Hannah insisted with a tight smile. “Mr. Pierce, perhaps you should be more concerned about your own well-being.”
A wry chuckle escaped Maloney’s lips. “You possess Bryson’s sharp tongue, you know.”
Hannah shot him a pointed glare. “And perhaps I’ll use it against you someday, when you least expect it.”
Their conversation carried them towards the door of the villa, their strides synchronized. Just as they entered, a figure emerged, nearly colliding with them in the process.
Acting swiftly, Hannah pivoted to avoid impact, watching as the man stumbled awkwardly to the ground. Recognition dawned as she realized who it was.
Peterson?
Remington’s half-brother, often the target of his bullying tactics.
A well-dressed woman hurried out anxiously, bending down to assist the man sprawled on the ground. She whispered urgently, “Peterson, are you alright?”
Before Hannah could respond, a figure emerged slowly and pointed accusingly at the woman and Peterson. “You lowly peasants don’t belong here with us! Take your mother and leave this place! Find somewhere else to live!”
Yet, his audacity faltered as Hannah stepped into view.
His attempt to maintain a sneer collapsed under the weight of recognition; he was visibly stiffened in shock.
Memories of his injured fingers from the garden incident still haunted him, causing a tremor in his hands even now.
As soon as he locked eyes with Hannah, he withdrew his hand and took a couple of cautious steps backward.
Hannah’s gaze remained cool as she addressed the man with a slight smile, “It seems you haven’t learned your Lesson. Is your wrist fully healed now?”
Protecting his wrist instinctively, the man turned abruptly and retreated into his room. He knew better than to provoke the woman any further.
Watching him leave, Hannah then turned her attention to Peterson, who was being helped up by his mother, Dana Wagner.
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Dana looked at her gratefully. “Thank you, Miss.”
Hannah nodded in acknowledgment. “Let’s go inside.”
“No, thank you.” Dana took a step back, holding onto Peterson protectively. “We’ll find another place to stay.”
Despite being part of the Lyons family, they still faced disdain from the household staff. It made them feel unwelcome.
As they prepared to leave, Hannah interjected calmly, “But where else will you go?”
They hesitated. Peterson turned back, undeterred by the recent confrontation. “There are other accommodations nearby.”
“If you leave because of them, you’ll only continue to endure this mistreatment. Deep down, you know that, don’t you?” Hannah warned gently.
Dana glanced at her son and responded on his behalf, “It’s not that simple. We appreciate your concern, Miss, but we’ll manage.”