Chapter 1156: Family Reunion

Hannah returned to Kensbury after years of wandering. When Oscar had sent her abroad, she'd believed she'd never return. Now, gazing at the altered yet familiar streets, a familiar warmth touched her heart.

She hailed a taxi after disembarking, pondering how to reveal her identity to her parents, her appearance so changed. Then, her phone rang.

"Hello, Manuel."

"You're back in Kensbury?"

"Did Oscar tell you?!" Hannah's annoyance was evident. She wouldn't have minded Manuel knowing, she would have contacted him and Susan herself; it was Oscar's interference that frustrated her.

"He's worried, so he asked me to look after you."

"I'm fine. I don't need looking after. You should look after Susan instead."

"She's chubby," Manuel chuckled, glancing at Susan.

Susan, overhearing, retorted, "You're the chubby one! Your daughter's the chubbiest!"

Hannah heard the exchange.

"Give me the phone!" Susan demanded. Manuel complied.

"Hannah, are you staying for good this time?" Susan asked.

"Yeah."

"When are you coming to see me?"

"Tomorrow, maybe. I'm going home first today."

"To your parents' place?"

"Uh-huh."

"You've finally decided to tell them?"

"Right."

"They'll be thrilled!"

Hannah smiled, envisioning a future without leaving her parents again.

"Oh, any developments with Oscar lately?" Susan abruptly changed the subject.

"No progress," Hannah sighed.

"That's impossible! Manuel said things almost happened between you two..." Susan smirked.

"Who told him?!"

"Oscar..."

"Hey, give me my phone back!" Manuel interjected.

Furious, Susan would have fought Manuel, were it not for their baby.

Manuel retrieved his phone, explaining, "Don't believe Susan, Hannah. Oscar told me nothing about your situation."

Hannah was skeptical.

"But I mentioned taking a leave of absence," Manuel continued. "Susan had a baby, I have no interest in working. The CEO's managing, but he's not one of us, so I had an idea... you could help at the company..."

"I already refused Oscar."

"But reconsider," Manuel pleaded. "Just do what you're familiar with; it would free up my time."

"Manuel, what are you scheming?" Hannah asked directly.

Manuel rubbed his nose. His cousin had asked him to recruit Hannah; it was a test. He smiled, "You caught me. My cousin asked, but I mainly want more time with Susan and our daughter. I wouldn't force anyone."

Hannah remained resolute, unmoved by his appeal.

"Well, let's get together more often now you're back. See ya."

"See ya."

Hannah hung up, gazing at the approaching streets, her eyes welling. This was her life's accomplishment – she hadn't let her parents repeat their past mistakes.

A car pulled up at Cooper Manor. Hannah suppressed her tears, gazing at the familiar architecture.

She pressed the doorbell. The housekeeper answered.

"Miss, who are you looking for?"

Hannah composed herself. "I'm looking for Mrs. Cooper."

"May I ask your name, Miss?"

Hannah hesitated, then said, "Tell them it's someone significant to Salem Wells."

The housekeeper left.

Michelle emerged with a servant. Hannah understood the power of Salem's name; her mother deeply loved her.

Michelle looked surprised.

"Miss Besse?"

Michelle had almost mistaken her for Hannah before.

"No," Hannah corrected, "I'm not Besse."

Michelle's confusion deepened, seeing the familiar smile, now tinged with tears. Seeing Hannah cry, Michelle felt a pang of emotion; tears welled in her own eyes.

"Mom," Hannah whispered, her voice trembling.

Michelle froze, staring at the woman who, though different in appearance, undeniably felt like her daughter.

Michelle wept. "Hannah," she breathed.

"It's me," Hannah rushed into her mother's arms. "Mom, I'm back!"

Michelle held her close, overcome with emotion. "It's good you're back. I missed you."

She didn't want to know the details; Hannah's safe return was all that mattered.

They cried together before Michelle led Hannah home. Miguel, upon hearing the news, also wept. Hannah had never seen her father cry; she'd always considered him unyielding. Now, seeing his tears, she felt the weight of their reunion.

Despite the hardships, Hannah considered everything worthwhile at this moment of family reconciliation.