No Sex for Six Years Because of Her? I'm Done novel Chapter 88

**Chapter 88: A Sweet Smile, a Sharp Warning**

As the true matriarch of the family, Grace had always been fiercely protective of Ethan’s reputation and the family’s standing in society. The thought of severing ties with Hannah was a mere flicker in her mind, one she could act on in an instant, despite the affection she once held for her.

The idea that her daughter-in-law might be secretly scheming for a divorce, a scandal that could tarnish their family name? Such a revelation sent shivers down her spine, and no one could predict the lengths she might go to in order to maintain their façade.

After a lavish dinner, the family gravitated towards the living room, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tensions. A large flat-screen television flickered to life, broadcasting a monotonous financial news report that seemed to drain the energy from the room.

A maid glided in, balancing a beautifully arranged platter of fresh fruit, the vibrant colors contrasting sharply with the dullness of the news.

Grace reclined on the plush sofa, her eyes wandering across the room as if she were merely taking in the decor, but her mind was far more engaged than her casual demeanor suggested.

Her gaze landed on Hannah, who was delicately using a silver pick to extract seeds from grapes for Isla. The sight was almost too idyllic, a serene mother nurturing her child, yet it felt like a carefully crafted illusion in Grace’s eyes.

An unsettling thought flickered in Grace’s mind, and without any preamble, she broke the silence that hung heavily in the air.

“Hannah,” she called out, her voice slicing through the stillness.

Hannah, poised to feed a peeled grape to her daughter, abruptly halted and looked up, her expression shifting to one of surprise. “Yes, Grace?” she responded, her voice steady despite the tension.

“You’re still quite young, you know. Have you ever considered the possibility of finding someone new?” Grace inquired, her tone deceptively casual, as if they were merely discussing the weather.

Hannah felt a chill run down her spine. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, betraying her discomfort. She quickly glanced at Ethan, who sat beside her, before letting out a soft, resigned sigh. “If fate brings someone my way, I won’t turn my back on it. But that person must treat Isla with kindness,” she replied, her voice laced with both hope and caution.

“That’s reasonable,” Grace replied, nodding slowly, her expression seemingly supportive. Yet, the shift in her tone was palpable as she continued, “What if I were to introduce you to a few eligible bachelors? Of course, given your circumstances—raising a child—finding a match in a prestigious family like ours might be unrealistic. However, securing a good man with a steady job and strong character, someone who can provide you with a peaceful and stable life, shouldn’t be too difficult.”

Her words dripped with sweetness, yet beneath them lay a venomous undertone. It was an offer cloaked in generosity, but the underlying message was unmistakable: Know your place. Let go of any dreams involving Ethan.

Hannah’s complexion paled, her fingers tightening around the silver pick as if it were a lifeline.

“Mom!” Ethan finally interjected, his patience wearing thin. His brow furrowed deeply, revealing his irritation. “Hannah is capable of making her own decisions. You don’t need to meddle in her life.”

Grace shot him a sharp glare, her annoyance evident. “I’m merely looking out for Hannah, ensuring she doesn’t fall for the wrong person. Otherwise, you’ll be the one complaining that I don’t care about her and treat her like an outsider.”

The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Grace’s facade crumbled, her gentle smile evaporating into thin air.

“Hannah,” she began, her voice now stripped of any pretense. “I won’t deny it. I genuinely liked you once. I truly wanted you as my daughter-in-law.”

“But the circumstances have changed. Ethan is married now. Amelia is his true wife. And you, well, you understand your own situation better than anyone else does.”

Hannah felt a tremor run through her body. She lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting together anxiously, a physical manifestation of her turmoil.

“If you conduct yourself properly,” Grace continued, her tone chilling, “and cease those foolish thoughts about Ethan, I can still look after you and your daughter, out of respect for our past. But let me be clear: if you persist in reaching for what does not belong to you, don’t be surprised when I choose to forget all those years of goodwill.”

Each word she spoke was deliberate, like a dagger aimed at Hannah’s heart, each syllable laden with a threat.

Hannah lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a mixture of hurt and disbelief. “Grace, how could you ever think that of me?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I am truly grateful for everything Ethan has done for us. But I understand the reason behind his kindness. It stems from his friendship with Jack. It’s all about respect, nothing more. I never entertained any other thoughts.”

With deft eloquence, she redirected the blame towards those who were not present, hoping to shift Grace’s perception. “You’ve misunderstood my intentions based on what others might have said. I sincerely hope you don’t let anyone distort the truth and turn you against me.”