Chapter 1188

"I..." Ralph hesitated, then continued in a low voice. "I know. I just don't feel well."

"Then cry," Hannah said softly, hugging him close. "You can be vulnerable with me."

Early the next morning, Ralph awoke to loud noises downstairs. He went to the balcony, but saw only maids bustling about. Confused by the commotion, he eventually dressed and went downstairs. He found several maids covering the sofa and coffee table with cloths.

He stopped one and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Ms. Riggs said no one will be living here for a long time," the maid replied. "She had us cover everything and wait for further instructions."

"A long time..." His head throbbed from his hangover, but he vaguely recalled Hannah's statement about leaving tomorrow. It seemed she meant it! "Where is she?" he asked, then abruptly turned toward the basement.

The basement door stood open. Before he entered, he heard Hannah's voice.

"Heather, I didn't want to kill you so soon," Hannah said. "You haven't fully experienced my pain, but we're running out of time. I'm here to see you off."

Her smile was chilling. Ralph stood frozen in the doorway as he heard Heather's rasping voice. "Hehe, you seem impatient."

"I'm not as patient, nor as skilled in kickboxing as you are," Hannah retorted. "But if I don't leave soon, it might become dangerous. You've made many enemies, haven't you, Heather?"

This was a secret Hannah hadn't shared with Ralph—one of her greatest fears. Her haste to return stemmed from two concerns: Ralph's potential change of heart, and the threat of Heather's former enemies seeking revenge. Hannah, having assumed Heather's identity, was ill-equipped to handle such retribution.

"What's wrong? Finally realized how weak you are?" Heather sneered, displaying no weakness. "You're not me!"

"Of course, I'm weak, but don't worry," Hannah said with a smile. "I've devised a countermeasure! Once we return to our island, I'll publicly announce that I'm crippled from careless kickboxing practice. I'll stay home, recuperating and caring for my husband and children. No one will challenge me then."

"You're going to tell the world I'm crippled?!" Heather cried out, followed by a violent cough and the sound of vomiting. Ralph stepped closer, seeing her lying on the bed amidst a pool of blood.