Chapter 1002: A Private Villa

Manuel was unsure of Susan's thoughts. He assumed they would go to court, unless he was being heartless. He nodded, agreeing, "Okay."

Susan, satisfied with his answer, reluctantly conceded. "Okay then, let Minerva be smug for a few more days!"

"Let's go," Manuel said, carefully holding Susan to prevent her from bumping into anything. Besse followed, enjoying their presence and even envying their dynamic, despite their frequent bickering.

They returned to the garage, where the black car remained. Besse hesitated, remembering her recent argument with Oscar. She admitted to losing her temper after Phantom's accusation, especially given Oscar's efforts on her behalf. However, with Susan and Manuel's arrival, she realized Oscar had waited for Susan to expose Minerva together. She wasn't sure how he'd help, but Susan's confidence suggested a plan to clear her name.

Besse had misunderstood Oscar and intentionally hurt him, though she regretted nothing; there were no feelings between them. Her actions were solely aimed at distancing themselves without unfairly harming Doyle.

As Besse considered whether to enter Oscar's car, it sped off, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions. She contemplated finding temporary lodging in the Capital until things calmed down, figuring such places would be readily available in a large city.

Just then, Susan called from inside their car, "Besse, come on, get in!"

Besse, standing alone, was bewildered by Susan's friendly yet presumptuous demeanor. Despite the unexpected familiarity, she felt no offense.

"Get in," Susan repeated invitingly.

Besse, unable to resist Susan's enthusiasm, entered the car.

"Besse, Oscar called Manuel; your case goes to court within a week," Susan informed her.

Besse was skeptical.

"Oscar said you want to leave Northfield, right?" Susan asked.

Besse nodded. "Yes, I want to go home."

"I understand. Even though you're not Hannah, I still feel sad," Susan sighed. "But I understand wanting to go home."

Besse smiled in reply. Susan’s easygoing nature and comforting words provided Besse much-needed solace.

"Where are we going now?" Besse asked.

"Don't you know?" Susan exclaimed, surprised. "Oscar's taking you to his private residence in the Capital."

Besse frowned.

"Not where you stayed last time. Oscar said it wasn't comfortable, so he arranged a villa. It's owned by him, with only a few servants; don't worry about feeling constrained."

"Thank you," Besse replied politely.

"You should thank Oscar... but never mind, don't thank him—he has ulterior motives..."

"Ahem!" Manuel interrupted.

Besse laughed, contemplating the messes her personality would create for Manuel.

Susan ignored Manuel, saying to Besse, "I'll live with you there for the next few days."

Both Besse and Manuel were surprised.

"I only promised to go to court..." Manuel protested.

"Besse's unfamiliar with the Capital and needs someone. Don't stop me, or I'll jump rope!"

Besse chuckled at their exchange.

"I'll stay with you," Manuel offered.

"Are you going to live with two women? Isn't that inconvenient?" Susan refused.

Manuel was frustrated; his compromises only worsened the situation.

"Go stay with your cousin. I'll live alone with Besse," Susan declared.

"Susan!" Manuel protested.

"I know how to take care of myself. If you're worried, hire more servants. This is how it's going to be," Susan stated firmly.

Manuel, furious, remained silent. Susan ignored him, turning to Besse. "Do you mind living with me?"

"I don't mind, but what about your husband?" Besse asked hesitantly.

Susan smiled slyly, leaning close to Besse's ear as if sharing a secret. The intimacy felt natural to both of them.

"Just pretend everything's okay," Susan whispered, then flashed a radiant smile, conveying a message only they understood.

Besse desperately tried not to understand the unspoken message, but Susan's expression made it impossible to ignore.

The car arrived at a villa in the Capital's quieter suburbs. They laughed and chatted until reaching their destination.

"You don't need to follow us anymore," Susan sharply addressed Manuel as they exited the car.

Besse chuckled, then followed the servants inside, leaving the couple alone.