“I tried to persuade her, but she’s as stubborn as a mule,” Winston confessed, his gaze softened with affection as he spoke of Alessandra.


    “Ever since we were taken in by the Compton family after our parents passed, she’s been like that.


    I reckon she won’t budge an inch for anyone.


    ”


    Keith chimed in, “Hannah, Alessandra’s a decent girl.


    She had no choice but to stick around Jade Paradise before.


    She’s not got many skills to her name.


    Why not keep her close?”


    Trent nudged him and muttered, “Quit sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong!”


    But Hannah’s lips curved into a smile at Winston’s words.


    “She’s been through a lot, working under Amelie Chadwick’s thumb.


    We ought to find her a safe ce.


    ”


    “I’ve pondered on it.


    ”


    Winston scratched his hair, looking bitter, which was pretty rare.


    “She insisted on staying here without leaving.


    She wants to be with me.


    ”


    After a moment’s contemtion, Hannah nodded in understanding.


    “Let’s take her in.


    The Compton territory is under my watch.


    Chadwicks won’t dare to touch her here.


    ”


    Their discussion was interrupted by the tantalizing aroma wafting in from the kitchen.


    Hannah gestured towards the kitchen, saying, “Why don’t you head home now? I’ll make my own way back to the vi.


    ”


    The three men exchanged knowing nces and wisely took their Leave.


    On the tabley Hannah’s favorite dish, honey garlic ribs.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    As she looked at the sulent sauce and inhaled its fragrance, she could practically taste the deliciousness.


    Unable to resist, she dug in, savoring the tender, vorful meat without hesitation.


    Beside the ribs sat a te of tomato bacon squares, a colorful mix of chopped tomatoes, bacon, onions, and bell peppers atop a crisp pizza crust.


    It was a delight for the senses.


    Resting her chin on her hand, Hannah watched as Bryson rolled down his sleeves.


    “Your culinary skills havee a long way since our travels.


    ”


    “I have to improve them for your tastes, don’t I?” Bryson looked at her, taking a seat across from her.


    Hannah took another bite, arching an eyebrow at him.


    “Aren’t you going to eat?”


    “Not hungry,” Bryson replied, his gaze fixed on her.


    Their journey had been fraught with danger, leaving little time for moments like these.


    Hannah savored another bite of the tomato bacon square, relishing its familiar taste.


    “This is just what I needed!”


    Looking at her intoxicated smile, Bryson’s lips curved into a smile.