Hannah surveyed them with a piercing gaze before speaking.


    “For nearly two decades, he’s been subjected to those bullies’ torment.


    You should know by now enduring in silence changes nothing.


    ”


    With those final, pointed words hanging in the air, Hannah turned on her heel, hermand clear.


    “Follow me inside.


    ”


    She stepped into the opulence of the vi, her suspicions confirmed as the butler appeared.


    This was no mere coincidence; Peterson and his mother had been systematically marginalized.


    Addressing the butler, her tone was decisive.


    “The second floor, that’s where their rooms are, aren’t they?”


    With a respectful, albeit wary nce towards Peterson and Dana trailing behind Hannah, the butler confirmed, “Yes, on the second floor.


    ”


    “Good,” Hannah continued, her mind already mapping out her next move.


    “The fifth floor should have a number of vacant rooms, correct?”


    The butler, caught off guard by her assertiveness, could only nod in agreement.


    “Then it’s settled.


    Move their rooms to the fifth floor,” Hannah dered, her words echoing a finality that brooked no opposition.


    The butler’s surprise was palpable, his expectations upended by Hannah’s audacious request.


    A fleeting look towards Dana hinted at his reluctance, yet no objection was voiced.


    Hannah’s voice took on a sharper edge.


    “Is there a problem?”


    Stumbling over his words, the butler hurriedly assured her, “It’s not about unwillingness, ma’am.


    The arrangements… they’re already made.


    It’s just that changing them now would be…plex.


    ”


    “Very well, then.


    ” Hannah’s tone remained firm.


    “I shall request the room change myself.


    Will that suffice, or would you prefer I consult Mr.


    Remington Lyons?”


    At the mention of Remington, the butler paled slightly, realizing he had little ground to oppose.


    With a nod, he dispatched a servant to enact the room change for Peterson and his mother.


    “Head upstairs,” Hannah instructed Peterson and Dana, her voice softer but imbued with authority.


    “My room is the first beside the staircase.


    Should you need anything, I’m there.


    ”


    Her statement, made in the butler’s earshot, was a clear warning — a protective gesture meant to shield Peterson and Dana from further trouble.


    The butler’s response was to bow his head, a silent spectator to the unfolding drama.


    As Peterson brushed past, a whisper of gratitude escaped his Lips, barely audible yet clear to Hannah.


    “Thank you.


    ”


    Hannah looked at him, but he didn’t meet her eyes.


    He and Dana ascended the staircase without looking back.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Hannah followed suit, with Maloney in tow, climbing the stairs to the heart of the vi.


    Maloney’s voice broke the silence, his tone teasing yet probing.