Chapter 923: Preparing to Go Abroad

Hannah didn't know how to tell her parents they should leave Northfield. She knew they would accept it, but still felt guilty. After all, it was their lifelong home, and leaving in their old age would be difficult.

Michelle noticed Hannah's absentmindedness. "What's wrong, Hannah?" she asked. "Is it because of your disagreement with Oscar yesterday?" Oscar had returned after a long absence, only to leave without staying overnight. Michelle suspected a conflict. Despite disliking him, she would accept his presence if he made Hannah happy.

Hannah pursed her lips. "Mom," she said, "Oscar and I are completely over. He seems to have fallen for Lillian."

Michelle's face changed. "What kind of karma did we accumulate to meet someone like him?"

Hannah chuckled lightly. "But isn't this what you always wanted? Why are you angry now?"

"I wanted him gone, hoping he wouldn't bother you," Michelle admitted, "but being abandoned still makes me feel worthless!"

Hannah said calmly, "As long as we get the result we want, the process will become a thing of the past."

Michelle, deeply caring for her daughter, sighed. "He doesn't want Salem either?"

Hannah nodded. Oscar had made it clear Salem could change his name and identity—a clear indication of his attitude. While grateful Oscar wasn't fighting for Salem's custody, she still felt sorry for the boy, abandoned by his father before even knowing him.

Hannah's tone grew serious. "There's one more thing. Oscar wants us to leave Northfield."

Michelle was furious. "Even as commander-in-chief, he can't be so overbearing! Why does he want us out?"

Hannah explained softly, "It's because of Lillian."

Michelle was indignant. "Doesn't he have any feelings for old times' sake? Doesn't fathering Salem count? Why drive us away completely?"

Hannah offered comfort. "I understand women care about their spouse's exes, to some extent. At least he only wants us gone; he's not trying to kill us."

"If he did, I wouldn't let him get away with it, even if I die!" Michelle declared fiercely.

Hannah smiled. "Do you want me or you to tell Dad and Grandma?"

Michelle, sensing Hannah's emotional reserve, sighed. "Forget it, I'll tell them." She knew Hannah was suppressing her emotions.

"Thank you, Mom," Hannah said with a slight smile.

Michelle felt heartbroken. "We'll forget about Oscar," she said. "We'll start over abroad, truly starting anew."

"I was thinking the same thing," Hannah agreed, smiling.

"When are we leaving?" Michelle asked.

"In a week, probably next Wednesday," Hannah replied.

"So soon?" Michelle was still agitated but held back her anger to avoid burdening Hannah. She knew Hannah carried everything herself. "Then I'll tell your dad and grandma and start packing," Michelle said.

"Okay."

Michelle left. Hannah watched her go, feeling a suppressed discomfort. She'd vowed to ensure her family's survival and well-being upon her rebirth, yet they still suffered.

Leaning against the sofa, she called Manuel. He answered, "Hannah?"

"Are you at work?"

"Yes," he replied.

"How did Susan do last night?"

"What else? She was so mad she pouted all night," Manuel said, his voice softening.

Hannah smiled. Manuel's care for Susan was reassuring.

"She scolded my cousin all night, even in her sleep," Manuel continued, describing Susan's antics.

Hannah laughed. "Oh really?"

Manuel explained, "She doesn't know much about you and my cousin. It's too complicated." It wasn't that Susan couldn't understand; he just didn't want more complications.

Susan's carefree innocence was enviable. Meeting Manuel had been her greatest luck; she hadn't repeated past mistakes. That was a comfort.

Hannah's voice grew heavy. Manuel sensed something was wrong.

"I ended things with Oscar for good," Hannah said.

Manuel was surprised. "Did he really agree?" He'd expected Hannah to initiate the breakup.

"It was his decision," Hannah explained.

Manuel was incredulous. "What?"

"I'm surprised too, but it's a relief," Hannah said calmly. "I don't have to live under his shadow anymore, and he doesn't have to juggle two women and two families. It's better for both of us."