Wace gave a mocking smile.


    “Nice.


    So now you’re making up stories to cover for her, huh? You guys are something else.


    ”


    The two men’s legs gave out, almost bringing them to their knees.


    Just in time, Hannah chimed in, “Something minor happenedst night, but it wasn’t my fault.


    I know Amelie is in charge of Jade Paradise.


    Why would I go there to cause you trouble? Last night, a few guys wouldn’t leave me alone.


    At first, I tried to just bear with it, hoping to avoid any drama.


    ”


    Hannah gestured towards the Compton brothers.


    “They were there.


    They can back me up.


    And if you’re still not convinced, I’m sure there are other ways you can check.


    Eventually, those guys got bolder when they saw I was on my own.


    I had no choice but to defend myself.


    ”


    “Absolutely.


    Absolutely,” Keith quickly agreed.


    “We’re both witnesses to what she’s saying.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ”


    “Shut up!” Wace gave Keith a quick look.


    Then he turned his attention back to Hannah, giving her a secret once-over.


    “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”


    “Nope, I’m fine.


    But I did cause quite the stir.


    I ended up hitting a guy over the head with a bottle.


    Turns out he’s from some big-shot family, or else he wouldn’t have gone whining to you.


    ”


    Wace let out a derisiveugh.


    “Don’t worry about them.


    Even if that guy had been seriously hurt, I’d have your back.


    They had the nerve to bother youst night.


    I’ll make sure they regret it.


    They won’t dareeining to me again.


    ”


    Hannah raised an eyebrow.


    “Really, Mr.


    Compton? And how am I supposed to trust you wouldn’t pin it on me? I tried talking to you this morning, but you were anything but weing.


    ”


    Wace pointed a finger at her.


    “Unbelievable! You ungrateful girl!


    I knew exactly what went downst night.


    I was upset because those two idiots dragged you to that ce.


    And you, just going along with it carelessly.


    What if something had happened to you?”


    The two Compton brothers stood by awkwardly, at a loss for words.


    It was clear to them their father was overly indulgent with his real daughter.


    Despite knowing Hannah was the instigator, he couldn’t bring himself to scold her.


    Instead, he shifted all the me onto them.


    Trent stepped forward, taking responsibility.


    “Dad, it’s on us.


    We didn’t think things through.


    We’re ready for whatever you decide.


    ”


    Hannah went on, “Nothing happened, right? I really pushed for them toe along with me.


    You know how I am.


    They couldn’t convince me otherwise, and they couldn’t say no toing with me.


    Please, don’t hold it against them.


    I’m here to talk about something important.


    Seriously.


    ”


    Wace nced at her.


    “What’s this important thing you’re talking about?”


    “I’ve joined the organization but I’m not part of any of the seven branches yet.


    Recently, a lot of new people came on board.


    I need to know where I stand in the organization.


    ” Hannah brought up a concern rather than sticking up for Charlie.


    She didn’t hide her ambition as she posed her question.


    Naturally, Wace got her point.


    He tapped the desk and looked straight at Hannah.


    Rather than giving her an answer, he questioned, “So, what position are you hoping to get in my organization?”


    Hannah smiled.


    “I don’t ask for much.


    Just the authority to dismiss a branch leader.


    ”