Owen was left speechless by her words.


    "The only reason we''re even able to stand here discussing whether to flee the country is because of me. Without me, we''d both still be homeless. So cut the crap, and start packing. Once we''re gone, they won''t be able to touch us. Got it?"


    As Sandra packed, a wave of misery washed over her. Just a few days ago, her life had been perfect, everything going her way. Now, in the blink of an eye, it had devolved into this-living like a fugitive on the run. This was nothing like the life she had imagined for herself, a life she never should have had to endure. But it was toote for regrets now.


    The two of them packed their things, left the house, and after a brief walk outside, quickly checked into a hotel where they couldy low.


    Even if Quennel came looking for them, he wouldn''t find them right away.


    As Lionel drove, he wracked his brain trying to figure out how to investigate the matter, but he waspletely stumped.


    Suddenly, an idea struck him, though he wasn''t sure if it would work.


    His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he yanked it hard, making a sharp U- turn and heading toward the Rosenberg estate.


    Seeing him return, Quennel couldn''t help but chuckle. "You didn''t even catch them. How do you have the nerve to show your face here? I thought you wouldn''t be back until you had them in custody. I have to say, you''ve got guts. If I were you, I''d be too ashamed toe back."


    Lionel ignored his taunts and walked straight up to him, pulling up a photo on his phone.


    "The incident before my


    wedding that was you pulling the strings wasn''t it? Sandra confessed everything you''d better admit it and exin yourself to Hannah. Do you hear me?"


    Quennel nced down at the photo, his expression utterly calm, without a flicker of panic or fear.


    "And?"


    Bet


    "What do you mean, ''and''? She''s already confessed, it''s pointless for you to keep grasping at straws GO tell Hannah it was all your doing."


    Seeing Quennel''sposure, Lionel''s anger red. His hands, hanging at his


    sides, clenched into tight fists, the veins on their backs bulging.


    "Then by all means, go tell Hannah. Tell her I was the one who had Sandra drug you. See if she believes you."


    "You really think I won''t tell her?" Lionel roared.


    But faced with his fury, Quennel remained infuriatingly calm, his voiceced with even more sarcasm than before.


    "If you actually had any concrete evidence proving it was me, would you be here talking to me? No, you would have gone straight to Hannah."


    Neither man spoke, ring at each other as a dead silence fell over the study. After a full minute, Quennel finally broke it.


    "You''re so ipetent you''ve been reduced to this pathetic struggle. She''s a liar who has tricked you time and time again to save her own skin. And you still haven''t realized it. TO think Hannah ever saw something in you... she must have been a fool."