At first, Samuel had thought that if Quennel really had kidnapped and abused Sandra, it would prove that everything Sandra had told them was true.


    It would prove that Quennel harbored ill intentions toward Hannah.


    That he was the one who had drugged her all those years ago, causing so many misunderstandings. He was one of the main culprits.


    But now, he didn''t care anymore. Dredging up the past was meaningless. Besides, with Sandra captured, Quennel would surely make her suffer on Hannah''s behalf.


    All things considered, it was a pretty good oue.


    And since Hannah clearly didn''t want to discuss it further, he saw no reason to press the issue.


    Being captured by Quennel was far better than letting her run free abroad.


    If she were still out there spreading rumors online and tormenting Hannah, it was much better for her to be locked up and receive the punishment she deserved. Besides, even if Sandra were arrested and tried ording to thew, the punishment would be far too light.


    So, weighing all the options, being captured by Quennel was the best possible scenario.


    If Lionel knew that Hannah and her brother actually believed Quennel had taken Sandra-and were happy about it-he never would have mentioned it.


    He had assumed that hearing the news would devastate Hannah. After all, her beloved Quennel not only had sordid feelings for her but had alsomitted such a heinous act.


    But in all his calctions, he had failed to ount for one thing: Hannah''s desire for revenge against Sandra far outweighed any potential distrust of Quennel.


    He hadpletely misjudged the situation. The harm Sandra had inflicted on Hannah was immense The fact that someone was willing to punish Sandra so severely on her behalf was a cause for celebration, not concern.


    Growing more frustrated and angry by the second, Lionel realized his n to take Quennel down had backfired spectacrly.


    It looked like he would have to find another way.


    But for now, he couldn''t think of anything.


    He had bet everything on the belief that telling Hannah about the kidnapping would force her to confront Quennel.


    He knew how much Quennel adored Hannah; faced with her questioning, he would surely confess. Then, ē Quennel''s reputation would crumble without Lionel having to lift a finger, and Hannah would never trust him again. But this oue was something he had never imagined.


    Or perhaps... perhaps they simply didn''t believe him. If they didn''t trust his investigation, then all he had to do was find Sandra, bring her back, and have her recount Quennel''s abuse to tannah''s face. Maybe that would change Hannah''s mind about him.


    But even then, he wasn''t sure. If he managed to destroy their rtionship, would it


    do anything to repair his own with Hannah? If they fell apart, would she look at him differently?


    If not, then what was he supposed to do?


    He truly didn''t know what else he could do. A simple apology would mean nothing to


    her.