’s steps faltered slightly, but she didn’t turn back and quietly continued on her way.


    Back in her cell, Brianna sat in silence, reying every detail of her encounter with Hannah. "Why... why does my daughter seem different? Why..."


    The Hannah she knew would have broken down, cursing E immediately. Even after three years, some traits—like her sharp, unfiltered nature—were intrinsic, especially around family.


    Typically, a mother and daughter would openly show their emotions when they reunited. But... something was missing in this Hannah.


    It was as if shecked a soul.


    Brianna sat there, frozen in thought. "Hannah... what’s happened to you? What changed you into this?"


    Just then, the prison’s notorious "Big Sister" strode up to Brianna and kicked her. "What are you daydreaming about, you crazy woman? Get over here and start massaging my back!"


    The other inmates burst into mockingughter.


    Brianna meekly stood up and began to massage the woman’s back in silence.


    From her first day in prison, she had been relentlessly bullied by these female inmates, leaving her battered and bruised daily. Now, she had grown ustomed to it, yet she felt like a soulless shell, uncertain of why she even bothered to go on.


    Seven yearster, even if Brianna were released, what would be left for her? Everything would have moved on without her; she wouldn’t even qualify as a supporting character in her own life anymore.


    Revenge? No, she didn’t have the strength for that.


    "What are you daydreaming about, you crazy hag? Why are you pressing so hard?" The aggressive inmate pped Brianna across the head, leaving her dizzy. She slumped to the ground, feigning unconsciousness.


    "Don’t y dead! We know you’re faking!"


    "Get up!"


    "That vicious little mistress deserves to be cut into pieces!"


    The inmates were in for a variety of crimes—some for theft, others for fraud, and a few, like the leader, for killing their husband and his mistress. Brutal and unhinged, shemanded obedience from everyone else.


    Brianna’s silent tears fell. Every day in this ce was the same. She truly didn’t want to live anymore.


    ...


    That afternoon, E was at a restaurant with her uncle and his family, just beginning their meal. As they looked over the appetizers, her cousin Benjamin smiled and asked, "So, Cousin, when are you and Mr. Nelson nning to get married?"


    "After I graduate next year," E replied casually. She wouldn’t feel at ease until the thorn that was Hannah was out of her life for good. Plus, with LX and LXL both expanding, marriage nning wasn’t a priority.


    Her auntughed. "Just make sure you’re legally married. I’d hate to think you haven’t gotten your marriage license yet... a girl shouldn’t have to wait."


    Her uncle gave his wife a pointed look. "E is brilliant. Why are you worrying? You should be more concerned about whether Benjamin will be ready to handle LR someday."


    E smiled quietly. Benjamin was growing more capable with each passing day, so she had no concerns there.


    Suddenly, her phone vibrated, showing an unfamiliar number. She frowned; she recognized it—it was Hannah’s.


    A few days ago, Hannah had called, inviting her to dinner, but she’d used her busy schedule as an excuse to decline.


    Dinner with Hannah? The thought was revolting.


    "What’s up?" E asked, her tone t.


    "Sis, are you free? Let’s have a meal together, shall we?" Hannah’s voice was soft and raspy, almost flirtatious. E could almost picture her big, watery eyes, brimming with a fake, vulnerable charm that men found irresistible.


    "Sorry, I’m eating right now."


    "How about dinner tonight, then? We haven’t seen each other in so many years, and we never got the chance to catch up."


    "I’m already booked for tonight, Hannah. Thanks for the offer." E cut off the call without hesitation.


    Going would be foolish. Who knew what trap Hannah might beying?


    Meanwhile, elsewhere...


    Hannah put on a pout, ncing pitifully at the elegantly dressed woman sitting across from her.


    "Mommy, you heard her... My sister refuses to join us for dinner."


    Hannah set her phone down with a dejected sigh, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I know she still resents me! Mommy, please don’t hold it against her!"