Chapter 1095: Wedding (6) Salem’s Here

Hannah walked from the hall, still in her wedding dress, looking stunning. A slight smile played on her lips, seemingly unperturbed by recent events. No one knew what transpired between her and Northfield's commander. She remained the picture of a radiant bride.

She stopped before Doyle, offering a sweet smile. "Let's go."

Doyle looked worried, glancing back at the hall. Oscar hadn't emerged. Besse's expression, however, showed nothing unusual. He'd resolved to stop Oscar from taking Besse, even if it meant hurting her.

His apprehension eased as Besse took his hand and entered their wedding car. A loud, childish voice called out, "Mom!"

Besse froze, but didn't turn.

"Mom!" the boy called again.

She knew Oscar had brought Salem, anticipating her refusal. He was more despicable than she'd imagined.

"Doyle," she said calmly, "let's go."

She would let Oscar witness this. Doyle signaled the driver, and they departed, leaving Salem watching them with tears in his eyes. He hadn't meant to disrupt her wedding. His father had said that if he couldn't bring his mother back, he could at least bless her on her wedding day. Now, she was gone without a goodbye.

Salem watched the car until it disappeared.

Theodore accompanied Salem. Due to the danger, Oscar, having arrived by plane, had sent Theodore with Salem. Upon arrival, they saw Hannah's departing figure. Had Theodore not seen the paternity test, he wouldn't have believed Besse was Hannah. Though Oscar and Manuel suspected Besse's identity, it hadn't occurred to them—or perhaps they hadn't dared to hope—that she was Hannah.

Theodore felt responsible for Hannah's death years ago, burdened by guilt. He longed for her to be alive but feared disappointment. He'd convinced himself she was gone forever.

Had he not noticed Oscar staring intently at a file in his office, he wouldn't have seen the test results. He nearly cried out, while Oscar remained impassive, finally saying, "Theodore, can I try again?"

Of course, Theodore hoped so. He hoped Oscar could bring Hannah back, at any cost. He immediately arranged a private jet to Jolencami. But Oscar replied, "I have an international interview."

Theodore hesitated. He understood Oscar's position meant a lack of complete control.

"A day earlier would work," Theodore offered, both encouraging and preparing himself.

He arranged an earlier flight, scheduled for yesterday, but bad weather in Northfield delayed Oscar's arrival until today. He saw only Hannah leaving, choosing another. Oscar had missed his chance again.

"Theodore," Manuel called, snapping him back to reality.

Theodore turned to see Manuel and Susan approaching. Susan seemed to realize something and asked, "Is Besse Hannah?"

"Manuel didn't tell you?" Theodore was surprised.

Susan frowned, anger flashing. "So, you knew?"

"I only found out recently."

"How long ago?" Susan demanded.

Manuel didn't know how to explain.

"Manuel!" Susan was furious.

"I confirmed it with a paternity test the day before we left for Jolencami," Manuel said calmly.

"When? How?" Susan was astonished. Her intelligence felt insulted; she hadn't considered this method.

How could Manuel be so clever?

"Besse and Hannah resembled each other so much, I wanted to confirm it," Manuel explained casually. "Hannah stayed with us; obtaining her hair wasn't difficult, and Salem's was even easier."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Susan accused him.

She felt betrayed.

"I feared harming the baby," Manuel said frankly.

"But not anymore?" Susan's voice rose slightly.

"Calm down," Manuel soothed her, sensing her emotional turmoil.

Susan breathed deeply, calming herself, then her thoughts turned to Hannah, alive. Tears streamed down her face.

"Let's go see Hannah!" Susan declared. She yearned to see Hannah.