Even George River was shocked at this.
Hannah was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained her composure. While George was still dazed, she took the opportunity to shrug off his hand and tried to leave.
But George persisted, detaining her to inquire further. But as the words reached his lips and he saw her reddened eyes, he softened, "What's your relationship with Arnold Simmons?"
"What relationship?" Hannah replied with a bitter smile. "George, do you see me, Hannah Winter, as a cuscuta chinensis, a woman who relies on men for survival?"
Her voice was gentle, yet her words were forceful, leaving a bad taste in George's mouth.
He wanted to say that he never thought of her like that, but his pride held him back and he remained silent.
Seeing that he said nothing, Hannah gave in to despair. "Yes, it was Arnold Simmons who came to see me. What's our relationship? I was able to be with you, George River, for two years; I could do the same with other men."