Chapter 1177: Birthday (2) Hannah's Arrival

"Aunt Justine, Uncle Edward," Theodore greeted politely, pointedly ignoring Susan.

Justine and Laird, both among the Wells family's oldest members, had maintained contact over the years, often attending each other's birthday celebrations. Theodore warmly invited them to sit, again ignoring Susan, who pouted. His newfound social adeptness struck her as sycophantic.

At that moment, Little Bunny and Nicholas entered. Little Bunny politely greeted the elders before turning to Susan with a smile.

"Hi, Susan."

"Theodore forced you to come, didn't he?" Susan blurted out.

"Susan!" Justine's sharp rebuke silenced her.

Susan rolled her eyes. She was perpetually scolded for her outspokenness.

"Don't mind her, Mrs. Phillips," Little Bunny quickly interjected, smiling. "I like Susan's personality; she speaks her mind."

"As for Theodore and me," she continued, "I came voluntarily to celebrate Mr. Wold's birthday. I came willingly."

"What do you mean?" Susan asked, surprised.

"Exactly that," Little Bunny replied shyly, blushing slightly. "It's not appropriate to elaborate here."

Further questioning was interrupted by the arrival of more guests.

"Oscar!" Justine warmly greeted her nephew, who entered with Salem and Una. Her joy surpassed even that at seeing her own son, a fact she clearly intended to exploit to interrupt Susan.

Everyone surged forward at the sound of Justine's voice. Salem and Una were enveloped in Justine's enthusiastic embrace.

"Auntie," they chorused sweetly, filling Justine with delight.

The Wold family courtyard buzzed with activity. Meanwhile, Susan chatted with Little Bunny.

"You weren't forced by Theodore, right?" Susan pressed. She found it hard to believe Little Bunny would fall for Theodore.

"No."

"Do you like Theodore?"

"No, but I don't hate him anymore. He's been kind to me," Little Bunny admitted. "So, I'm willing to be with him."

"But you have no feelings for him! You won't be happy!" Susan insisted, unable to believe Theodore would love Little Bunny as Manuel loved her.

"Feelings can be cultivated," Little Bunny smiled. "I used to be disgusted by him, but that's gone. Time changes things."

"Damn it, you're sunk! You actually like him!" Susan exclaimed. "Theodore, you bastard! How could you date someone as brilliant as her? You're incredibly lucky!"

"No, um, Theodore is good. Besides his past actions, he's handsome, powerful, and kind to me. Many women would want a man like him," Little Bunny defended, causing Susan to laugh.

Little Bunny flushed. Their easy conversation continued, punctuated by laughter. Susan, amiable and approachable, easily befriended those she liked.

Suddenly, Susan recognized someone at the door.

Was that Hannah?

She saw Hannah's face, and in that instant, everyone did. Hannah arrived with her parents, acutely aware of all eyes upon her. Initially reluctant to attend, Laird's call to her father, Miguel, had resulted in a family promise to come. Miguel and Michelle then persuaded Hannah to attend, emphasizing Salem's presence.

Hannah knew Oscar would be there if Salem was. Oscar had visited Kensbury repeatedly, but she'd consistently avoided him, especially after recent facial surgery that left her face swollen. She wasn't just avoiding Oscar; she was avoiding everyone. She felt guilty for avoiding Salem, however.

Finally persuaded by her parents, and with her face mostly healed, she agreed to attend. She knew her parents hoped for a reconciliation with Oscar, but she didn't understand their continued defense of him.

"Hannah!" Susan exclaimed, rushing to embrace her like a child. Salem, observing, mused that Susan seemed more like his mother’s daughter. He felt a pang of jealousy.

Hannah felt embarrassed by the intense hug. Susan finally released her, studying her face.

"Hannah, you had surgery!" Susan announced loudly.

"Please, be quieter," Hannah whispered.

"I think the tip of your nose needs adjusting. Your original nose looked better," Susan observed critically.

"We'll discuss it later," Hannah murmured.

"Okay, okay," Susan readily agreed, affectionately taking Hannah's arm and guiding her inside.

Upon entering, Hannah saw Oscar, his gaze fixed intently on her face.