If he weren''tpletely at his wit''s end, with no idea what else to do, he would never have resorted to asking a gaggle of reporters in the bushes for advice.


    But they were experienced. They must have covered countless bizarre cases and situations. Their expertise could surely help hime up with a n.


    Lionel looked at them and said, "If you can help me figure out a way to win Hannah back, I''ll give you money. I''ll give you anything you want."


    The reporters were stunned again, looking at him with disbelief. It was clear now that Lionel was truly desperate in his quest to win back his wife.


    He had run out of ideas and was turning to them for help. Who would turn down such a golden opportunity?


    That evening.


    Hannah and Samuel returned home to find Cherry slumped on the sofa, looking utterly defeated.


    Samuel strolled over with a grin. “I heard Lionel came by today, and you handled him. Isn''t this exactly what you wanted? Why the long face?"


    He was smiling so widely his eyes were nearly shut. "Don''t forget, you begged us to let you do this. You can''t back out halfway through. A promise is a promise, and you can''t take it back now."


    Cherry took a deep breath, looked up at him, and pointed an using finger.


    "You knew he was a fool, didn''t you? You deliberately baited me into saying I''d do it. You just didn''t want to deal with that idiot, so you pawned him off on me!"


    Seeing Cherry''s exasperated, shouting fit, Hannah couldn''t help but let out a quietugh, but she remained silent.


    Samuel, however, continued to


    ???


    mock her. "It''s not like you haven''t seen the newstely. You knew exactly what kind of person he You were just bored and looking for something to do, and we merely provided you with an opportunity."


    Samuel wasn''t going to let her off the hook, calling her out on her true motives.


    "Besides, we


    didn''t ask you to deal


    with him; you offered first. Did I force you? Anyway, let me tell you since you took on this job, you''d better ee it through If you mess up, I''ll have Grandma and Grandpa kick you out. Got it?"


    The threat made Cherry''s face instantly change.


    "Of course, if you do a good job," Samuel continued, dangling a carrot, "I''ll put in a good word for you with Grandma and Grandpa. I''ll tell them how you solved a huge problem for Hannah. They Vibe happy and be ha


    maybe they''ll throw some work your way, give your parents a bigger cut of the profits, that sort of thing."


    The moment Cherry had shown up offering her services, Samuel knew exactly what she was after.


    After all, she didn''t do anything for free. Even the most curious busybody wouldn''t get involved without wanting something in return.


    Some people genuinely enjoy meddling, but Cherry wasn''t one of them. She always had an angle.


    Cherry had been about to refuse, but Samuel''s offer made her hesitate.


    Now that her motives were out in the open, there was no point in denying them. After a moment''s thought, Cherry decided to just own it.


    "Fine, that''s why I''m here. Since you already know, I won''t hide it anymore. But you''ve dealt with him, you know what he''s like. He''s genuinely difficult to handle."