Chapter 612: An Unexpected Present

Hannah examined the jade bangle Cian had given her, utterly perplexed. It was an unexpected gift, especially from Cian instead of Oscar. Should she accept it? She hesitated.

"Don't you like it?" Cian's frustration was evident.

"Of course I do," Hannah replied. "But it's so valuable; it belonged to your mother. I…" She trailed off, deeply moved but unsure how to proceed. The cold treatment she'd endured from Charles's family in her previous life contrasted sharply with the warmth she now received from the Wells family and Cian's unexpected kindness.

"That's why I'm giving it to you," Cian said, taking her hand and placing the bangle on her wrist. The cool jade felt surprisingly soft, as if imbued with the warmth of its last owner, bringing Hannah to the verge of tears.

"No one recovered my parents' bodies from the sea," Cian explained. "My aunt later placed a headstone for them in a hidden spot on this island, marking only their remains—except for this jade bangle. It's a family heirloom, destined for my future wife," he added, echoing his brother's words.

Hannah’s impulse was to return it. She couldn't accept a gift intended for his wife.

"Take it," Cian insisted. "I have my reasons. My girlfriend and I are in a transactional relationship; we don't love each other. I'm rich, and I can buy her luxuries," he bragged, a touch of ostentation in his voice.

Hannah nodded, acknowledging his obvious wealth.

"My family's holdings far exceed the average," Cian continued. "When our family faced ruin, my grandfather salvaged priceless antiques and gold, laying the foundation for our diverse, multi-generational business empire and my current fortune. By the way, did you know half the Wells family fortune belongs to my brother?"

Hannah was astonished. She had assumed Oscar was merely an adopted child.

"The Wells family wasn't always so wealthy," Cian clarified. "My parents aided them significantly, and my brother's presence further bolstered their success. David and Thomas work for him—willingly, or the Wells family would be gone."

Hannah didn't doubt his words, knowing Oscar's genuine acceptance by the Wells family. However, the revelation made her think of Karen, understanding why she'd been so fixated on Oscar—he wasn't her blood relative.

"I seem to have digressed," Cian apologized. "My mother deeply loved my brother, though he resented their lack of attention. Their few moments together were during his training sessions here. Her guilt prevented her from attending; she could only watch his boat sail away. I'll never forget her standing in the rain, watching him go—her grief, sadness, and silent compromise…"

The image resonated with Hannah.

"Keep this bangle," Cian concluded, leaving no room for refusal. "I believe my mother would want the same for the woman her sons love."

Finally, Hannah accepted it. She planned to keep it initially; if Cian didn't give it to his future wife, she would pass it to his daughters or daughters-in-law.

"Wait, you have a girlfriend?" Hannah asked.

Cian spoke little about her.

"Of course. Is it possible to remain single at my age?"

Hannah smiled, enjoying their conversation.

"I haven't even met her. You're only twenty-two?"

Cian, four years younger than Oscar, was indeed twenty-two—a year younger than Hannah.

"I am. It's been years since I turned eighteen! Aren't you marrying my brother at twenty-two?" he retorted playfully.

"Touché," Hannah admitted.

"As for my girlfriend," Cian continued, "we're more business partners than lovers. Our interactions are primarily…physical."

Hannah choked back a laugh.

"Sorry," Cian grinned. "Theodore's influence."

"It's alright," Hannah said.

"She doesn't know about my family, so I can't introduce you yet," Cian explained.

"I understand. It's just casual conversation."

"I'm surprised my brother told you everything. I expected him to reveal this only after our success. The life we lead is fraught with danger. Wasn't he worried you'd reject it, or worse, betray us?"

Hannah felt awkward. She'd initially investigated Oscar expecting him to be an ordinary Wells family member, not a scion of such a powerful lineage. She wouldn't have pressed him for the truth had she known. Her initial reaction to his secrecy now seemed harsh, considering his trust.

"Regardless," Cian said, "it shows how much my brother cares. Whoever my brother loves and trusts, I'll do the same. So, sister-in-law…"