Chapter 1178: Birthday (3) Taking Advantage of Whom

"Hannah," Oscar called, moved by her appearance. He'd thought he'd never see her face again after she fell into the sea. God, he felt, must have greatly favored him to reunite him with his soulmate, alive and well. Tears welled in his eyes as he gazed at her.

Hannah averted her gaze and pulled Susan away without acknowledging him. Despite her coldness, Oscar was simply grateful she was alive.

As they entered the hall, Susan whispered, "Afraid I'd see your precious Oscar cry? That's why you dragged me away?" She admitted to wanting to witness a strong man like Oscar break down.

Hannah offered no response to Susan's peculiar preference. Releasing Susan, she knelt before Salem, who looked distressed at his godmother taking his mother away.

"Mom!" Salem cried, despite his unhappiness.

"Do you recognize me?" Hannah smiled, unsure if he’d remember her from their last meeting. He was too young then.

"I do," Salem nodded quickly. "You look exactly like our family photo."

Hannah was surprised.

"I have pictures of you, Mom. Dad showed me what you looked like."

She hadn't expected Oscar to do that.

"Aren't you scared? Even though Mom looks different now?" Hannah asked gently.

"I'm not scared," the little boy said confidently, touching her face. "I love Mom no matter what."

This warmed Hannah's heart immensely. Even Susan commented, "If your dad had your mouth, he wouldn't be single now."

Hannah glared; Susan pouted.

"It's getting late," Laird called. "Come over and sit."

Hannah held Salem's hand, and Una offered hers. After a moment's hesitation, Hannah took it. She disliked Lillian, but not this little girl; besides, she was grateful to Cian. Seeing Una as Cian's child brought no rejection.

Everyone gathered around the outdoor table. Laird raised his glass. "Thank you all for celebrating my birthday. I never thought much about getting older, but Theodore insisted we gather yearly."

The atmosphere was convivial; adults drank, children ate quickly before running off to play. Salem, Una, and Nicholas, being around the same age, quickly bonded, while Susan's child, still too young, remained with Manuel until falling asleep, then was placed in a crib with Edward nearby.

Laird, having drunk considerably, excused himself. Hannah's parents also left soon after, leaving the younger generation alone. Hannah wanted to leave early, but Susan wouldn't let her.

"You can't drink anyway," Hannah said.

Susan, breastfeeding, couldn't.

"I don't need alcohol. I'll watch you drink. Let's do rounds! Starting with the oldest!"

"Who's oldest?" Theodore asked, before remembering. "Oscar! He's half a year older than me!"

Oscar readily picked up his glass. He started with Theodore, then Little Bunny, Manuel, Susan, and finally Hannah.

Oscar poured a full glass; Hannah had less than half. As she reached for the bottle, Oscar stopped her.

The ambiguous action caused wide-eyed stares and knowing smiles. Hannah, speechless, said, "I don't want to take advantage of you."

"I'm willing," Oscar's magnetic voice was pleasing. Even Susan felt goosebumps; it sounded like flirting. She mentally retracted her earlier assessment of Oscar's conversational skills.

Hannah blushed. "Let go."

Seeing her anger, Oscar released her hand, feeling something precious slip away.

Hannah refilled her glass. Everyone drank their shots until it was Hannah's turn again. She’d had enough, but couldn't refuse.

"I'll help you," Oscar offered kindly.

"No, thanks," Hannah said, without looking at him, quickly downing another shot.

When Oscar's turn came again, he said, "You shouldn't drink too much."

"I can't drink anymore," he added, trying to stop her.

"Pace yourself," Hannah replied; she didn't want to be skipped.

Oscar poured half a glass, raised it. "Thank you for letting me take advantage of you." He downed it. Hannah stared silently. Susan laughed hysterically, appreciating Oscar's flirting skills.