Read Novel Full Chapter 356: Hannah’s Drama
Chapter 356: Chapter 356: Hannah’s Drama
A guard stepped in, Money. His boots clacked softly on the floor, carrying faint traces of outdoor dust. The moment he spotted Ivy, he bowed respectfully.
"A letter was handed to me... and it bears the signature of General Silas."
Ivy’s posture straightened instantly. "Show me."
Money walked forward and placed the letter in her hand. The paper still smelled faintly of sunlight and sweat as if carried fast from the entrance.
The moment Ivy glanced at the signature, recognition sparked.
"My husband mentioned Bella to me. This letter is genuine."
Money gave a crisp nod. "I’ll bring her inside immediately."
"Place her in the special room," Ivy reminded him. "Follow the usual investigation procedure, but treat her with full respect. Don’t let anyone intimidate her."
Money was about to leave when Ivy lifted a hand. "I’ll come too."
He paused, curiosity flickering in his eyes, but he wisely held his tongue.
Everyone knew Ivy’s decisions were precise and intentional.
Only Ivy herself understood the real reason, she wanted to meet the woman her father-in-law praised so highly.
If he holds someone in such regard, Ivy thought, she must be someone remarkable. A little... enviable, even.
She stepped out. Behind her, Amber, Felix, and Annie followed.
Felix’s eyes wandered repeatedly toward Annie. Each time he saw her, something within him jolted: her aura, her features, her subtle expressions. They all tugged at an old memory.
For a brief moment, a strange premonition tightened in his chest, whispering that Annie was Gwen.
He clenched his jaw, forcing the thought down.
’This is nonsense. Stop assuming things.’
Trying to distract himself, his gaze landed on the guard walking ahead.
Money.
Felix smirked, mischief buzzing around him. He strode forward and clapped Money on the shoulder with dramatic familiarity.
"I heard your parents named you Money because they thought you’d bring fortune to the family. But now, in the apocalypse, money’s useless. Should we change your name to Food instead?"
Money rolled his eyes, unoffended. "At least my parents cared enough to name me after something important. What about you?"
Felix huffed. "I’d argue with you, but since your name is Money, I’ll spare you. It’s not your fault your parents didn’t take you seriously either."
Their banter echoed lightly in the corridor.
Annie glanced at them, inwardly groaning. This guy is unbelievably air-headed.
Ivy nearly buried her face in her hands. Felix’s terrible habit of dropping lame jokes as if they were comedic masterpieces never failed to embarrass her.
Amber, however, had zero patience. "Felix, shut up."
Felix cracked his knuckles in mock challenge. "Woman, are you itching for a beating?"
Amber gestured for him to try. "Come then. We’ll spar right here."
Their argument grew louder, making Ivy pinch the bridge of her nose.
’I swear I feel like I’m babysitting children. Grim future warriors? In this life they’re playful maniacs.’
Yet beneath her exasperation, warmth bloomed. She was glad, really glad, to see this joyful side of them, something she never got to witness in her past life.
They soon reached the investigation area.
The moment Ivy stepped forward, she caught sight of the scene.... A middle-aged man’s hand raised high, ready to strike down at a girl seated in the chair.
Bella. Before Ivy even breathed, Felix moved.
His arm snapped forward like stretched rubber, hand locking around the man’s wrist with brutal force. His eyes darkened, almost predatory.
Felix never interfered in strangers’ affairs. But this... this was different.
His mother had drilled her principles deep into him: Violence against a woman was the lowest form of cowardice. If he ever witnessed such cruelty, he must not turn away. He must stop it.
His grip tightened.
Ivy exhaled a quiet breath of relief. Her brother had moved first, sparing her the need to unleash her own temper.
She stepped forward, her gaze sharpening like a blade.
"What," Ivy asked in a grim, ice-laced voice, "do you think you are doing?"
The middle-aged man turned toward her with irritation until his eyes landed on her hair.
Pink. Bright, unmistakable, cotton-candy pink.
His arrogance crumbled instantly. Everyone in the region knew... The representative of the base had pink hair.
Untouchable. Powerful. And absolutely unforgiving.
He swallowed and gestured accusingly toward Bella.
"It’s this woman who was ungrateful!"
He pointed to the black-haired girl beside him.
"This girl, her name is Hannah. She offended a very powerful person in the base. Now she can’t get back inside the base and was kicked out. She just wants to meet the representative and clear up the misunderstanding! I was only doing what any kind person would do!"
Ivy slowly shifted her gaze toward Hannah... and a soft, humorless chuckle slipped from her lips.
Mocking. Knowing. Dangerously calm.
Hannah felt heat flare across her cheeks, but instead of rushing toward Ivy like she had earlier, wild and frantic like a stray dog, she abruptly dropped to her knees.
Dust puffed around her legs, clinging to her skin. She lowered her head, shoulders trembling with forced humility.
"I was wrong," she whispered loudly enough for the entire crowd to hear. "In the future, I won’t stop anyone from taking advantage of me. I won’t interfere again."
A heavy silence fell.
Expressions shifted everywhere, confusion, disbelief, suspicion. No one understood why Hannah was spouting such bizarre words. Her tone wavered between victimized and rehearsed, like she was performing for an invisible audience.
Ivy stared down at her with a faint, intrigued smile. "What do you mean by that, Hannah?"
Hannah immediately lifted her head, eyes shimmering with fake tears.
"I know you’re angry at me," she rushed out. "I didn’t let your teacher, Nora, take advantage of me earlier. I didn’t let her cut the line. I blocked her way... so you must be punishing me."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the onlookers.
"What is she talking about?"
"Teacher Nora? Who?"
"Is the representative... letting people abuse their power?"
"Did we escape one hell only to walk into another?"