Chapter 1541
The traffic was gridlocked, so much so that it wasnât 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 Jeoâs attention. âWhat are you looking for, Hannah?â He asked.
âJust checking if thereâs a lot of cars.â She replied.
âWell, itâs Christmas season. Everyoneâs coming home for the holidays, so itâs always busy around here.â Jeo explained.
Their small town was full of people who worked in the city. Usually, the streets were filled with the elderly and young children, with few young adults in sight. The only time theyâd see a surge in population was during the Christmas period, when the young folks came home.
âThe Dixon Group has been investing heavily in our townâs tourism industry.â Jeo continued, âIf 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.â
Hannah agreed, âIf it wasnât for the need to make a living, no one would want to leave their kids behind with the grandparents.âe2
Without their parents around, even the best care from grandparents couldnât replace the sense of security and confidence that kids needed. âDid you see Martinâs kids the other day?â Jeo asked, âTheir parents came home, and the kids were so scared they wouldnât even come inside.â Hannah remained quiet, her thoughts already far away. Jarvis had told her that Steven was a businessman who wouldnât make a losing deal. He invested in their townâs 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 wouldnât 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 wasnât him who enticed her, she probably wouldnât have fallen for it. She was already infatuated with him.
âHannah? Hannah?â Farley had to call her several times to bring her back from her reverie.
âWhat is it?â Hannah asked.
âWhat were you thinking about?â Farley asked.
âNothing.â Hannah lied.
âDo you know how many times I had to call you before you answered me?â Farley held up eight fingers, âI had to call you eight times. Even Luna wonât believe you werenât thinking about something.â
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.
âWhy do you ask so many questions? Go read a book or play your video games.â Hannah told Farley.
âIâm taller than you now, probably as tall as your ex-husband. Iâm not a kid anymore. Farley replied.
Feeling guilty, Hannah asked, âWhy did you suddenly bring up your ex-brother-in-law