Lionel hadn''t expected the words that had just tumbled out of his mouth to shock even himself.


    He certainly hadn''t meant to hurt his mother so deeply.


    He''d only said it because he and Hannah were in this state, yet his mother showed no concern at all. All she could talk about was how the stock market had dropped because of him, as if it were entirely his fault.


    But he had worked diligently for the Rosenberg family for years, bringing them considerable wealth.


    Surely that should have been enough to earn him some grace, not for her to harp on his mistakes endlessly.


    But now, having been thrown out, he felt a pang of regret, realizing his words had been far too harsh.


    Still, what was done was done. Even if he went back inside to apologize and exin, his mother probably wouldn''t listen.


    Just as Lionel turned to leave, his grandmother walked out.


    "When you have a moment, you need to go back and properly apologize to your mother," she said, standing before him.


    "You didn''t grow up with her, so it''s natural you''re not close. But today, you let your emotions rule — and we ended up hurting each other as a family."


    In truth, Lionel''s words had startled his grandmother too. For a fleeting moment, a chill had gone through her heart.


    When he''d said that, it was as if he didn''t see the Rosenbergs as his own family, but as if he were merely an employee.


    Lionel stood frozen, his hands clenched into tight fists, the veins standing out on their backs. He took a deep breath and nodded forcefully.


    "I''m sorry, Grandma. I wasn''t thinking straight and said the wrong thing. I promise I''ll go and apologize to Momter."


    "I''m relieved to hear you say that. As for Sandra, it seems Hannah really doesn''t want to hear about it. Perhaps you should just let it go."


    His grandmother had heard bits and pieces about what had happened to Sandra recently and had a growing suspicion that something was very wrong.


    "It''s just as Quennel said. Even if Hannah believed Quennel did it, she wouldn''t care. After all, she despises Sandra."


    "She might even think he did a good thing, getting revenge for her. Don''t forget how Sandra used to abuse her."


    His grandmother looked at him and continued earnestly, "Think about it. If someone was constantly abusing and bullying you, and then someone else came along, captured that person and gave them a taste their own kaedicine would you really think that person did something wrong, even if they had other motives concerning you?"


    His grandmother had seen Quennel''s affection for Hannah long ago.


    But over the years, Quennel had kept it in check, never crossing any lines, so she


    had simply chosen to look the other way.


    Lionel had known all of this, of course, but hearing his grandmothery it out so inly was like a ssh of cold water. A sudden realization struck him, and everything clicked into ce.


    She was right. Even if Quennel had done it, and even if Quennel had


    feelings for Hannah, what he did to


    What he


    Sandra was from Hannah''s


    perspective, a very good thing.


    "From the look on your face, I think you understand now. Go home and think it all


    through carefully."


    "Yes, Grandma."


    With a deep sigh, Lionel turned and left, driving home in a daze.