After quite some time, Ralph let her go, saying, "Annie, I'll be waiting for you." This moved her more than anything. Hannah looked at him affectionately. "Okay," she replied.
She longed to stay, but Heather, the obtrusive housekeeper, left her no choice. Hannah had to do everything Heather wanted or face confinement. If Heather discovered her activities, her plans would fail.
She reminded herself to be patient. "I'll be free when it happens!" she thought.
After carefully concealing her face, she checked her reflection in a mirror downstairs. Seeing her slightly swollen lips, she realized Heather might be suspicious. She approached a roadside garden, clenched her teeth, and pressed her lips against the concrete edge.
The sharp edge caused intense pain and bleeding, swelling her lips even further. Satisfied that her appearance would not arouse suspicion, she checked her reflection several more times.
Back home, Chump still guarded Heather's bedroom door, indicating she was still asleep. Seeing Hannah, he simply lowered his gaze. Hannah pointed toward the basement, signaling her return to her room. He remained silent as she quietly retreated.
Closing her bedroom door, she sighed in relief, wishing she'd stayed longer in the apartment. She opened her desk drawer, accessed a hidden compartment, and retrieved a small bottle of medicine.
The hospital-prescribed medicine, combined with her knowledge of medicinal foods and chronic toxicity, was working. Heather's blood vomiting had increased, and her mental state was deteriorating, making her increasingly lethargic. Hannah was surprised by the rapid onset of symptoms.
Knowing Heather planned to return to the Riggs Estate, Hannah felt the urgency to act swiftly. She turned the bare bottle in her fingers. "Yes, I've already removed its wrapping. I'm not that dumb, am I?" she mused.
She hadn't wanted to do this, but her sister's relentless pressure had left her with no other option. "If only one person could remain, why not me instead of Heather?" she thought. "We human beings are selfish! It's about time I became selfish for once!"
Margaret awoke after a two-day sleep. Though suffering from extreme agitation, she was otherwise fine and simply needed rest given her age and frailty.
Lily visited her that morning. Surprised to see Margaret awake, she asked warmly, "Grandma, how are you feeling?"
Margaret blinked, still disoriented. Lily said softly, "Grandma, it's me, Lily," observing her grandmother's response. The doctor had instructed them not to agitate her.
"Oh, all right," Margaret replied, attempting to sit up. Lily quickly assisted her.
"Slowly," Lily said. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat? How about garlic bread and mushroom soup? I'll get someone to bring them."
As Lily propped Margaret up and turned to summon a housekeeper, Margaret held her hand. "Lily, wait."
Lily stopped and turned. Margaret looked up. "How long have I slept?"
"Two days," Lily replied.