Hannah’s response was dismissive, with a light tone. “As long as they’re only my enemies and not yours, I’m not concerned about Amelie coming after me.”
Wallace’s voice turned grave. “Nevertheless, you will return to Cadilind at the start of next month. I’ve arranged with Maloney for you to go back early and stay stateside to handle some business before you consider returning here.”
Hannah blinked in disbelief, her voice rising slightly. “You can’t be serious. Dad, are you suggesting I run and hide? That’s not happening.”
Surprisingly, Wallace didn’t refute her. “Just consider it a strategic retreat.”
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“I’m not going anywhere. Not now.”
“This isn’t a suggestion, Hannah. It’s an order. You can’t stay here even if you refuse to go back. I know what you’re capable of. If you truly insist on staying, you’ll have your ways to hide, but…”
The authority of the family patriarch radiated from him. “Remember—I have ways to bring you back, even if I must drag you myself.”
Hannah suddenly found herself drained of the will to argue with Wallace.
Raising her beautiful eyes, she gazed directly into Wallace’s gaze.
“Forget it. I’ve had enough. You don’t need to hold me back. I’ll go willingly.”
With those words, she rose and turned towards the door. Behind her, Wallace’s voice drifted faintly.
“The flight’s booked for the day after tomorrow. Maloney will get in touch with you.”
Without a word, Hannah walked out and shut the door behind her.
Only after the door clicked shut did Wallace’s expression fall. He stared at the photograph on the desk, looking worn out.
Collapsing onto the sofa, he let out a long sigh.
His murmured question lingered in the empty study.
“Was it a mistake to ask her to come back?”
It was late by the time Hannah left the villa. Despite the surrounding lights, darkness seemed to stretch out before her.
She lifted her gaze to the moon in the sky and made her way back to her own villa in silence.
As soon as she entered, the two figures on the sofa sprang up.
“Hannah, there you are.”
“How did it go? Did Dad chew you out?”
Hannah shook her head wearily as she looked at them.
“Why are you two here?”