He could be so considerate and gentle with her, understanding her every need, yet his attitude toward Hannah was theplete opposite.


    Was it because Hannah had spent all those years selflessly devoted to him, making him so ustomed to it that he thought that was just how their rtionship was supposed to be?


    Changing a dynamic that had been established over a decade was incredibly difficult, she knew.


    But at this point, if he didn''t make a change, it would all be for nothing. Not even the most brilliant strategist could help him then.


    "Lionel, if you still don''t get it, then there''s nothing more I can do. Because it seems to me that even now, you haven''t humbled yourself enough to just talk to Hannah properly. You''re always making unteral decisions based on what you think is good for her, but have you ever stopped to ask if that''s what she actually wants?"


    Sandra couldn''t help but repeat her earlier point.


    If he could just let that one sentence sink in, maybe he could change. But if he couldn''t, then it was all pointless.


    After hearing Sandra''s words, Lionel remained silent. He stood there, his hands clenched so tightly the veins stood out on their backs.


    He seemed to be deep in thought. After a long moment, he finally spoke.


    "Fine, I understand. If what you said actually works, then I''ll do what you asked before. I''ll give you money and connections and help you leave this city. This time, I''ll keep my word."


    But Sandra''s expression didn''t change at his promise.


    She slowly raised her eyes, studying Lionel thoughtfully.


    met


    After a moment of consideration, she said, "We''re not waiting untilter. You should pay me for the advice I''ve already given you. Give me one hundred thousand, right. how. I want a check. Now Immediately. Otherwise, I won''t give you another piece of advice."


    This man had zero credibility with her anymore.


    For all she knew, she could help him, and he would turn around and betray her, refusing to give her the money or the help she needed to get out of the country.


    He never used to lie; he always kept his word. Now, it was like he was a different person, and it was disgusting.


    No wonder Hannah hated him. She was starting to hate him too.


    Sandra felt a surge of relief that she was different from Hannah. Hannah was a lovesick fool, but she had only ever loved one thing: money.


    If she couldn''t profit from him, she would leave, no matter how good he had once been to her.


    Lionel was initially reluctant to pay but he decided it was better to keep her on his side. He didn''t know if this n would work, and if it failed, he would need her help again.


    So, Lionel had one of his men prepare a check.


    As he handed the check to Sandra, it urred to him that they weren''t exactly partners. He still held her parents over her head. He didn''t actually need to pay hervat alt


    But since the check was already written, there was no point in dwelling on it. The most important thing now was to see Hannah.


    He contacted a servant at the Temple family estate, asking them to ry a message to Hannah: he needed to see her that afternoon about something very important.