Chapter 1541
The traffic was gridlocked, so much so that it wasn’t until the sun had set that the cars started inching forward.
After nearly half an hour of driving, they finally passed through the congested area. Jed sped ahead, with Rick
following closely behind in another car.
Hannah kept glancing back, catching Jeo’s attention. “What are you looking for, Hannah?” He asked.
“Just checking if there’s a lot of cars.” She replied.
“Well, it’s Christmas season. Everyone’s coming home for the holidays, so it’s always busy around here.” Jeo
explained.
Their small town was full of people who worked in the city. Usually, the streets were filled with the elderly and young
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtchildren, with few young adults in sight. The only time they’d see a surge in population was during the Christmas
period, when the young folks came home.
“The Dixon Group has been investing heavily in our town’s tourism industry.” Jeo continued, “If the tourism takes
off, it could boost the local economy and reduce the number of people who have to work out of town. That would
mean fewer kids left behind.”
Hannah agreed, “If it wasn’t for the need to make a living, no one would want to leave their kids behind with the
grandparents.”e2
Without their parents around, even the best care from grandparents couldn’t replace the sense of security and
confidence that kids needed. “Did you see Martin’s kids the other day?” Jeo asked, “Their parents came home, and
the kids were so scared they wouldn’t even come inside.” Hannah remained quiet, her thoughts already far away.
Jarvis had told her that Steven was a businessman who wouldn’t make a losing deal. He invested in their town’s
tourism because he saw its potential, not solely because of her. If Jarvis was right, and Steven saw a business
opportunity here, then Hannah believed that soon, the locals wouldn’t have to leave town for work. They could stay
home and still earn a living. This would mean more time with their kids, and fewer children left behind.
Steven!
The thought of him brought back memories of their complicated relationship. Several months ago, she learned
from Steven himself why he had treated her so poorly. He had tested her, and she had fallen into his trap. In his
eyes, she became a woman who would sell out for money. And such a woman was not worthy of his respect, let
alone to bear his child.
But she never told Steven that if it wasn’t him who enticed her, she probably wouldn’t have fallen for it. She was
already infatuated with him.
“Hannah? Hannah?” Farley had to call her several times to bring her back from her reverie.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“What is it?” Hannah asked.
“What were you thinking about?” Farley asked.
“Nothing.” Hannah lied.
“Do you know how many times I had to call you before you answered me?” Farley held up eight fingers, “I had to
call you eight times. Even Luna won’t believe you weren’t thinking about something.”
Luna was their family dog. They found her abandoned due to an injured leg, and they took her in. They spent a lot
of money on her treatment, and now, nearly a year later, Luna was a big dog who loved to stick around them.
“Why do you ask so many questions? Go read a book or play your video games.” Hannah told Farley.
“I’m taller than you now, probably as tall as your ex-husband. I’m not a kid anymore. Farley replied.
Feeling guilty, Hannah asked, “Why did you suddenly bring up your ex-brother-in-law