Chapter 1031: DNA Testing

Besse listened quietly as Susan spoke.

"Your lawyer and the doctor who diagnosed your memory loss were both arranged by Oscar, not me."

The trial had centered on Oscar's actions on Besse's behalf, disguised as Susan's. Besse remained silent; sometimes, she simply didn't know how to respond.

"Oscar has done a great deal for you behind the scenes," Susan continued. "I even tried to persuade him to visit, but he said you didn't want to see him. I don't think anything will happen between you two, so I often sent him pictures of you and Doyle to discourage him. But today, he was at your trial, sitting alone in a corner, looking lonely."

"I think Oscar only likes me because I remind him of Hannah," Besse said. "When someone else reminds him of her, I'll be irrelevant."

"I don't believe that," Susan replied. "I dislike Oscar's fickleness. If he remarries, even if it's you, we'll never speak again. That's my ultimatum. But even so, I want to help him fight for another chance."

Susan watched Besse intently, trying to gauge her reaction. Besse remained impassive, her calm demeanor reminding Susan of Hannah.

"Do you have no feelings for Oscar?" Susan finally asked after a long pause.

Besse hesitated. "Yes," she said firmly.

Susan looked disappointed. "But earlier, your voice hesitated!"

"I hesitated to choose words that wouldn't hurt anyone," Besse explained calmly. "Vague words are easily misunderstood; clarity is better."

"Okay," Susan nodded, seeing Besse's resolve. "I'll tell Oscar."

"Thank you," Besse smiled gratefully. "I'm going to check on Doyle and his packing."

It was clear she was avoiding the topic of Oscar.

"Besse," Susan called.

"Yes?"

"Are we friends?" Susan asked.

"Of course. You've helped me so much. You're my only friend in Northfield."

"When you marry Doyle, remember to invite me. Unless I'm in labor, I'll be there."

"Sure." Besse felt touched, but she wasn't one for sentimentality.

Susan disliked goodbyes; it had always been a childhood fear. Rubbing her nose, she said, "I won't come to the airport. I'm tired."

"Yeah, don't bother," Besse said, not wanting to upset her.

"I'll go then, wishing you..." Susan's voice choked, tears welling up. "All the best."

"You too," Besse replied calmly.

As soon as Susan left, despite her outward strength, tears welled in Besse's eyes. She wasn't stronger than anyone else; she simply hid her vulnerability.

After composing herself, Besse went to Doyle's room.

"Are you done packing?"

"Yes," Doyle replied happily. "I thought this lawsuit would drag on, so I overpacked!"

Besse agreed that things had gone surprisingly smoothly.

"I checked the news during my break," Doyle said delightedly. "The hostility toward you has vanished. Many people apologized online. 'Phantom,' who accused you, is blacklisted across social media. She'll probably never work in design again."

Besse smiled at the good news. "Let's leave when everything's packed."

"Should we say goodbye to Manuel and Susan?"

"Why? Don't you still dislike him?" Besse retorted, finding his question childish.

Compared to Doyle, Manuel had always shown remarkable restraint. His targeting of Doyle surprised her. Perhaps it stemmed from jealousy over Susan.

"Yes, but seeing how he helped you win, I don't care anymore," Doyle said airily. "Besides, he only targeted me because I'm too handsome and caught his wife's eye. Am I petty?"

"Ah, you're right. You're the most handsome and magnanimous. But we don't need to say goodbye again. Susan came this morning for the hearing, and she's pregnant and needs rest."

"Okay," Doyle nodded. "Let's go."

"Let's go."

They carried their luggage out of the villa. Besse glanced back once before following Doyle.

A black car waited. Besse had planned to take a taxi to avoid troubling anyone. The driver opened the door. "Mr. George and Miss Besse, I'll take you to the airport."

They accepted the ride.

Manuel watched their car depart from a floor-to-ceiling window. He called Oscar.

"Besse has left."

"Mhm," Oscar replied.

"It's easy to verify if she's Hannah," Manuel continued. "Her DNA compared to Salem's…"

"I know," Oscar interrupted.

Manuel knew his cousin had considered everything.

"I asked Doyle," Manuel changed the subject. "He probably doesn't know Besse's true identity. If you're worried she'll hate you, talk to him first. There are secrets hidden among all of you."