Hannah smiled calmly.

“In fact, to attract a man’s attention, it’s not about what you do. He’ll be attracted if he cares about you. If he cares, he’ll be nervous and attentive, even if you just sneeze. If he doesn’t care, even if you’re bedridden, he’ll only visit out of politeness.”

Janet’s expression darkened. She’d heard Hannah, despite her upper-class upbringing, was considered shallow-minded. Hannah always diffused conflict peacefully, never arguing. Some called her polite and virtuous; others, frankly, called her foolish.

Hannah’s current words, however, were surprisingly assertive, delivered peacefully yet laced with sarcasm.

“Oscar acknowledged his past mistakes and has changed. I don’t care about his past; he’s responsible for his future actions, not me. I’m not interested in your past relationship with him, and I won’t concern myself with it. But now that I’ve married Oscar, his future is my business. I hope, Miss Burke, you’ll let go of the past.”

Hannah had laid her cards on the table. Janet glared, clearly stung by the sarcasm.

“So, you’re proud?” Janet sneered. Proud of having Oscar?

“No, but I’m satisfied,” Hannah smiled. “Pride comes from being with someone you can’t handle. I’m satisfied because I believe Oscar and I are equals. We genuinely like each other and are happy together.”

Janet’s anger simmered. Hannah implied she wasn’t worthy of Oscar.

“Don’t think you’re safe with him. He’ll destroy anyone who threatens him. He’s cruel to anyone who crosses him! You’ll see I’m right!” Janet spat, her tone furious.

A chill ran down Hannah’s spine. Janet’s words felt chillingly credible.

“Just wait and see!” Janet stormed out, her fury palpable.

Hannah pondered Janet’s accusations. Could Oscar truly be so ruthless? What was his true nature, his real background?

“Miss,” a maid hurried in, “Madam requests your presence in Karen’s room. Karen wishes to apologize personally.”

“Okay,” Hannah replied, confused yet also pondering the implications of Janet and Oscar’s warnings about Karen.

She followed the maid to Karen’s room. Venus, smiling warmly, opened the door.

“Hannah,” Venus greeted.

“Mum.”

“Come in.”

Karen lay pale and weak in bed. Seeing Hannah, she struggled to sit up, assisted by the maid.

“Hannah, I apologize. Pamela didn’t mean to attack you. It was…”

“Karen, it’s alright. I know Pamela didn’t mean it. It was an accident,” Hannah responded gently. Regardless of Karen’s true nature, Hannah maintained a polite façade.

“But I feel so guilty.” Karen’s voice was laced with sadness.

“Forget it,” Hannah smiled. “If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten.”

“You’re so kind,” Karen said, turning to Venus. “Mum, may I speak with Hannah alone?”

“Of course, take your time. I’m tired; I’ll rest. Call if you need anything,” Venus replied, seemingly quite compliant with Karen’s wishes.

Karen nodded obediently. Venus left with the maid.

Karen’s voice softened. “Hannah, Oscar never admitted a relationship with any woman, not even Janet.”

“I know,” Hannah said calmly, “Janet is his ex-girlfriend.”

“You know?” Karen was surprised.

“Janet told me.”

“And you’re not angry?”

“No. It’s the past. Besides, Oscar has many ex-girlfriends. Counting them all would only frustrate me.”

“You’re so kind. No wonder Oscar likes you,” Karen smiled innocently.

Hannah returned the smile.

“I envy you,” Karen sighed. “Mum forbids me from dating or marrying.”

“Falling in love or marrying isn’t always good. A bad match can ruin your life,” Hannah comforted her.

“Hearing you, I realize I have loving parents and siblings. I should be happy.”

“Cherish them,” Hannah said sincerely.

“Yes,” Karen nodded. “Hannah, could you pour me some water? I need to take my medicine.”

Hannah poured a cup of hot water and placed it beside Karen. “Careful, it’s hot. Let it cool.”

“Thank you, Hannah.”

“We’re family.”

“Yes,” Karen murmured sweetly. “Hannah, thank you for making me feel better. I’m tired and need to rest.”

“Rest well. I’ll go.”

“Okay.”

Hannah rose to leave.

“Hannah…” Karen called, reaching out to pull Hannah closer. Suddenly, Karen pulled Hannah’s arm, knocking over the water, scalding herself.

“Ah!” Karen screamed, her cry bringing everyone rushing into the room to find her in agony.