Hannah sometimes thought Oscar could be a real pervert. For instance, his declarations of love felt unsettling. Was he out of his mind?

“You should rest,” Oscar said, reaching out to touch her hair. His doting smile and unusual tenderness made Hannah uncomfortable, causing her to flinch away. She hadn't realized her discomfort wasn't disgust. In her past life, she'd disliked being touched, even by her husband, Charles. Their marriage was distant; neither of them initiated physical affection, and at the time, she'd considered it acceptable.

Her throat tightened, and she pretended not to notice. Oscar left, quietly closing the door. Hannah felt relieved. “Consider this a lesson,” she mused, resolving never to repeat that experience.

The next day, Hannah switched off her alarm. She rose, weary-faced, having slept poorly. Charles's repulsive behavior had haunted her all night; she'd repeatedly imagined killing him. She splashed cold water on her face, forcing herself awake. After applying light makeup and dressing in a business suit, she went downstairs.

To her surprise, Oscar was already up, and Theodore was in the lobby. “Morning, you’re up,” Oscar greeted her. Theodore glanced at Oscar. Hannah wondered why Theodore constantly scrutinized Oscar’s expressions. Did he love him? It seemed illogical. The Wells family, heads of one of the four powerful entities, were extraordinarily wealthy. Yet, the Wold family, with its government and underworld connections, possessed even greater influence. Theodore needn't be subservient to Oscar, but his deference was extreme.

When Oscar nodded, Theodore said, “Hannah, I have something good. Since you’re here, let’s watch it together.”

“Something good?” Hannah doubted it. Nevertheless, she followed them to Oscar. Theodore produced his phone, displaying a video. He pressed play.

The video showed a distraught Charles, on his knees. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done this to Hannah. I shouldn’t have forced her to have sex! I’m a bastard,” he said through gritted teeth, his jealousy evident.

“Then bark,” Theodore commanded, his voice altered.

Charles only glared, his eyes red.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Theodore pressed. “If you don’t bark, I’ll chop your dick off.”

“Woof, woof, woof!” Charles shouted angrily.

“Good boy,” Theodore said, patting his face. Charles, though subdued, held a murderous glare.

The video ended. Oscar and Theodore turned to Hannah, seeking a reaction. She remained impassive, feeling no pity, only satisfaction at his humiliation. Insulting him was insufficient punishment; he deserved death.

“With this video, Charles won’t call the police,” Theodore explained. The goal was to prevent escalation. Although Charles hadn't actually harmed Hannah the previous night – making prosecution difficult – his assault on Oscar in the restaurant risked damaging Oscar's reputation, especially given his recent “Outstanding Young Man” award. This video served as a powerful deterrent. Charles would remain silent to save face; going to the police would expose his own confession of attempted rape.

“Okay,” Oscar said, offering no praise for Theodore's work. He simply expected it. Hannah sensed a complexity in Oscar that belied his outward demeanor. Who was he, really?

“I know you two are married, but I’m uncomfortable watching you stare at him like that,” Theodore remarked lightly.

Hannah blushed, averting her gaze and heading to the dining room for breakfast. Oscar and Theodore joined her, engaging in casual conversation that she didn't participate in. After eating, she left.

Theodore gave Hannah a meaningful look before saying to Oscar, “Don’t you think she’s a little… different?”

Oscar’s silence confirmed his observation.

“Should I investigate her?” Theodore asked, always wary of strangers.

“No,” Oscar refused.

Theodore frowned. “What if someone sent her…?”

“She’s not.”

“You’re so sure?”

“Yes,” Oscar affirmed. “I’d stake my life on it.”

Theodore was speechless.

“Keep an eye on Charles,” Oscar abruptly changed the subject.

Theodore frowned. “Are you going to get back at him?” He questioned Oscar's seemingly disproportionate vengefulness. While Charles's attempted rape was undeniable, his failure to consummate it seemed to warrant less extreme retaliation.

“I think Charles will hurt Hannah.”

“You think he might kill her?” Theodore asked.

Oscar nodded. Charles had always been dangerous; retribution was almost guaranteed if someone wronged him.