Sandra had gotten up and walked over to their table, a cating smile on her face as she silently motioned for Lionel to stay quiet.


    "Mr. Lancaster, you shouldn''t say that. It''s not that he''s irresponsible, it''s just..."


    "Does anyone remember asking for your opinion?" Quennel cut her off without a shred of courtesy.


    Sandra froze, the words dying in her throat.


    Yves chuckled. "He''s right. Only a blind man would fail to notice the filth clinging to you. I''m sure he''s still grateful to you for stepping up to be his mouthpiece." He shot her a dismissive look before his gaze returned to Lionel. "What bad luck, running into troublemakers even when we''re just trying to have a nice meal." Diners at the surrounding tables began to notice themotion and stared over. Sandra stood awkwardly, her fingers trembling. She nced at Lionel, but he remained seated, making no move to defend her.


    A bitter resentment swelled within her. Hannah had two powerful men protecting her. What did she have? Nothing. Why did Hannah get to have so much?


    Hannah, who had been silent, finally set down her cutlery. "I am incredibly grateful for Mr. Lancaster and Quennel''s help," she said, her voice clear and steady. "I never expected anyone else to step in. The fact that I wasn''t dragged further into the mud or framed for something worse is a blessing in itself."


    But of course, that was exactly what Sandra had tried to do. If Quennel hadn''t been so quick with his investigation, Lionel would have undoubtedly turned on her again. A wave of exhaustion washed over her at the thought.


    The three of them resumed their conversation, leaving Sandra standing alone in a sea of awkwardness. After a moment, she quietly returned to her seat.


    Half an hourter, they stood up to leave.


    Sandra was about to say something, but Lionel beat her to it, rising to follow them out.


    "Hannah."


    Hannah paused at the sound of his voice and turned around.


    The other two men stopped as well.


    "So," Yves murmured to Quennel, a glint of amusement in his eye, "you think she''ll go with him?"


    Quennel didn''t answer. He watched Hannah, saw the flicker of hesitation in her eyes, and his brow furrowed He knew how much she loved Lioner how she had tolerated his foolishness for years. In the end, she forgave him...


    Quennel''s eyes narrowed, a dark light passing through them. He would not let that happen.


    Lionel took a step toward her, but his words caught in his throat when he saw her gaze shift to something behind him. He turned to see Sandra standing there, having followed them out in silence.


    to%


    Sandra''s mind was a chaotic mess. She forced a smile, though her heart was breaking.


    "Lionel, it''s gettingte. I''ll just grab a cab. You should take Hannah home. Drive safely."


    The evening breeze billowed her dress as she stood there, her eyes filled with a tragic, tearful devotion.


    Hannah took a deep breath. The scene was eerily reminiscent of that night at Ryth, when he had chosen to take Sandra home without a second thought.


    "Hannah."


    "Hannah."


    Two voices spoke her name at the same time.


    Quennel moved to her side. "Mr. Lancaster had to leave. Let me take you home." He looked down at her, his eyes gentle a confident smile on his lips. He had no doubt she would ept.