Chapter 8 - The Confrontation of Truth
The peace of the estate was briefly shattered a week later when Vivian Moretti returned home from the hospital.
The reunion was tense. Vivian, sitting in a wheelchair with a brace on her leg and her wrist heavily bandaged, held court in the main drawing room. She had requested to see Hannah alone, excluding Adrian for the first few minutes.
“Sit down, Hannah,” Vivian said, her voice sharp but not unkind.
Hannah sat on the velvet ottoman opposite the older woman.
“I watched the security footage,” Vivian said, her eyes boring into Hannah’s. “I saw what you did for my brother, and more importantly, for my nephew. My brother has been cold his entire life, Hannah. But you’ve turned him into a man who remembers how to smile.”
“I only did what was right, Ms. Moretti,” Hannah replied respectfully.
“You did what was necessary,” Vivian corrected. “And I want to thank you. But there’s something I need to ask you. My brother... he’s in love with you, isn't he?”
Hannah felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “I... I think so.”
Vivian sighed, looking at her bandaged hand. “Be careful, Hannah. The Moretti name brings enemies. But if you have the strength to stand up to Celeste, I think you might have the strength to handle the rest of it.”
May you like
She reached out, patting Hannah’s knee. “I’m on your side. If you need anything—resources, connections, advice—come to me. I’m not going to let this family be broken by petty schemes ever again.”
As Hannah walked out of the drawing room and found Adrian waiting for her in the hallway, she knew that the battle for the Moretti heart was finally being won.
