Chapter 935: Hannah's Determination

Hannah put down her phone, heavyhearted after agreeing to Theodore's request. He feared Lillian would seek revenge against Oscar, taking Una in a suicidal act. This would be ultimate retribution, but Lillian wouldn't go quietly.

Oscar likely knew this; revealing Una's situation was a ploy to lure Lillian out. Theodore, consumed by fear, was doing everything to protect Oscar.

Lost in thought, Hannah didn't notice Michelle approach. "Hannah," Michelle said.

Startled, Hannah asked what was wrong. "Who called? You seem distracted," Michelle said, concerned.

Hannah looked at Salem, who gazed back with wide eyes before smiling, tiny teeth showing as he reached for a hug. "Hug..." he said.

She hugged him close. Salem's small body felt comforting. Yet, for Oscar, Una Wells might be his lifeline. Hannah squeezed Salem tighter, then loosened her grip as he squirmed uncomfortably.

Noticing Hannah's behavior, Michelle again asked what was wrong. Hannah reluctantly released Salem, handing him to Michelle as he readily snuggled into his grandmother's arms. Gazing longingly at her son, Hannah replied, "I need to go back to Northfield."

"What?! Why?" Michelle exclaimed. Miguel rushed over, asking, "What happened?"

"Dad, I need to go back to Northfield."

"Why? All of us? Did Oscar ask?" Miguel asked, agitated.

"We won't go back! He asked us to leave, and now regrets it. I know he has a reason, but I won't be ordered around. We're not leaving!" Michelle retorted, still harboring resentment towards Oscar.

"You're such an old lady," Miguel scoffed. "You complained about everything here; now you don't want to go back?" Turning to Hannah, he said, "Don't listen to Mom. If we're going back, let's do it."

Hannah watched their bickering with amusement. She smiled faintly, her eyes red-rimmed.

"I'll go back first," she said. Her parents would likely follow.

Miguel was surprised. "Theodore called. It's not Oscar's idea. Something's wrong with Oscar; Theodore wants me to help."

"What happened?" Miguel asked anxiously.

"It's nothing major," Hannah reassured him. "I'll handle it, and if there are no issues, I'll pick you up."

"But I'm worried about you going alone."

"Don't worry. The Collins family is defeated. No one will threaten me. Oscar won't harm me either."

Miguel remained uneasy. "Are you pressured into this?" he asked. He knew Oscar wouldn't harm Hannah, but if Oscar forced her to stay, Miguel feared a return to the past.

"No, he didn't pressure me," Hannah laughed. "I was forced to stay before, but this time, I'm going willingly."

Miguel was still agitated, sensing something significant would happen once Hannah returned.

"I'm leaving soon anyway," Hannah said, changing the subject. "Theodore will send someone tonight."

"So soon?!" Michelle exclaimed, surprised.

Hannah nodded. If it weren't urgent, Theodore wouldn't have asked her to leave tonight.

"But I haven't prepared," Michelle said, disgruntled.

Hannah looked at her family. "I'll be back soon."

"It's your decision; we'll support you. But don't compromise yourself. It's not a problem if we stay here," Michelle said. "It's an adjustment, but not bad."

"Alright," Hannah smiled, grateful for their support. She held back her emotions, not wanting to worry them.

"I want to hold Sal more," Hannah said.

Michelle handed Salem to her. Hannah went to the garden, placing Salem on the gazebo table. Seeing her son smile, Hannah felt a surge of bittersweet emotion.

"Sal, if Mama doesn't come back..." Her voice choked with sorrow. Salem, though too young to understand, sensed her sadness.

"If Mama doesn't come back, you help Mama take care of Grandpa and Grandma, okay?" she said gently.

Salem waved his hands, reaching for her. Hannah hugged him tightly, Salem's arms around her neck, as if comforting her. Tears filled her eyes.

Sorry, Salem. I can't guarantee I'll watch you grow up.