Chapter 334

With Raymond and Margaret's thirtieth anniversary drawing near, Claude paid a visit to Hannah's house,a detailed event proposal in hand. He explained every part of the celebration, laying out his plans while both Raymond and Margaret listened closely,nodding along, clearly pleased.

As the conversation wound down, Claude's voice took on a subtle note of nervousness and a hint of probing. "Dad, Mom, there's something I want to ask you both. Do you have any thoughts about the kind of person you hope Hannah ends up with?"

Margaret hesitated for a moment and then laughed it off. "Oh, please, what expectations could we possibly have? If Hannah's happy with him, that's all that matters."

But Raymond's brows drew together, his to ne turning more serious. "You can't put it that simply. It isn't aid memonias seemad to trauble him,and a shadow flickened across his face. "Think about that boy Vincerh Hanmah cared so much for him, but what did she get back? Nathing but heartache and muπi往句门心”

Vimcent's name wiped the smile from Margaret's face. She gave a gentle but firm nod. "Raymond is mght Lowe isn't the only thing-it takes character,reall kimdness, and treating our daughter the way she deseres to be treated."

A. quiet, steady breath filled Claude's chest as he fround the courage to go on. "So what do you think altyout me?

"wat"Margaret and Raymond blurted out, caught of guard. Their eyes darted to each other-they Fiairdn't seen that coming.

With a callm but unwavering gaze, Claude looked at Poiii of thuern, g've loved Hannah for years. I want to

spend my life with her-to give her the care, the safety, and the affection she deserves every single day."

Not a sound stirred in the living room.

Hoping to ease the tension, Claude's features softened, and a hint of uncertainty colored his voice."Are you displeased with me? Or do you think I'm not right for her?"

Margaret shook her head quickly and raised her hands in reassurance. "That's not it, not at all! You've always been outstanding-reliable and thoughtful.It's just that we are afraid Hannah doesn't feel that way about you."

"Ah, I see." Claude picked up immediately, his tone turning warm. "Actually, Hannah and I are already together. She asked me to keep it quiet for now because she didn't want to spring it on you all of a sudden. She was waiting for the right moment to share it."

His mouth curled into a calculatedly sheepish,

slightly apologetic smile as he waited for their reaction.

Shock flickered in both Raymond's and Margaret's eyes as they locked gazes once more. Was it really true? Could Hannah and Claude actually be a couple?

Softness filled Claude's demeanor as he begged quietly, "I'd appreciate it if you could keep this between us for now. Hannah's just not ready to tell you herself."

A silent understanding passed between Margaret and Raymond before they gave a slow, mutual nod.

Margaret promised gently, "We get it. Our lips are sealed, at least for the time being."

Pure delight broke across Claude's face when he spoke again, finally revealing his true intention."Once the anniversary celebration is over, I'm planning to propose to Hannah-right there, with all the people who matter most watching." That idea was the centerpiece of his plan. He trusted that, surrounded by loved ones, Hannah would not refuse.

Naturally, Margaret and Raymond were thrilled.

Raymond spoke up, his voice filled with approval."Honestly, we've always wished for Hannah to find happiness and settle down."

Just then, a sudden click from the front hall announced someone's arrival.

Returning from work, Hannah slipped off her shoes and stepped into the living room. Her eyes went straight to her parents' bright expressions-and then to Claude, who looked just as pleased. She blinked in surprise at the sight. "Oh, Claude, you're here?" she said, her words casual and familiar. "Why do you all look so cheerful?"

Quick to his feet, Claude crossed the room, gently reached for her hand, and guided her over to the couch so she could join him. "We were waiting on you, actually," he said, his tone gentle andaffectionate.

Holding up the proposal binder for her to see, he added with pride, "Take a look-this is the plan l made for your parents' anniversary. Your dad was just saying he really likes it. Tell me what you think."

Hannah accepted the folder and leafed through the pages. "You really put thought into this. The place you picked is perfect..."

From across the room, Margaret and Raymond shared a knowing glance. Soon after, they quietly left to give the two some space.

Over the next several days, Hannah plunged into her work, determined to pull off the merger of Nova Tech and Polaris Tech.

Meanwhile, her parents' anniversary plans moved forward bit by bit.

Raymond and Margaret, hoping to take some of the weight off Hannah's shoulders, offered to lend a hand. They asked Claude for the address of the venue,planning to handle some errands themselves.

But no one expected what happened next. On their way out, tragedy struck when Raymond and Margaret were involved in a terrible car crash.

No one could get through to Hannah-her phone only rang and went straight to voicemail.