Quennel''s gaze softened as he considered her words. "Does Grandma know about this?" he asked after a moment.


    Hannah nodded. "She overheard Lionel and me talking about it the other day. She just said it was our business and that she wouldn''t interfere."


    "If Grandma isn''t opposing it, then I''ll try to talk to Lionel. But we can''t rush this.


    For now, stay at the Temple estate and keep your distance from him. Don''t push him too hard, or he might do something drastic."


    Hannah hesitated. In her anger, she hadpletely overlooked the legal process of filing the divorce papers. For awyer, it was an embarrassing oversight.


    Seeing her conflicted expression, Quennel''s voice grew even gentler.


    "Your mind is made up, and I won''t try to change it. Your happiness is what matters most. But right now, with thepany facing some issues and Grandma''s tacit approval of your decision, he''s not in a good state of mind. If you threaten him by going public, he might just throw his hands up, walk away from his responsibilities, and trap you in this marriage indefinitely. That would only hurt you and open you up to more gossip."


    His words struck a chord. He was right. If their marriage became public knowledge, they wouldn''t be able to finalize a divorce for years. Sandra''s dreams would be dashed, and she would undoubtedly retaliate, spreading all sorts of vicious rumors. She might even bring up the incident from three years ago, when Hannah was drugged. The culprit had never been found, and if Sandra exposed it now, the truth would be lost in the scandal.


    "Alright, let''s leave it at that for now," Quennel said. "I''ll talk to him and find out what it will take for him to agree to the divorce. Just wait for my good news."


    Hannah nodded, about to reply when Cherry came rushing over.


    "Mr. Rosenberg!" she eximed, positioning herself in front of Hannah. "I had no idea you were Hannah''s family. What a coincidence!"


    Quennel''s expression shifted slightly. He gave Cherry a polite but distant smile and, noticing how she had crowded Hannah, gently pulled her to his side.


    Cherry''s eyes widened as she stared at Quennel''s hand on Hannah''s arm. She had heard that he was a charming but cold man, but his behavior toward Hannah was


    anything but. He was genuinel


    warm and protective.


    She shot Hannah a look, gesturing with her eyes for her to say something, to make an introduction.


    Hannah simply looked away and met Quennel''s gaze. "You should get back to your business, Quennel. Don''t let us keep you."


    He nodded and, with onest gentle smile at her, turned to leave. As he walked away, Cherry reached out as if to follow him. Hannah caught her hand.


    "What, are you going to chase after him?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "You have absolutely no ss. Your see a man and you Can''t wait to throw yourself at him.


    "You... what did you just say? How dare you talk to me like that!"


    Cherry''s teeth clenched in fury. "I asked you to introduce me to Quennel, and you just sent him away! What is your problem? You and Lionel are just alike cunning and maniptive! No wonder you two are married. You''re a perfect match!"