Ch. 2501..2510

Chapter 2501Rihanna Jensen gave Hannah Roland a searching look after her confession. Sighing under her breath, she stood up to circle Hannah before coming to stand in front of her. "You look decent, and you're in good shape, too. Sing me a song then," Rihanna urged.Singing was Hannah's forte, a talent her parents had cultivated since she was a kid. They had spent a lot of money on their daughter to enhance her artistic skills. Hannah quickly thought of a song, 'The Brightest Star'. She kept her gaze on the manager and started singing-"Can the brightest star in the night sky hear the one who's looking up and sighing with loneliness?"Oh, can the brightest star in the night sky remember the person who used to be by my side?"I pray for a vulnerable heart and eyes that are capable of tears."Give me the courage to believe and embrace you through the lies."She sang every line and word with genuine passion.Her voice was beautiful and powerful, like the voice of an angel.Rihanna was mesmerized by her singing, feeling like she was looking at a future singing sensation.She clapped enthusiastically after the song ended. "Well done! You have the voice of an angel. I've heard so many professional singers for the job, yet you're still the best among them." Hannah smiled in pleasure when she heard her. "That's too kind of you. Do I have a chance at the job?""Of course! You're pretty and can sing well. I like you. We'll pay you three thousand dollars per show in the evening. Normally, our singers perform three shows each night." Hannah was overjoyed and relieved at the same time. "Can I please make a request?" she asked hesitantly."Go ahead.""My mother has brain cancer and needs a lot of money to start the treatment. Can we sign a contract so that I can get half a year's salary in advance? I'll commit toel.fperforming three shows a night for half a year, and I won't miss a single show, no matter rain or shine."We need a lot of money for the surgery," Hannah confided softly after her lengthy explanation for her request.She seemed desperate for money.Rihanna considered it for a while. "You'd be earning nine thousand dollars for three shows a day. In a month, that's at least 270,000! In six months, the total comes up to 1,620,000. You're very new, and don't even know you. How could I give you that much money? Why do you think you deserve my trust?""I think I deserve it because I can bring in huge crowds," she replied with determination.The pretty manager raised her brows and stared at her for a few seconds. "You're pretty confident.""I'm capable of becoming aprofessional singer," she replied calmly. "If become famous one day,I promise I won't ask for a raise, andI won't leave for better offers. Iwork for you until you don't need me anymore."You can include these terms in the contract. If I change my mind, you can claim some compensation for it. You get to decide on the compensation sum, too." Hannah genuinely wanted this deal to work out.Moreover, she meant every word she said from the bottom of her heart.Rihanna nodded satisfactorily after hearing this. She then looked searchingly at the young lady again. "All right, I accept your offer."Hannah didn't expect her new boss to agree with her request this quickly. She was pleasantly surprised. "Really?"Rihanna nodded."Aren't you afraid I might be a con artist? What made you agree so soon?"Chapter 2502"Firstly, you don't look like a con artist. I believe I can trust you. Secondly, you're very loyal to your parents. People like you have good character. You don't break your promises easily. "Thirdly, you seem confident, and I like confident people. I've never met anyone who would dare to say they can bring in huge crowds as soon as they walk in here," Rihanna Jensen said. She admired this gentle-looking and pretty girl. She sensed a lot of potential in Hannah Roland."Thank you, thank you," Hannah expressed gratefully while repeatedly shaking her hand.Rihanna was her savior.Getting the money in advance meant her mother could get her illness treated.The pretty manager smiled and stopped her. "All right, all right. Let's not get carried away. I'm only paying your salary in advance. I'm not donating the money to you. You don't have to thank me like this." Hannah shook her head at that. "No, that's a huge deal already. Nobody else would be willing to do that. After all, I'm a complete stranger to you."Rihanna chuckled. "Don't worry. We'll protect you as long as you're working for us as a singer. Our singers aren't required to drink or socialize with customers. You can get off the stage as soon as you're done singing." She nodded. "Okay, I understand. I used to come here frequently."The manager was shocked. "You did? You come from a wealthy family?"Customers spent at least several hundred thousand dollars on average at the bar.She nodded again. "Yeah, my family used to be rich, but that's no longer the case.""All right. In that case, come over to sign the employment contract tomorrow. You can start working right away," Rihanna told her. "I'let transfer the money to you once you sign the contract. You can pay for your mother's treatment without worries."Hannah felt warm in her heart. "Thank you! Honestly, thank you.""Don't worry about it. You can leave now. I've still got work to do," Rihanna said.She nodded in understanding, shaking her manager's hand again before leaving the office.She felt so at ease the moment she left.She no longer had to worry about finances for her mother's treatment. She was grateful that her parents cultivated her talent in singing which enabled her to utilize it now at a crucial moment to save her mother's life.Now, she couldn't wait to share the news with her mother.Hannah hastened her footsteps, hurrying out of the bar with this thought in mind, and took the bus home. She practically jogged home after getting down at her stop to find her mother watching the television in the hall. Although they lived in a shabby environment, it was kept spotless. As a result, it looked like a comfortable place to live in.She her med forward and hugged saw her. "Mom, I've got enoug y for your treatmentChapter 2503Hannah Roland's mother was surprised at her words. "How? Where did you get the money?"Her mother was quick to push her away. "Hurry up and tell me!"She seemed worried that her daughter would do something bad for her sake.Hannah knew in an instant what her mother was thinking."Mom, don't worry. I earned this money the proper way," she assured her."I borrowed it from a good friend. I'm sure you know her. We used to sit next to each other until she transferred to another school during the second semester of our junior year. Her name is Celine Belfast."I got in touch with her today and told her everything. She said she'd lend me the money after listening to what I said."She has a lot of money saved up, and it's enough for your treatment. However, it's on the condition that I must return the money, which I will."Her family owns a property company, and they are hiring a sales personnel. I'll be working there to repay my debt," she explained.She had to lie. Although she was going to work at a decent bar, it was still a night shift job. That wasn't a proper job for her parents with traditional mindsets.Hence, her mother didn't have to know about the details. If she did, she'd come up with all sorts of excuses.First of all, her mother woulddisagree. In her opinion, people fromcomplicated backgroundsfrequented such bars. Girls weren't safe in places like that.Then, she would argue with her daughter and even force her to quit thinking about working in a bar.All Hannah's efforts would go to waste.To prevent that from happening, she had no choice but to lie.Her mother seemed surprised. "Are you serious? Hannah, I don't agree with this."“Yeah, I'm serious," she nodded. "Why would I lie to you? I'll have to work for her family for a very long time without a salary, but that's not important compared to your life."Why would you disagree, Mom?" she added.IMSHer mother had a look of guilt in her eyes. "It's a lot of money we're talking about here. When will you ever get to stop working? I might not even be cured if I receive treatment for my cancer."Wouldn't it all be a waste if I still end up dead after spending all that money?"Even if I do survive it, it still won't do. My life shouldn't be exchanged with your freedom," her mother added.Chapter 2504Hannah Roland's mother was touched by what she heard, but she also felt deeply remorseful.She regretted telling Hannah about her circumstances.She hadn't thought things through, she felt.If she hadn't said anything and just died quietly on her own, Hannah wouldn't have been like this.She broke down crying the next second, shaking her head repeatedly and murmuring as she cried. "Hannah, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I'm useless. Please don't do this, Hannah, okay?Nevertheless, Hannah had a determined look in her eyes. "All right, stop talking about this. I've already made up my mind. Besides, the money is in my account already, and I've also signed the contract. It's not something I can regret and change my mind on. "The compensation I have to pay for terminating the contract goes up to several million dollars. Do you think I can afford to break it?" Hannah asked, continuing to lie to stop her mother from going on."Give me your friend's phone number. I'll try to convince her. I can't accept this," her mother insisted."It's already been decided! Listen to me, Mom," she said in frustration."But I don't want you to lose your freedom.""It's fine. You're more important to me," she countered. "Alright, let's not dwell on it. Even if you try talking to her, she won't listen to you if I don't agree with your decision."Her mother broke down crying again. She knew she had raised a wonderful daughter. In fact, Hannah was the best daughter in the world.Nobody else could treat her better than her daughter.Her mother could only shake her head helplessly."I have to look after her sickly father in the evenings, too. It's part of the contract for my repayment," Hannah added.Her mother felt even more sorry for her daughter now. "What? You even have to do that?"She nodded, thinking that it was the perfect excuse to go out in the evenings."Her father is ill and can't even look after himself. That's why somebody needs to look after him round the clock."They've found a helper, but the family members don't have time to be at home in the evenings. That's why they're hoping someone trustworthy can stay around to supervise the helper. "My friend can't trust other people, so she wanted me to be there to supervise the helper."I was the one who volunteered after some consideration. If I only take the sales personnel job, it would take too long to repay the debt.That's why I'm also taking thepart-time job in the evening netI beworking until two or three in the morning before I head home," she explained lengthily.Her mother felt her heart aching. "Do you have a death wish?""I'm still young. I've got the energy. It's nothing," she said, shaking her head. "Someone is looking after her father during the day, so it's mainly in the evenings that I'm needed."Honestly, I'm supposed to look after him all night long, but she knows that I would be working the next day. That's why I'm only required untiltwo or three in the morning.Occasionally, it might be laterer?That was the only way her mother wouldn't worry when she had to come home late after singing at the bar in the evenings.When the time came, Hannah would pretend to go to work during the day and then wait until the evening to head to the bar."She knows that I need to accompany you to the hospital soon. That's why I only have to go in the evenings and go home around two to three in the mornings," she added.Chapter 2505"Do you have to do this, Hannah?" Hannah Roland's mother asked.She nodded.She had to do this..Her mother reluctantly nodded after seeing how determined her daughter was, even though she felt deeply heartbroken.All parents wanted to provide their children with a stable and peaceful life. No parent would want their children to suffer like this.She felt so guilty that she wanted to kill herself.Hannah could tell exactly how her mother felt. She pulled her into her embrace carefully."Don't be like that, Mom," she mumbled. "I know what you're thinking, so stop overthinking it. Getting your health back is more important. We have money for the medical treatment now. Do you think we should tell Dad and my brother?" She hesitated for a moment and then added, "My thought is not to tell them at all."After much pondering, she felt that her father and brother would only worry if they found out.Nothing would change the circumstances anyway.Since she had already taken up the financial responsibilities, she might as well handle the rest herself. Initially, she did consider telling the family about all this because she believed they had the right to know. However, perhaps it was better if they didn't find out now.Her mother's frown deepened. "We can't tell them. I don't want them to worry after finding out."Hannah nodded. "I think so, too. It's decided then. We won't tell them.""Hannah, I'm sorry for everything you have to go through," her mother sighed. "My darling daughter.""Don't worry about it, Mom. Focus on getting well. I'm here for you."Her words made her mother feel warm in her heart. Her daughter was her only support system right now, offering a ray of hope during her darkest times."Hannah, thank you," her mothersaid sincerely. "And I'm sorry that your father and I are such useless parents that we couldn't give you the good life you deserve."Hannah's peers of the same age were all studying in a carefree manner, but she was the only one who had to go through so many hardships for her parents' sake. She had to quit school because of her father's health, and now she had to find a job because of her mother's health.In fact, she had to work day and night.Her mother truly felt that she had failed as a mother.If she had a chance in the future, she would certainly try to repay her daughter's kindness.Hannah just shook her head firmly. "Mom, a lot of things are decided by fate. It's not what you and Dad did We can only do our best despite what cards we're dealt in life. Don't worry about what's beyond our control."Besides, it doesn't mean thingswon't get better just because life is currently horrendous. I won't accept fate.change things for the betterfor our family with my abilities."Not only will I ensure that you recover, but I also want to restore our family's pride,” she said confidently.Hannah knew the money she would earn from singing would be more than enough to cover her mother's medical treatment.She would use the rest to start a small business if she had any money left.She believed in herself, though she hadn't thought about what to do with the money yet.Her mother was pleased to hear what she said. "Hannah, you're such a good girl."Chapter 2506Hannah Roland smiled without saying anything.***Hannah arrived at the bar where she worked at seven o'clock the next evening and walked into Rihanna Jensen's office.Rihanna was going through paperwork in her office. When she saw Hannah, she immediately stood up and smiled at her. "Hannah, you're here...""Here's the contract..." Rihanna said before pushing a thick stack of paper to the center of the table.Hannah quickly stepped forward and skimmed through the document. She then picked up a pen and signed it...Rihanna smiled upon seeing this. "Okay... I'll transfer the money into your account tonight... I've told our big boss about your situation. He's fine with my decision to pay your salary in advance. In fact, he even told me I did a good job..." "He said you can sing without worrying about a single thing... If you need any help in the future, do let us know..." Rihanna added.Hannah felt glad when she heard this, and became teary-eyed. "Thank you... Please thank our big boss for me too. I'd like to thank him in person if I ever get the chance..."Rihanna chuckled. "Don't worry about it... He said helping people in need is his calling. Besides, you probably won't get the chance to see our big boss...""He's an influential man with a busy schedule. He wouldn't have time to come to a small bar like ours," Rihanna added.Hannah immediately became curious. "Who is our big boss?"Hannah always knew that this bar was owned by a big shot, but she never knew who exactly it was...Rihanna laughed. "This isn't what you should be trying to find out. You only have to focus on performing well on the job... The best way to thank our big boss is to be serious about your work by making our bar popular..." Hannah nodded.She didn't ask further despite really wanting to find out who exactly the big boss was.That's because she wanted to remember that person. She'd never forget someone like him whooffered a helping hand during her ettoughest times... She wanted to repay the kindness in the future, as her parents taught her the importance of being grateful.Seeing how obedient Hannah was, Rihanna couldn't resist ruffling her hair affectionately. "Alright... Come with me. take you to the backstage dressing room. A professional makeup artist will be doing your makeup.... It'll take about an hour. You'll be going on stage in an hour for your performance..."Hannah nodded."What have you prepared for the show today?" Rihanna asked."A few ballads... I need a guitar. Do we have one here?" Hannah asked with a smile.Rihanna nodded. "Of course."With that, Rihanna affectionately held Hannah's hand and led her to the backstage dressing room.In the stand-alone dressing room, a young woman was standing inside.Hannah guessed she was probably the makeup artist.There were a variety of outfits in the dressing room. There were also cosmetic products and skincare products from various brands on the dressing table...This wasn't what Hannah expected at all. She imagined having to share the dressing room with many people. The treatment she was receiving made her feel almost like a celebrity...Hannah looked at Rihanna with a shocked expression on her face. "Does everyone get their own dressing room here?"Rihanna smiled without answering her. She directly looked at Hannah. "Alright. Get your makeup done. I'll inform you when it's your turn..."Hannah nodded, then Rihanna directly left after that...Once Rihanna was gone, the youngwoman in the dressing room quickly stepped forward and extended a hand to Hannah. "Hello, nice to meet you. I'm your makeup artist... My name is Lina Cohen. Just call me Lina... I'll be your personal makeup artist from now on..."Chapter 2507Hannah Roland smiled politely at Lina Cohen. "Nice to meet you... Thank you in advance!""No problem... Do let me know if there's anything you don't like about your makeup too," Lina said.Hannah nodded. "Okay, sure...""By the way... Do all the signers here get such good treatment? I'm surprised we're even assigned our own makeup artists," Hannah asked carefully as she wasn't aware about things like these.. However, Lina smiled without answering Hannah's question directly. She held Hannah's hand casually the next second, "Come here. I'll start doing your makeup now..." Hannah nodded...Lina was a very professional makeup artist. She took an hour to finish Hannah's makeup.An hour later, Hannah's appearance transformed completely.Lina permed Hannah's long, black hair into natural-looking curls.Hannah had intricate peach-colored makeup on her face which made her appear lively and youthful.Once Lina was done with Hannah's makeup, she happily retrieved a long, white dress from a clothes stand and handed it to Hannah..."Hannah... Try this on... I'm sure it'll look good on you..." Lina said.Hannah directly entered the fitting room with the dress upon hearing this. Her look transformed completely yet again when she walked out in the dress.At this moment, she seemed much more beautiful than before, giving off a different aura. At first glance, she was almost like a fairy...Lina gave Hannah the thumbs up when she saw this.Lina seemed stunned by Hannah's beauty. "Amazing... I've seen countless beautiful people, but you're the most beautiful person among them all..."While speaking, Lina excitedly pulled Hannah over to a full-length mirror.The mirror, which was engraved with gold and diamonds around the edges, reflected Hannah's appearance.Hannah was extremely pleased with her look. She instantly praised Lina. "Lina, you're awesome... It's a shame that a great makeup artist like you has to stay in a place like this... I think you should be doing makeup for celebrities in the entertainment industry... I'm sure you can become a famous makeup artist..."Lina chuckled when she heard this. "The entertainment industry isn't an easy environment to work in..."With that, Lina sat Hannah down on a white leather couch nearby. "I really like the way you look..."Hannah smiled. "Thank you... You're very pretty too. I like your looks too.""I'm nothing compared to you... What are you going to sing later?" Lina asked."Hmm... I'm singing three songs. They're all oldies..." Hannah said."What are they?" Lina asked."Hmm... There's Blue and White Porcelain, Encounter, and At That Time..." Hannah answered. "Hmm... I like all three songs... The last song has been very popular on social media lately..." Lina said.Hannah nodded...After briefly chatting with Lina, it was time for Hannah to perform.Feeling nervous, Hannah began walking onto the brightly lit stage while everyone watched...Soon, the music began playing...The musicians played according to Hannah's specifications for the songs.The first song she sang was At That Time...Once the music began playing, Hannah started singing along.As her voice was as beautiful as her looks, she instantly became the center of attention.Everyone focused their gazes on her...When she reached the climax of the song, everyone in the bar sang along- "The pouring red rain evokes memories, leaving me nowhere to hide.""Your eyes are as beautiful as before, and love flows in my heart.""Our last meeting by the ferry symbolizes the end for us.""If I think of it as the first time we met, there's no reason to feel sad about parting ways."Meanwhile, the entire bar became lively because of Hannah...Once she finished singing, there was a thunderous applause.Hannah began to relax.She bowed deeply to the audience.Right then, the music to Blue and White Porcelain began playing...Hannah once again sang along to the tune...Due to her relaxed state, she seemed very confident, and shone even more brightly.By only singing two songs, Hannah had won herself countless admirers...When the song ended, there was thunderous applause yet again.Meanwhile, those men began asking for more— ""Encore...""Encore...""Hey beautiful, what's your name?""Encore... Encore..."Initially, the three songs weren't meant to be sung consecutively...Hannah had planned to take a break after singing the first two songs... However, the audience was too passionate.She bowed deeply to the audience to gratitude, then gave show here musicians a nod to inform thThe continue playing...In the next second, the music to Encounter began playing.Hannah started singing along to the music again- "I hear winter leaving. Waking up in a certain month of a certain year.""I think of, I wait, and I hope for something that might not happen in the future.""On a cloudy evening, perhaps someone's waiting for me outside the car.""Looking left, right, and forward, how many turns do I have to make before love finally arrives?""Who will I encounter? What will we talk about?""How far away is the person I'm waiting for?""I hear the wind from the subway through the crowds.""I'm waiting in line for romance."***When the song ended, the audience's cheering and clapping drowned out everything else...Hannah bowed deeply to everyone in the audience once again.She then turned around and walked off the stage...After singing three songs, Hannah's performing gig for the day was over.It all happened much faster than she imagined.Even after she walked off the stage, the audience still didn't stop cheering."Encore... Encore..." Countless people screamed.As soon as Hannah arrived backstage, she saw Rihanna standing there with a smile on her face.Rihanna gave Hannah the thumbs up.did Ou were amazing. I think you better than when during the interview..." Conus belongs to en.kikistoriang "You're too kind..." Hannah said shyly."I'm only speaking the truth... This is the first time I've seen a singer being SO Ribar with the crowd..."Rihanna said.Hannah smiled shyly yet again. She didn't know what to say."Alright. Go home and rest. We'll continue tomorrow, okay?" Rihanna asked.Hannah nodded.Right then, somebody suddenly opened the door to the dressing room.Chapter 2508A handsome waiter quickly walked in and looked at Rihanna. "Ms. Jensen, Mr. Gray out there insists that Hannah should get on stage to sing another song. I told him that Hannah would only sing three songs today..." "He lost his temper and claimed he'd destroy our bar if Hannah refuses to sing another song..." The waiter added. He was visibly trembling by the end of the sentence.Hannah figured Mr. Gray was probably the only son of the new mayor of Atlantis there weren't many people with Gray as their surname in Atlantis. There were even less people who were arrogant like him. He was the only one. Hannah had heard about how terrible this person could be. He was known to be a womanizer too.Due to his powerful background, he looked down on everyone else. He didn't respect women at all... Moreover, he had a relatively cruel personality. One could almost describe him as being a pervert.There was once when an owner of a bar offended a female internet celebrity he was dating. He directly hired someone to cut the bar owner's hands off and even hired people to burn the bar down.All in all, he wasn't someone people could afford to offend...Hannah immediately looked at the waiter when she heard this. "I'll sing for him."Hannah didn't want Rihanna or the bar to get into trouble with such a cruel person because of herself. If anything bad happened to the bar or Rihanna, she would feel terribly guilty. Rihanna and the bar's owner were very good to her so she felt indebted to them. Rihanna grabbed Hannah's hand tightly after hearing this. "You've sung three songs in a row. You're already very tired...""If you sing another song, I'm afraid your vocal chords can't handle it..."Besides, there's something else... You probably know who Mr. Gray is... He's Raymond Gray, a terrible person..."He's clearly set his eyes upon you now. If you go out there, I'm afraid he might ask for more..." Rihanna explained.Rihanna had been working in this bar for many years. She knew all too well how nasty men in places like this could behave...If Hannah really did sing Raymond Gray another song, he might continue making other requests."But if I don't go out, he'd definitelyfeel offended. Not only will I be im trouble, but you and the entire bar will be in trouble too...belongs to en.kikiston"I know how awful that person can be..."He's a pervert. A lunatic too," Hannah said softly."Don't worry about this... Anyway, just don't go out there. Our big boss and I will handle it," Rihanna said.With that, Rihanna held Hannah's hand tightly again. "Alright. Your time is up now. You should be going home," Rihanna said.Hannah had a worried look in her eyes. "Can I really?""Yes... Go. Leave everything to me. I'll deal with this shameless man," Rihanna said.Hannah felt even more worried. "What if you can't?"However, Rihanna had a determined expression on her face. "There isn't anyone in this world I can't deal with. Hurry up and leave. If you stay, it'll only cause me more troubleHowever, Hannah still hesitated. She didn't know if leaving was the right thing to do, and she was genuinely worried about Rihanna.Rihanna immediately looked at the waiter. "Quick. Take Hannah away."The waiter nodded respectfully. He then pulled Hannah by her elbow and forcefully escorted her out...***When Hannah walked out of the bar, she could see traffic lights and many Cars on the road. Even al netnight, Atlantis still seemed lively.Chapter 2509Although the sun had long sunk beneath the horizons and darkness had set in, the lively city wasn't about to be silent anytime soon. Hannah felt deeply unsettled, so much that she didn't leave right away.Instead, she waited in front of the bar, filled with hesitance and anxiety.Should she really leave?Would Rihanna truly be able to sort things out?The man was Raymond Gray... Neither Rihanna nor the bar could afford to upset him, lest they face terrible repercussions.Hannah remained standing on the same spot, uncertain. She really didn't know what to do.Finally, she came to a decision. She took out her phone and tapped open a ride-hailing application on her phone.Yet just as she did that, she instantly closed it. Afterwards, she began pacing back and forth in worried circles, going to and fro aimlessly.Right as she was trapped in her worried musings, a group of people exited the bar. Raymond Gray, dressed in black, sporty attire, led all of them in a flamboyant manner. Despite his stunningly good looks, one could tell he was a womanizer with just a single glance at him.As he walked, several bodyguards trailed faithfully after him from behind.With the grandiose way he carried himself and the eye-catching bodyguards, Raymond gave off an imposing air that intimidated many from approaching him.When his eyes fell on the pacing Hannah, he instantly stopped in his tracks. Then, he shot forward and grabbed her roughly by the arm."They told me you had food-poisoning and were admitted to the hospital. What's going on? Why are you loitering around here?" Raymond demanded coldly.Rihanna had personally come to him and went out of her way to tell him that Hannah had food-poisoning. Rihanna also added that Hannah was sent to the hospital right after she finished singing. Yet here Hannah was, looking perfectly fine. Raymond's realization was immediate. He had been lied to!Hannah was startled, eyes widened in shock.She didn't expect Raymond to leave the bar soon...! She could easily guess what his words implied.Rihanna had probably lied to him and said that she, Hannah, suddenly had food-poisoning and had to be admitted into the hospital... In spite of that, Raymond found Hannah standing here.Rihanna's lie had been exposed, and Hannah had also inadvertently exposed herself.Regret washed over Hannah. Had she known any better, she wouldn't have dwelled in her worries and left this place as quickly as possible. She shouldn't have hesitated so much. If only she took action! However, it was all too late.In the next second, a thoughtsuddenly occurred to Hannah. She quickly bent over and clutched her stomach tightly with her hands, making show of agony. In a weak voice, she groaned, "Yes, Mr. Gray... I do have food-poisoning. Mystomach's aching terribly right now. I wanted to go to the hospital, but I couldn't get a ride at all... That's why I've been standing here. I was waiting for a ride...""I left right after I finished singing. Ms. Jensen probably thought I had already found a ride and was on my way to the hospital. That's why she told you all those things..." Hannah continued, explaining everything as best as she could.This was the only way she could salvage the situation.It was the only way to ensure Rihanna wouldn't be dragged into the mess Hannah had made.Unfortunately, her explanation fell on deaf ears. Raymond refused to believe her. Clearly, this was also a lie.Raymond didn't make it obvious thathe'd seen through Hannah's lie. Instead, he sneered and carried Hannah. “Alright. If that's the case, happen to have a car. I'll send you to the hospital. Isn't your stomach aching? You probably can't walk, can you? That's fine. I'll carry you. What do you say?"Hannah's heart pounded rapidly at his unexpected suggestion. She couldn't think straight.She forced herself to take a deep breath and tried her best to calm down. With a careful glance at him, she said slowly, "No, it's fine. I can walk on my own, Mr. Gray. I don't want to cause you any trouble. Please get home and have a good rest."Raymond's eyes flashed with a sinister glimmer. Before Hannah could react, he threw her violently to the ground.Chapter 2510Terrible pain ached at every part of Hannah's body as she collided with the cold, hard ground.The pain was such that all her bones felt close to breaking.Everywhere hurt badly.At that moment, Hannah felt like a fragile doll made of clay that had been forcefully slammed hard against the ground until it broke into small pieces. Her mind went blank from the stinging agony.She braced herself and looked at the cold eyes staring back at her, filled with terror. Stammering, she asked, "Mr. Gray... What is the meaning of this?" "What's the meaning of this? Ha! Don't you know what's good for you? You dumb b*tch... You're lucky that I set my sights on you!""How dare you refuse my feelings! Not just that, but you even made up a story to deceive me!""Even when you saw me, you tried to trick me again!""Do you think I'm stupid? That I can't think? Do you honestly think I'd fall for your lies again and again?" Raymond went, his tone steadily rising into a furious roar.He then got on one knee and yanked Hannah up from the ground, forcefully pinning her into a sitting position.His hands made their way to her jaw, and he pinched her chin roughly."You're lucky to have my attention! Follow me to the hotel." Without bothering to wait for her response, he picked her up and stood.Hannah struggled to free herself from him, but her entire body would ache whenever she tried.She tried to put the pain aside, and gave her all to wriggle out of Raymond's grasp.She knew full well the tragedy that awaited her if she failed to run.But no matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't break free from him. His hands and arms seemed like iron pincers that kept her from moving."If you don't stop struggling, I'll toss you to the middle of the road and let a car run over you!" Raymond threatened, his voice chilly.If it was another person saying such things, Hannah would assume he or she were only trying to scare her.However, this was Raymond. He wasn't like any other person.Hannah dared not doubt his threat.Everyone in Atlantis knew how cruel and merciless this man was.Thus, Hannah no longer dared to move.She looked at Raymond with a pleading gaze. "Sorry. I'm really sorry, Mr. Gray. I won't do it again. Please let me go, Mr. Gray...""I-I'm only a student..." Hannah added, hoping she could deter him."That's great! I love students." On the contrary, the fact excited Raymond even more.He swiftly carried Hannah to his black BMW.At this, Hannah subconsciously began to struggle again. "Help! Help!" she screamed, desperate."Do you think anyone will save you?""Even if you scream until your voice cracks, nobody's going to care!" Raymond said arrogantly, his tone smug.All around them, many eyes witnessed Raymond taking Hannah to his care, but no one dared tostand up for her and geBAUMSEveryone was simply watching mutely. Nothing more, nothing less.They didn't have the courage to get close to Raymond."Let go of her!"Just then, the roar of a cold yet familiar voice rang crisply in Hannah's ears, piercing the silence.The voice was like a ray of hope in the darkness, pulling her from the abyss.Suddenly, Hannah's entire world seemed to light up.She turned and looked at the direction of the voice.The handsome face she thought of every day and night soon entered her line of sight.Leon Batton was on his way towards her, marching imposingly with a group of men in black following loyally. Dressed in a white shirt, a pair of light-blue jeans, and white sneakers, he appeared both dashing and formidable.He carried himself in such an imposing manner that one might easily mistake him as the leader of a mafia gang. Upon seeing Leon, Hannah immediately felt a tingling sensation spreading in her chest."Who the hell are you, kid? How dare you tell me what to do?!" Raymond livid, narrowing his eyesgly at Leon.belongs to en.kikis"Believe it or not, I can get you killed in seconds," he added for good measure."If you're a smart guy, you better turntail and get lost right away. I'm Raymond Gray!" Raymondannounced, not at all perturbed by Leon's intimidating gait.However, Leon remained silent and slowly walked up to Raymond.Then, he signaled to the men behind him with a simple wave.