Chapter 396: We Are a Family
"What a remarkable insight!" Lorie exclaimed suddenly. Hannah's words had earned her recognition.
"Hannah," Lorie continued, "you've changed my stereotype of women. I believed women were inferior to men in ability. Northfield has always been ruled by men, as have those large organizations where men are the sole qualified heirs. That's why I harbored such a prejudice, and why Wayne always enjoyed my favor. Now I realize how wrong I was. You are far wiser than my grandson, who was a fool in comparison." She spoke emotionally.
The reality had awakened the old woman; her realization and emotion were profound.
"Hannah," Lorie said, taking Hannah's hand, "I recognize how foolishly I mistreated you. I'm truly sorry, and I will make amends. Can you forgive me?"
"My dear," Hannah replied, "you're my grandmother; some criticism was natural. I should apologize for my ignorance and disrespect. Please forgive me."
"You shame me!" Lorie added. "The ignorance and contempt you mentioned stemmed from my unfair treatment. I deserved it. I am so regretful."
"As Dad said, we should let go of the past," Hannah said warmly. "From now on, let's enjoy a warm family life. The past is past; we have a bright future ahead."
"A family? Am I still part of your family?" Lorie asked, touched.
"Of course, we are a family!" Michelle interjected. "Mum, that's an unchangeable truth. This will be your home. Stay and live with us. I'll have the maids prepare a room for you."
Lorie's eyes welled up at Michelle's kindness. The more kindness she received, the more guilty she felt.
"Come on, Mum. No more crying," Michelle said gently, smiling. "We share your emotions, your upsets and joys. Cheer up."
"Very well, no more crying," Lorie said softly, drying her tears. Turning to Esther, her tone hardened. "Wayne will face justice. Miguel will not interfere; he deserves no leniency. No one escapes final judgment."
Esther's face paled. She begged, shaking her head, "Mum, please! Wayne recognizes his fault; he'll learn his lesson…"
"A lesson is learned only by a willing student," Lorie stated mercilessly. "With sincere remorse, he might have a chance in ten years."
"That's impossible, Mum! Ten years is too long; he'll be unable to reintegrate into society. How can he return to a normal life after a decade in jail…"
"Enough!" Lorie cut her off. "You should worry about yourself, not your son. Elder abuse is also illegal."
Esther's face drained of color.
Lorie continued, "The marks you inflicted on me remain. I'm calling the police. It's time you considered your own situation."
"No, Mum! Please don't! I'm wrong! Forgive me! I'm too old for prison…" Esther pleaded, terrified.
This was beyond her expectations. With her husband and son imprisoned, and a daughter deceased, she faced a lawsuit. How could this be happening?
"Miguel, call the police!" Lorie said without pity.
"Right away," Miguel nodded, eager to see Esther brought to justice for her abuse of his mother.
Hannah watched Esther, a complete loser who had failed to save her son and now faced her own downfall. She had relied on Lorie's leniency, but she was wrong. Hannah found herself admiring Lorie.
She had disliked Lorie for her past actions, a hatred that would have festered had Lorie not changed. But the old woman had awakened, and her decisive action was admirable. She showed no mercy to her daughter-in-law and grandson.
Few grandmothers would have shown such resolve. Most would show some mercy. Lorie, however, acted swiftly and decisively.
The police arrived at Cooper Manor shortly thereafter, arresting Esther. Her desperate cries echoed through the house long after she was gone.
"Mother," Miguel comforted her, "settle in with us. I'll handle Esther's case; just enjoy your time here."
"That sounds wonderful," Lorie replied, tears in her eyes. "I won't repeat my mistakes."
Miguel nodded. "Michelle, take Mother upstairs to rest. She must be tired. I'll call the doctor to check her wounds."
Michelle helped Lorie upstairs. Watching her go, Hannah was pleased with the unexpected outcome.
Lorie's repentance allowed Hannah's parents to fulfill their filial duty, providing a better ending than simply letting Esther die. This outcome was easier for her parents to accept.
Turning to her father, who was finishing a call, Hannah announced, "Rose called; Sawyer sent someone to sign a contract with us."
"What kind of contract?" Miguel asked.
"Follow me, and you'll see," Hannah said, smiling confidently.
Miguel grinned. "Another surprise for your father?"
"One you won't refuse."
"Hannah, my sweetheart," Miguel exclaimed, "I'm so proud to have a daughter like you. I never regretted not having a son. Having a son like Wayne would be a nightmare."
"And it must be a sorrow to be born into such a family," Hannah replied gravely.
Their mutual pride was evident.