Ralph wanted to escape. He didn't know where to go, but he couldn't stay; the place suffocated him, a constant reminder of his failure. He couldn't comprehend what had happened, his mind feeling simultaneously full and empty. He was adrift.

The courtyard was deserted; everyone had dispersed after the upheaval. Ralph felt like a monkey on display, a spectacle. He clenched his fists, gnashed his teeth, and fought for breath.

Then, he saw Hannah. She hadn't left; she stood watching him silently. This didn't comfort him; it only irritated him further. He expected mockery, sneered, "Why haven't you left? Are you here to laugh at me?"

"I'm not," she replied calmly, shaking her head slightly.

Her sincerity astounded him. He hadn't expected this.

"Are you sure?" he asked, a mocking smile playing on his lips, though his aggression had lessened. He lowered his head, looking at his hands. As a witness to his own downfall, he would have laughed; yet this woman, who had always looked down on him, claimed she wouldn't.

He wondered if she was being truthful or merely trying to comfort him—though he didn't need comfort. It all felt meaningless. He sighed and started to walk away. "Where are you going?" she asked, falling into step behind him.

"For a walk. Where else can I go? I'm not a Russell anymore; I don't even have a home," he laughed, gazing up at the sky. After all his scheming, he'd lost everything. Hannah pursed her lips and hurried after him. Then, looking at him, she said, "If you have nowhere to go, then..."

She paused, lowering her head. She removed her necklace, revealing a locket containing an exquisite key.

Ralph was stunned, unsure what she intended.

"Room 0902, Building B, Lucens Apartment. That's my place. You can stay there if you need to," she said quickly.

Seeing his dazed expression, she became anxious, grabbing his hand and pressing the key into his palm. "Don't tell anyone about this!"

"Huh?" Ralph was speechless.

Hannah looked around nervously, lowering her voice as she drew closer. "It's not convenient to explain now, but please believe me, and don't contact me. Don't call!"

"I—" Ralph stammered.