Chapter 1045: Carol's Visit

Manuel observed Besse's coldness toward Oscar. Anyone else, regardless of their feelings, would have shown gratitude to their savior. Besse's attitude made Manuel question her sincerity.

Besse felt Manuel's scrutiny. She knew he overthought things, but chose not to explain herself.

"I'm tired and need rest," she said.

Manuel nodded, withdrawing his gaze. "I'll check on Oscar. If Susan wakes and asks for me, please let her know."

"Okay," Besse replied, returning to her room.

Manuel couldn't resist asking, "Is there no way to let go of the past?"

Besse was silent a moment before answering, "No."

Manuel said nothing more as Besse closed the door, her expression subtly shifting.

Back in her room, despite the dimmed lights, Besse couldn't sleep; she'd slept too long in the afternoon. Past memories relentlessly flooded back.

The next day, Susan awoke disoriented until she saw Besse eating breakfast beside her. She turned over.

"Slow down," Besse cautioned.

"When did you get back last night?" Susan asked.

"Probably around two or three a.m."

"You're back late," Susan murmured. "No wonder I slept through it."

"You were sound asleep when I returned. Manuel was with you."

"Where is he now?"

"He's with Oscar."

"Is he dead?"

Besse chuckled at Susan's bluntness. If Theodore heard that, he'd be shocked.

"No, he woke up last night."

"Did you wake him?" Susan, ever accepting, asked.

"He woke himself; I just happened to be there."

"Just happened?" Susan doubted this. "It seems Oscar is really..."

"Are you hungry?" Besse interrupted.

Susan knew Besse didn't want to discuss it. She was engaged, and didn't want other emotions complicating things.

Susan nodded. "Yes, I'm hungry."

"The caregiver prepared breakfast. Go wash up."

"Okay."

"Be careful; don't slip."

"Why do you think I'm so reckless, like Manuel?"

It was true; she'd been that way since childhood.

Besse smiled.

After washing, Susan ate breakfast alone, finding the food bland without Manuel.

"If you want Manuel to join you, call him," Besse reminded her.

Susan was startled. Besse seemed to read her mind.

"But he's probably sleeping; he didn't sleep much last night," Besse added.

"Who says I want him here? I'm just not very hungry," Susan defensively replied, thinking otherwise.

After breakfast, a knock came. They both looked up to see Queen Carol of Jolencami, Karami's boss, and Doyle's mother.

Susan's eyes widened; she'd only seen Carol on television. Her elegance and beauty were even more striking in person. Even Susan felt overwhelmed by her imposing presence.

Susan looked to Besse, who remained calm and unsurprised. "Your Highness," Besse greeted politely.

Carol nodded; a coolness existed between them, a mutual respect without attempts at appeasement or dominance.

Susan felt inferior. She usually backed down when facing such dominance.

"Who is this?" Carol asked, indicating Susan.

Susan felt nervous, but Besse calmly replied, "She's a friend from Northfield, who helped me during Doyle's accident."

"I see," Carol nodded to Susan. "Thank you for saving Doyle and Besse's lives."

"It wasn't just me. Oscar played a significant role," Susan replied nervously.

"I've heard of him, and I plan to thank him personally."

"Mrs. Johnson, could you give us some privacy?"

Susan, unable to refuse, left, glancing back at Besse. Despite finding Besse impressive, she felt uneasy.

As Susan closed the door, she heard a loud slap. She turned, but one of Carol's bodyguards stopped her.