Chapter 1190

This was Hannah's impromptu idea. Having lived in Heather's shadow since childhood, she harbored a deep-seated fear of her. While Hannah desired to use poison to slowly kill Heather, she lacked the courage to act herself. This presented an opportunity to secure Ralph; her fear of losing him was so profound that she sought to bind him to her permanently. It was, in her mind, a perfect solution.

"Annie..." Ralph hesitated. He couldn't bring himself to do it.

"What's wrong? Reluctant?" Hannah sneered, feigning anger. "All this time, you've never loved me, have you? You love her. That's why you can't bear to do it, isn't it?"

"No, Annie, I love you! Of course, I love you! It's just..." The warm bowl in his hand felt scorching. He wanted to throw it away.

Seeing his hesitation, Hannah coaxed softly, "I know you're reluctant, but I've planned everything. Once she's gone, we'll fly to my family's island. The house is huge and beautiful. You'll love it. Then, we'll have our wedding and live happily ever after."

This bright future, so vividly imagined and deeply desired, felt like a distant whisper to Ralph. His anxiety over the immediate problem overshadowed it all.

"Look at her. She's suffering. By giving her this, you're easing her pain. You're doing her a favor," Hannah continued, watching his face intently. "Think about everything she put you through, how she treated you. She even beat you! Did she ever treat you as an equal? She used you, didn't she?"

She methodically recounted Heather's misdeeds, aiming to ignite his anger. And it worked. The memory of Heather's past actions—the dislocated arm, the constant mockery and insults—fanned the flames of his resentment.

He took a step forward, reaching for Heather's shoulder, intending to feed her the concoction. But Heather's eyes snapped open, fixing him with a cold stare. He felt a jolt, his hand trembling, spilling the medicine.

"I used him?" A mocking smile played on Heather's lips as she turned to Hannah. "Aren't you using him now?"

"What are you talking about?! Ralph, give it to her!" Hannah urged.

"Silly girl. I thought you loved this man. You're only getting him to do your dirty work so you'll have something over him, to keep him at your mercy for life. Are you so insecure you need such measures to keep a man? Don't you believe he truly loves you?"

"Oh, my dear sister. We're more alike than you think. The only person you love is yourself. After all, we were both born to the same mother. We're two peas in a pod. There's no difference between us!"

She shook her head and sighed.

"Nonsense! We're not alike!" Anger and anxiety warred within Hannah.

"Ralph, don't listen to her! Don't trust her!" But her words fell on deaf ears. He was already wavering.