"Mr. Rosenberg and... Ms. Woods have been incredible supporters of our


    orphanage for the past two years," Jason said, walking over to the bulletin board as he saw her staring. "They send gifts and donations for every holiday. Last year, they even came to celebrate the summer festival with the children."


    He gestured to one of the posters with a smug look. "This is a group photo fromst year''s festival, and this one is from the New Year''s party. Mr. Rosenberg and Ms. Woods are truly benevolent people. Not like some others."


    He drew out thest words, his toneced with venom. "Some people don''t know the meaning of gratitude. We''ve had so many children pass through these doors, and most of theme back to visit every year. But I suppose a person''s true nature is etched in their bones. No matter how nice their surroundings get, it can''t be changed."


    Hannah stood frozen, staring at the poster. In the photo, Lionel and Sandra were standing side-by-side. Though they weren''t holding hands, she was pressed so close to him that half her body was nestled against his, their posture intimate and suggestive.


    Jason stood next to Sandra, surrounded by dozens of children, all smiling for the camera. The date fromst year was printed below.


    An apanying caption detailed their generous donations and expressed heartfelt gratitude.


    Hannah''s gaze shifted from the poster to the man standing beside her. Her breathing grew shallow. She took a deep, shaky breath, fighting to remain calm.


    "Two years ago... you starteding here? To do charity work?"


    Sandra watched her, a triumphant smile ying on her lips as she saw Hannah struggling to hold it together. She gestured for Jason to take the children inside. Lionel saw the simmering rage in Hannah''s eyes and lowered his voice. "There are children watching. Can you at least try not to look so miserable?"


    She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes shing with a fierce, painful light.


    "Why did you lie to me? Is this some kind of game to you, Lionel?"


    "When did I lie? I asked you toe with me before, but you always said you were too busy with work."


    Hannah waved a dismissive hand, a crushing weight settling on her chest. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her temples throbbed.


    After several deep breaths, she finally managed to speak, her voice tight with suppressed fury. "You told me you were taking me to see your grandmother. Was that a lie from the start? Was your n always to bring me here?"


    "We''ll talk about this when we get home," he said, stepping closer to her. "Today is the anniversary celebration. The children have been looking forward to this. You need to know when and where to make a scene."


    A bitter, humorless smile twisted Hannah''s lips. "Do you even know what this ce is?"


    "It''s Sunflower Haven. The sign is right there at the gate. It''s not like you didn''t see it."


    Lionel couldn''t understand it. Ever since they''d arrived, she''d been on edge, tense and hostile, especially after seeing the poster.


    "Sandra has a good heart. She''s been supporting this orphanage for years. Do you know why?"


    Hannah said nothing, feeling as though her heart was being carved out of her chest.


    "She told me it was because of you She said you made her aware of orphanages, of all the children in need So she asked me to here with her.


    Hannah''s eyes were devoid of emotion as she stared at him. "What does that have to do with me?" she said, her voice strained. "If you two want to y phnthropists, why drag me into it? Lionel, I trusted you! got in this car because your said you were taking me to see your grandmother!"


    If it weren''t for the children nearby, she would have screamed at him.


    She gritted her teeth, her voice a low, trembling whisper. "Why did you lie to me? Did Sandra put you up to this? Do you have any idea..."


    Do you have any idea how much I hate this ce? How terrified I am of it?


    Do you know what I had to go through, what I had to sacrifice, just to escape this hell?


    Tears welled in her eyes, but she tilted her head back, forcing them down. Her face was ashen, as if she were about to copse.


    Lionel stared at her, a frown creasing his brow. He couldn''t understand why she seemed to despise the very ce she came from.


    Her anger was a wildfire in her chest, and her eyes, rimmed with red, burned into him.


    She knew Sandra was ruthless, a master of maniption, but she never imagined she could have been plotting something like this for two whole years.


    Looking at the date on the poster, it all made sense now. She remembered a time back then when Sandra had suddenly buried her in so much work that she was practically living at thew firm. It was all a setup to ensure she couldn''te to the orphanage.


    It was all so Sandra coulde with Lionel, painting herself as a saint and


    Hannah as the ungrateful one who had turned her back on her past.


    What a lie. Sandra had never invited her. It had all been part of her twisted game.