Chapter 1200

Chump snorted. "Aren't you going to drink too?"

"I'll drink it! I'm so thirsty!" Ralph nodded fervently. "Did you bring any food? I'm starving!"

He received only a sneer in response. Chump continued to offer water. Ralph, parched, eagerly opened his mouth, but recoiled at the taste. It was undrinkably salty, like someone had poured an entire packet into the water.

He refused to drink, trying to turn away, but Chump forcefully grabbed his chin, forcing the brine down his throat.

"Cough! Cough!" He choked, coughing violently until tears streamed down his face. The water was salty and bitter. He felt nauseous, but nothing emerged except the salt water he'd just ingested. He hadn't eaten in twenty-four hours.

"You guys are crazy!" Ralph shouted between coughs.

"Ms. Riggs is kind enough to the both of you," Chump stated coldly, glancing down at them. Secretly, he wished he could end their lives. How dare they harm Ms. Riggs? Their current suffering is nothing compared to hers!

Chump left the basement, leaving a miserable Ralph behind. Already thirsty, the salt water had set his throat ablaze. "Annie, did you know something was wrong with the water?" he asked, panting slightly.

Hannah replied lightly, "I just know she won't be so kind to us."

"Then you..." He wanted to blame her, but stopped. They each had their own burdens. His focus was escape and survival.

He'd thought his lowest point was being disowned by the Russells and becoming homeless. But facing near-death, he realized his dignity, pride, and honor were irrelevant. Survival was paramount. He didn't want to die.

Hannah remained silent, lost in her own thoughts. The only sound was their ragged breathing.

"Ralphy..." Hannah began, pausing before asking, "Have you… ever loved me?"

Half-asleep, Ralph mumbled, "I love you! Of course, I do!"

A smile touched his lips. Hannah pressed on, "Really? Do you love me for who I am, or do you… just love me because of my looks?"

"I love everything about you," Ralph frowned, exhausted and bewildered by her line of questioning. Isn't it still her, regardless of her looks or other qualities?

Hannah's repeated questioning would irritate anyone, especially now. He had no energy for relationship anxieties.