Chapter 193: Bridges to Peace

When Hannah returned to the Harrison family estate after so long, she felt like she was on a roller coaster. After getting out, she stood silently by the car. Ashton quickly walked over and held her hand. With a short nod from Ashton, Hannah followed him, and the two entered the large house.

Edward greeted them at the door, but Hannah couldn’t contain her emotions.

“Edward,” Hannah said, holding out her hand. “It’s good to see you.”

Edward took her hand warmly. “Mrs. Hannah, it is good to see you too. And congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Edward shifted his gaze to Ashton and nodded politely. Ashton, who had no memory of Edward, simply returned the gesture. As Alden’s right-hand man, Edward knew Ashton only from childhood.

“Mr. Alden is waiting in the garden, ma’am,” Edward said.

Edward led Hannah and Ashton into the garden. Memories of the past flooded Hannah’s mind, stirring a sadness in her heart. Now she was back here as Ashton’s wife, no longer someone who belonged to Alden.

When they arrived, the sight before her made Hannah’s heartache. Alden was playing with Henry, and they looked so happy. Meanwhile, Victoria sat nearby, sipping her tea and watching over them.

Noticing Hannah and Ashton’s presence, Henry immediately turned his attention to them.

“Mom! Dad!”

Henry ran to them and hugged Hannah and Ashton. Victoria quickly stood up, looking a little nervous. Hannah had already guessed that Victoria had agreed to let Henry stay at the Alden house.

“Henry seems to have enjoyed his time here,” Alden said as he approached them.

“Well, that’s good, but—”

Ashton cut Hannah off. “I hope Henry wasn’t any trouble. Did he sleep well last night?”

“Yes, he slept with me,” Alden replied with a smile. “He slept very soundly.”

Hannah glanced at Ashton briefly, her heart heavy. She wanted to express her disapproval of Alden and Victoria’s actions but decided against it, knowing that it would only escalate the tension. Instead, she chose silence.

“Henry, why don’t you play with Maria for a while?” Hannah suggested.

Watching from a distance, Maria took Henry away from the family gathering. Hannah and Ashton sat down, followed by Alden.

“I apologize for not telling you about Henry’s overnight,” Alden said. “I insisted to M-Mom...”

“There’s no need to dwell on it,” Ashton replied. “I’m glad you’re trying to bond with Henry.”

“I’ll make sure to ask permission next time.”

Hannah remained silent, trying not to seem too harsh. She knew Alden must feel hurt as if she were keeping him away from Henry, even if that wasn’t her intention.

“I may not be able to see Henry as much in the future,” Alden admitted suddenly.

Hannah was startled. Was Alden leaving?

“I have some business to attend to, and I can’t continue to manage things here,” Alden continued. “That is why I wanted to meet with you all today. I want your permission, Ashton, for Hannah to take over Texco.”

“But, Alden...” Hannah’s voice trailed off.

“Goldtime will be run by Mr. Gulfman and Kenneth.”

“Where are you going?” Hannah asked, confused.

“Europe,” Alden replied, clearing his throat. “I’ve been offered a project there that will take a few years to stabilize. So I’d like to leave Texco in your hands, Hannah.”

Hannah shook her head quickly, her face pale. This was different from what she had hoped for. She didn’t want any more involvement in Alden’s business.

“This house doesn’t really belong to me; it also belongs to Ashton. I’ll leave it in your care,” Alden added, avoiding Hannah’s shocked expression.

“Wait, I don’t think we should rush into this,” Ashton replied. “You can’t just hand the company over to Hannah when she’s already busy with her current work.”

“Yes, I don’t know who else to turn it over to,” Alden admitted.

“You could find someone to act as your representative, Alden.”

Alden looked puzzled. He had not expected such a reaction. In truth, Alden had made this decision out of guilt and a desire to make amends. But it seemed that Hannah and Ashton had moved on with their lives and didn’t want to be involved in his.

“I’m sorry, maybe I made the wrong decision,” Alden said.

“Alden, we’re family. If there’s a problem, we’ll help,” Victoria said. “But some things need to be discussed carefully, not hastily.”

“I understand, Mom,” Alden sighed. “But this project is something I can’t pass up. It’s a great opportunity.”

Hannah and Ashton exchanged looks. They couldn’t manage Alden’s company and their own lives at the same time. Ashton, in particular, was dedicated to his work as a doctor and had no interest in jumping into an unfamiliar industry.

“How do you expect to bond with Henry if you run away like this?” Hannah asked bluntly.

Alden looked at her in confusion.

“Look, you can ask Bernard to take over your European duties. He’s more flexible for such a role,” Hannah suggested. “You can continue to run Texco and Goldtime and still make time to get closer to Henry.”

“Hannah...” Ashton started, clearing his throat.

“No, listen to me,” Hannah interrupted. “If you want to chase big opportunities, then you have to be willing to leave everything here behind. But if you want to live the right way, those opportunities will come to you, Alden.”

Alden sat silently for a moment, pondering Hannah’s words. Finally, he nodded, his eyes softening. Alden realized that Hannah was one of the best things that had ever happened to him, even though she was now a part of his past. Still, she gave him the best advice.

“I’ll think about it,” Alden nodded. “Thank you, Hannah.”

“I want you to have a better life, Alden. And Henry needs you as a father. You and Ashton are both Henry’s fathers,” Hannah replied.

“You’re right.” Alden looked at Henry, who was playing with Maria. “He is my future, after all.”

Ashton patted Alden lightly on the back. “Hey, we can work this out, brother. You’re not alone anymore.”

Alden nodded and laughed softly, a tear glistening in his eye. Then he and Ashton embraced, a warm camaraderie filling the air.

“So, where are you two going on your honeymoon?” Alden asked suddenly.

Hannah and Ashton both groaned slightly. “To the hospital.”

“Oh, come on,” Alden laughed again. “You two need some time to yourselves. Who works right after marriage?”

“Ask her,” Ashton said, looking at Victoria. “Mom’s the one who makes us work so hard every day.”

“Oh, you little devil...” Victoria scowled, her face flushing. “How dare you accuse me of that.”

Hannah laughed as she watched Ashton and Victoria playfully bicker. For a moment, her and Ashton’s eyes met, and they exchanged a fleeting glance.

It was more than enough for Hannah. Her life was complete now. No more grudges, no more heartbreak—every problem had been resolved.

It was time to build a future with Ashton and enjoy the peaceful days ahead.