Her words hung in the air, stunning both Hannah and Lionel into silence.


    Even Cindy, standing off to the side, was shocked.


    They had hidden this secret for so long, terrified of how Grandma would react. They never imagined she would not only take it in stride but actually agree with the decision.


    "Grandma?"


    Lionel stared at her, dumbfounded. "I came here today to confess everything and to ask you to help me talk to Hannah. But you... how could you...?"


    "Talk to her?" Grandma scoffed. "About what? There''s nothing to talk about. This had nothing to do with Hannah, yet you agreed to Sandra''s demand without a second thought. You clearly don''t have Hannah in your heart, so stop pretending!"


    She turned to Hannah, squeezing her hand tightly. "This is all my fault. I never should have pushed you to marry him. This boy doesn''t love you. I''m the one who ruined your life."


    "Hannah, since you''ve already made up your mind, I won''t try to change it. But don''t you worry. Even after the divorce, you will always be my granddaughter. You cane and live with me."


    "Grandma!"


    "Cindy, get him out of my sight!" Grandma ordered, shooting Lionel a look of pure fury.


    "Mr. Rosenberg, it''s time to go," Cindy said, stepping forward without hesitation.


    "Grandma, those divorce papers don''t mean anything! I tore them up right after she signed them. We never filed anything at the courthouse. It was all a misunderstanding," Lionel pleaded.


    "I don''t care if you think it means anything or not. The fact is, you made Hannah sign them. That can''t be undone! You are a scoundrel, and I want you out of my house. Now!" Grandma pointed toward the door, her voice shaking with rage.


    Cindy took Lionel by the arm and firmly escorted him out.


    "Cindy, please, let me talk to Grandma again. It was a misunderstanding," Lionel insisted, worried that Grandma''s anger was genuine. He reluctantly allowed himself to be led away.


    Once they were outside, Cindy released him.


    "The madam adores the young mistress. The fact that you made her sign those papers is undeniable Nothing you say right now will change that," Cindy advised. "Of course, she doesn''t really want you to divorce. She will try to talk to the young mistress in her own time.”


    "For now, Mr. Rosenberg, you should go home and reflect on your actions. Show her that you''ve cut ties with the Woods family. Let her see your resolve."


    Lionel paused, considering her words. It was sound advice.


    "Alright, Cindy. Thank you for your help. Please let me know immediately if anything changes with Grandma."


    Cindy nodded and, after seeing him off, went back inside.


    Hannah told Grandma everything that had happened with Lionel and Sandra,


    though she softened some of the harsher details to avoid worrying her too much.


    "So that''s why that Sandra woman has been all over the news, stirring up trouble with that fool of a grandson of mine. She knew you were getting a divorce and couldn''t wait to take your ce! What a conniving little schemer!"


    Grandma sneered. "Hannah, I know you won''t listen to anything I say right now, A divorce is between the two of you, and I won''t make that decision for you. But promise you this that little brat from the Woods family will not get away with this!”


    Hannah nodded. "Grandma, there''s something else I haven''t told you." "What is it?"


    "I found my biological mother."