“Anathea! How can you say that?” Hannah flicked Anathea on the prehead. With a righteous tone, she exclaimed, “I’m a good, tax–paying citizen!”
“But how did you afford to buy this place?” Anathea knew very well that property in downtown Syntherra easily cost tens of millions, if not more.
Hannah had been traveling around the country and even abroad for work. She was barely ever home, so it didn’t make sense for her to waste money on a penthouse like that.”
“I liked it, so I bought it.” Hannah pushed down the diffidence in her eyes.
She shrugged and continued casually, “My job pays well. I can spend it now and earn more later. Plus, I just want you and Mrs. Jacobson to have a nice place to stay. That way, I can rest easy.”
Anathea remained doubtful but took her hand and said earnestly, “Hannah, you’ve already done so much for me. I don’t want you to sacrifice more for me. It hurts me to see you like that.”
Anathea understood the struggles Hannah faced in the entertainment industry. It hadn’t been easy. After all the hard work, she’d finally become famous with a movie. Anathea didn’t want her to put her career at risk because of her.
After all, besides taking care of herself, her grandparents, and her team, Hannah also had to support…
At that moment, the sound of a child crying echoed through the air
“It’s okay, Molly. It’s just a shot. Don’t be afraid.” Her mom, Heidi Gardner, kept soothing her gently, but Molly Marsh wouldn’t stop crying. Her voice was already hoarse, and she looked heartbreakingly pitiful.
Heidi looked very young. She was probably a first–time mother, as she was unsure of what to do at this moment.
Upon seeing that, Hannah approached Molly, crouched down, and smiled. Her voice took on a gentle tone. “Is your name Molly? Such a beautiful little face should be smiling, not crying. Would you like some cheese sticks?”
Molly, still sobbing, nodded.
“Well, here’s the deal. You can have these, but only if you stop crying. Deal?” Hannah held up two cheese sticks from her bag.
Molly immediately stopped crying and reached out for the cheese sticks, but Hannah pulled them back. With a serious expression, she said, “Your mommy works really hard to take care of you, so you need to be a good girl, okay? Can you do that?”
Molly nodded enthusiastically.
Hannah extended her pinky finger. “Pinky swear?”
Molly eagerly hooked her pinky with hers. “Pinky swear!”
Only then did Hannah hand over the cheese sticks.
Heidi thanked Hannah profusely. “I can’t thank you enough. I had no idea what to do before you stepped in.”
“It’s nothing,” Hannah replied with a warm smile, then handed Heidi the remaining cheese sticks and some other snacks for
kids.
As Anathea watched Hannah soothe Molly with practiced ease, a flicker of complex emotion passed through her eye
“What’s wrong?” Hannah moved to her side and draped her arm over her shoulder.
“Were you like this when you took care of Chloe by yourself?” Anathea asked.
“It’s not quite the same. Chloe was a real troublemaker back then.” Even now, just thinking about it gave Hannah a headache, but she still smiled happily. “But now, she’s older and more sensible. She calls me every day saying she misses me.”
Chapter 149
Anathea sighed. “A daughter is truly a blessing.”
Then you should have a daughter too.” Hannah’s gaze dropped Imagine–you, Mrs. Jacobson, and your little girl living in Synth
Anathea didn’t respond.
She was afraid of repeating past mistakes, so she didn’t dare mal resolute decision she’d made. She had no regrets.
After settling Fiona into the car, Anathea thanked the nurse who
Chapter 149
+25 BONUS
Anathea sighed. “A daughter is truly a blessing.”
“Then you should have a daughter too.” Hannah’s gaze dropped to Anathea’s still–flat stomach. “Maybe this one’s a girl. Imagine–you, Mrs. Jacobson, and your little girl living in Syntherra. How wonderful would that be?”
Anathea didn’t respond.
She was afraid of repeating past mistakes, so she didn’t dare make decisions too lightly. But leaving Castenea was the most resolute decision she’d made. She had no regrets.
After settling Fiona into the car, Anathea thanked the nurse who’d previously sent her the video.
