Chapter 1130: You're a Good Person

Hannah didn't go straight to her room. She went to the lobby to find a first-aid kit.

"Ms. Cooper,"

A familiar voice startled her. Who would be in the lobby at this hour? She turned to see Max, carrying luggage. Hannah had been surprised not to see him at Oscar's house earlier; it seemed he'd been away.

"Is it Ms. Cooper?" Max asked, receiving no immediate reply.

"Yes, it's me, Max. I'm Hannah." She smiled.

Max's eyes welled with emotion. "When Master called and said you were back, I couldn't believe it! But here you are! Even though you look different, I know it's you!"

Hannah felt emotional, too. Seeing Max brought back memories of his care when they lived together. Though she knew he'd been following Oscar's orders, she wouldn't forget his kindness to her then, and to Salem now.

"I thought maybe… you…" Max choked up. After a moment, he composed himself. "It's good to see you safe and sound."

Hannah felt overwhelmingly grateful, unsure how to express it.

"Oh, right, does Salem know who you are?" Max asked. "He knows."

"Salem must be very happy. He always wanted a mother."

"I owe him so much…"

"If not for Master…" Max hesitated. "Young Master knows your struggles, and he's so understanding. He won't blame you."

"Thank you for taking care of Salem so well, Max."

"I only handle his daily needs. Master Oscar manages most of Salem's education. His concern is no less than mine. He just wants Salem to grow up independently."

Hannah nodded, used to Max's praise of Oscar.

"Ms. Cooper, what happened to your forehead?" Max noticed her injury.

"It was an accident."

"Let me help treat it."

"Okay, thank you." Hannah hesitated, but feared refusing might hurt him.

Max quickly set down his luggage and expertly applied medicine to her wound.

"Where have you been these past few days, Max?" Hannah asked casually, surprised he'd been "away from home." She'd expected him to be constantly at Oscar's side.

Max blushed slightly.

"Don't tell me you're in love?" Hannah teased.

His blush deepened.

"I guessed right?" Hannah was surprised by her own accuracy. Max was almost fifty! A late-life romance? She never imagined him starting a family at this age.

"Who is she? Where is she? Didn't she come back with you?"

"I often take Salem to school; she's the principal…" Max seemed hesitant.

"The principal?" Hannah laughed.

Max explained, "She's only forty, divorced with a son… her son likes me… I haven't said anything."

His seriousness made her laugh uncontrollably. Hannah envied whoever had captured his heart; they'd surely be treated like royalty.

"I'm afraid you guys might not approve," Max murmured. "How could we not? Anyone who catches your eye must be a good woman." Hannah affirmed. "So, you went on vacation with your girlfriend?"

"Not exactly… Kailey isn't local."

So her name was Kailey.

"We went to visit her hometown and meet her parents." The image of Max meeting his girlfriend's parents made Hannah laugh.

"Are they satisfied with you?"

"Yes," Max replied happily.

"So, are you talking about marriage?"

"We're planning a wedding for next month," Max said excitedly. "I haven't told Master Oscar yet. I don't know if he'll agree."

"Why wouldn't he?" Hannah thought Max was overthinking.

"But…"

"Don't worry," Hannah said. "Your dependence on Oscar runs deeper than his on you. Pursue your happiness; he's a grown man."

Max was both hurt and pleased. These conflicting feelings, he realized, were love.

"Is everything taken care of?" Hannah asked as he finished. "Yes, Ms. Cooper. Be careful not to get it infected; I'll change your bandages tomorrow."

"Got it. Oscar was shot in the arm; if you're not too tired, please check on him."

"Okay," Max readily agreed.

"I'm heading to my room. Get some rest, Max."

"Ms. Cooper… you're back together with…?"

"No way! I just needed a place to stay!"

Hannah left, but found Oscar waiting at her door. He'd seen them in the lobby.

"Did Max help with your bandages?" Oscar asked.

"Yeah, he said he's getting married and wants your blessing."

"He said that?" Oscar raised an eyebrow.

"I guessed."

Oscar laughed as Hannah teased him.

"Max is a good person," Hannah said seriously, then entered her room.

"You're a good person, too," Oscar muttered to her retreating figure, the door closing him out.