Chapter 1155: Back to Kensbury

Hannah was speechless, her eyes darting about. Oscar's proximity made her uncomfortable; she couldn't find a comfortable place to look.

"Where does it hurt?" he asked anxiously, crouching closer as she lay face down.

"Stay away from me, Oscar!" she exclaimed.

His startled reaction suggested he'd just realized his position. He'd only meant to check for injuries, but her face was dangerously near his private parts, a gesture both ambiguous and suggestive.

He quickly retreated to the bathroom, presumably for a robe. Hannah gritted her teeth against the pain in her knee, rising to examine what had tripped her. She saw wet male underpants.

The sight instantly explained his earlier nudity.

Averted gaze. Oscar emerged, robed, and saw her looking at his discarded underwear. He swiftly retrieved them and disposed of them.

"I'm going to the airport alone," Hannah announced lightly.

"I'll take you." "No, thanks."

"We agreed last night."

"I didn't promise."

"But you didn't refuse."

"Did you give me a chance to?" she retorted.

He'd been rather pushy these past two days.

"Then I won't," he said firmly. "I'm changing. Don't mind if I do it in front of you."

Gritting her teeth, Hannah left. In the living room, she ran into Max.

"Miss Cooper, are you feeling unwell? You look flushed," he observed.

Hannah touched her burning cheeks. The memory of what she'd seen sent her heart racing.

"Max, could I have some ice water, please?" she requested, taking a deep breath.

"Of course."

Oscar, now suited and impeccably groomed, was a far cry from the man who'd been stark naked moments before.

"Let's go," he said, collecting her luggage.

Hannah finished her ice water before joining him. A black sedan and a waiting driver awaited them. They settled into the backseat, the car gliding smoothly toward the airport.

"Will you live with your parents?" Oscar asked.

"I suppose so."

"Permanently?"

"Possibly."

"And your plans? Will you continue designing?"

Hannah's patience wore thin. "Oscar, I don't need to explain my plans to you."

"Manuel will be caring for his child full-time. If you have time, I'd like to hire you…"

"I don't have time," she interrupted firmly. "And I won't accept your offer."

"Still angry?" he asked calmly.

"No."

"It was an accident, this morning."

She eyed him suspiciously, initially assuming he was referring to the Cooper Group acquisition. His swift change of subject to the morning's events—a topic she wished to avoid—was unexpected.

"You know how adult men react when they can't get satisfaction…they overflow with energy," Oscar stated.

"I've studied physiology; I need no explanation," Hannah replied irritably.

"But it's not always like that."

She tuned him out.

"I had a dream last night, and when I woke up…" he continued.

"I'm not interested in the details."

"You were the female lead."

"Oscar!" she exclaimed, unable to bear it any longer.

He chuckled lightly. "Theodore told you yesterday, didn't he?"

Hannah frowned, uncertain of his meaning.

"He told you that besides you, I…"

"So you let him?"

"No," Oscar shook his head. "I felt you wouldn't care."

"Indeed."

"I wonder if this is how my life will be."

"You don't have to save yourself for me, and I won't for you either," Hannah said pointedly.

"It's okay," he laughed. "I never expected you to. But if…"

She stared at him.

"If you have any needs, I can satisfy them unconditionally, without responsibility," he said seriously.

Hannah felt an urge to slap him. When had he become so brazen?

"Don't worry, there's no need!" she refused bluntly.

"I said if…"

"There are no ifs!"

"Oh, okay."

He remained silent until they reached the airport. As he moved to exit, Hannah stopped him.

"Don't get out," she said. "I don't want photos." His status as a national leader made public appearances together inadvisable, even without media attention.

"Hannah, take care."

She didn't reply, but paused, turning back, lowering her head slightly before looking up. He met her gaze.

"Take care of Sal," she said before turning and walking away.

After she disappeared, he called Manuel.

"Did Hannah leave for Kensbury?" Manuel asked.

"Um."

"Okay, I know what to do next."

"I'll leave it to you then."

"Don't worry."

Manuel hung up. Susan, breastfeeding the baby, overheard. She pursed her lips. "Alas, Hannah didn't escape Oscar after all."