Quennel''s deep eyes met hers as he offered a faint smile.


    Though Kim was their nephew, he wasn''t much younger than them. As an only child, he''d been spoiled rotten his entire life. He''d been in and out of trouble for brawling in middle school and dropped out before graduating. His parents, unable to bear seeing him struggle with school, had sent him abroad to get a sham degree and then quickly found a quiet, obedient girl for him to marry.


    But Kim''s vtile nature,bined with a bad crowd of friends, meant he was out partying all night every other day, sometimes bringing people back to the house. The couple fought constantly. Kim, who had never been told "no" in his life, couldn''t tolerate being lectured by a woman and resorted to violence. One night, they went at each other with knives. If his parents hadn''t heard themotion and rushed downstairs, Kim might have actually killed her.


    His wife was hospitalized with serious injuries, and her family demanded justice. But Kim''s parents called in favors from powerful rtives. In the end, not only did they not have to pay a cent inpensation, they nearly managed to turn the tables and have the wife charged with attempted murder. Terrified, her family dropped all demands, signed the divorce papers, and took their daughter abroad for treatment.


    Hannah had overheard the maids gossiping about the scandal. It had been a huge affair. She couldn''t believe that even after all that, his parents hadn''t reflected on their own failures in raising him. Instead, they''d med the girl for being too small-minded and not knowing how to keep her husband interested. The thought of Sandra marrying into that family sent a chill down her spine.


    "Sandra will never agree to this marriage," she said finally.


    "Whether she agrees is irrelevant. The Woods family has already epted the proposal. When the dayes, if they don''t produce the bride, Kim''s parents won''t let them off easy. Besides," he added, cing the lid back on the teapot, "Kim is very pleased with Sandra."


    He looked up at Hannah. "You''re too soft-hearted, Hannah. That''s why they walk all over you. For now, let Lionel handle the orphanage. If he fails, I will take care of it for you."


    He smiled at her gently, refilling her cup. "This is nothing more than Sandra getting what she deserves," he said, his voice soft and soothing. "Don''t feel sorry for her. Alright?"


    Hannah pressed her lips together, her brow furrowed. The way Kim had treated his ex-wife was terrifying to even think about. But Quenner was right. Sandra had brought this on herself.


    "Besides," Quennel continued, seeing the worry on her face, "even if none of this had happened, Kim already had his eye on Sandra. Her parents made itmon knowledge that they were looking for a husband for her."


    He sighed softly. "Who Sandra marries has nothing to do with you. I was just telling you what''s


    happening. Don''t overthink it." When she didn''t respond, he smiled and raised art eyebrow, his tone yful, like he was coaxing a child "Understand?"


    "I understand," she said, draining her cup in one gulp.


    "It''s gettingte. I''ll give you a ride back to the office."


    "No, please don''t trouble yourself. It''s not far, I can walk," she insisted. "It wouldn''t look good if someone saw us."


    Quennel considered for a moment, then respected her wishes. "Alright. Be careful


    on your way back. And from now on, if you need anything, just tell me. I''ll handle it for you."


    "Okay."


    After thanking him again, Hannah left the cafe.


    Quennel remained seated, continuing to enjoy his coffee. But now, a dark, murderous intent flickered in his eyes.