Chapter 1052: Besse Leaves

The next day, Doyle underwent a physical examination. His test results returned normal on the third day, and he could be discharged immediately. Naturally, Doyle wanted to leave at once and requested his release. Besse accompanied him, the discharge process being merely a signature confirming his release. Other formalities were handled efficiently by others.

By 10 AM, they left the hospital. Besse used a crutch because of her broken leg, which would require at least three months to heal.

"Susan," she called, hesitantly, as Susan and Manuel saw them to their car.

Doyle had arranged a private plane to Jolencami, already waiting at Capital International Airport.

"Are you sure you don't want us to see you off?" Susan asked, hoping to prolong their time together.

Besse shook her head, wanting to avoid a tearful airport goodbye. It felt like too much.

"Do we need anyone else seeing us off?" she joked, a kernel of truth in her words. After the last accident, Queen Carol had dispatched ten Jolencami bodyguards, providing security alongside Oscar's personnel. Their impressive convoy seemed endless.

"Oscar's afraid something might happen again," Susan commented.

Besse nodded, unwilling to delve further into the matter.

"I've got to go, Susan. Goodbye," Besse said with a smile, turning to leave.

"Send me an invitation when you get married. Unless I'm in labor, I'll be there!" Susan added, ensuring Besse wouldn't forget.

"I will."

But Besse wasn't certain there would even be a wedding. She sat in the car with Doyle, and they drove away.

Oscar watched from his balcony. He saw her smiling, leaning against another man, and depart. Salem remained with him, his eyes red-rimmed as he watched Besse go.

"Dad, why couldn't we see her off?" Salem asked.

Oscar's gaze remained fixed on the departing car.

"Because I didn't want to disturb her," he said. She had a new life.

Salem didn't understand everything. He only knew he would miss her deeply.

"Time to go?" Theodore asked casually, appearing from behind.

Oscar ignored him, his gaze still on the disappearing vehicles.

"There's not even a shadow left; why bother looking?" Theodore remarked.

"Are you free?" Oscar asked.

"Not really," Theodore chuckled nervously. He knew Oscar would keep him busy otherwise.

"I have something to attend to, and may be away for a few days," Theodore explained.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing major, just personal," Theodore hedged, unwilling to elaborate.

Oscar didn't press. He continued staring out the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Anyway, you'll handle official business," Theodore offered as an excuse.

Oscar claimed hospitalization for recuperation, yet worked longer hours than usual. Theodore couldn't fathom the reason for his diligence. Later, he considered that Oscar might be numbing himself with work to avoid his thoughts.

"Then I'll go?" Theodore asked cautiously, when Oscar remained silent – a tacit agreement.

Theodore breathed a sigh of relief and left Oscar's room.

Immediately, he asked his assistant, "What time is the flight?"

"11:30, sir."

"Hurry, hurry."

"Transportation's arranged and waiting downstairs. You'll make the airport on time, barring unforeseen circumstances."

"If I don't, I'll kill you."

"..." The assistant remained silent. He wasn't the one wasting time.

Theodore rushed to the airport, checked in, and his assistant noted with a hint of sadness, "Economy class, sir?" He usually traveled by private jet or, at minimum, first class.

Theodore glanced at him. "Stop complaining. I didn't make you run around, consider yourself lucky."

"..."

Boarding late, Theodore was the last passenger. He eyed a distant seat, called a flight attendant, and requested a seat change. The attendant, recognizing Theodore, readily obliged. Another passenger willingly swapped seats, honored by the opportunity. Theodore exchanged pleasantries before settling next to Little Bunny, asleep and masked.

She had finished filming late and planned to sleep before hair and makeup. Theodore sat beside her unnoticed, which annoyed him. He made a noise to rouse her.

Little Bunny, a light sleeper, awoke. Removing her mask, she froze upon seeing Theodore.

"Surprised?" he asked smugly.

No… she was terrified. Why was he there? She remembered someone else having been seated there earlier.

"Shocked by my presence?" Theodore asked mischievously.