Chapter 1194: Oscar Gets Drunk
Manuel blushed at Susan's words. He had promised to dance for her, but their subsequent childcare responsibilities had overshadowed the promise. He hadn't anticipated Susan reminding him in front of his cousin and Hannah.
"I didn't say I wouldn't dance," Manuel stammered.
"Then dance now!" Susan demanded, her expression serious.
"You want me to dance in front of them?" Manuel's eyes widened.
Susan paused, then said seriously, "Although Hannah is my best friend, I don't want you showing her everything."
Hannah was speechless; the thought made her cringe.
"Let's go then," Susan declared, rising and pulling Manuel to his feet. He looked at her incredulously. Weren't they having lunch?
"You're going back on your word again?" Susan's voice held anger.
Manuel had no choice but to follow. They left Oscar and Hannah staring after them, Hannah having seen through Susan's ploy to give her and Oscar some time alone.
Now alone, despite their familiarity, an awkward silence settled between Oscar and Hannah.
Finally, Oscar spoke, "Susan's becoming smarter." He smiled. "Let's continue our lunch."
Hannah glared at him. He continued casually, "Sal will be back this afternoon." He often used Sal as leverage, though Hannah couldn't help thinking of the boy herself.
"Want some wine?" Oscar asked. Despite his attempts at a leisurely lunch, Hannah sensed his distress. Besides Laird, Oscar seemed most affected by Theodore's situation. Laird wasn't in court today; Manuel attributed his absence to discretion.
"Okay," Hannah agreed; they were alone. She planned to meet Sal that afternoon, have dinner with him, and leave for Kensbury City without lingering. This resolve eased her reluctance to engage with Oscar.
They began drinking. Hannah, knowing her low tolerance, drank sparingly. Oscar, however, drank excessively, his poor mood evident.
Hannah repeatedly urged him to drink less, concerned by his depression and silence. He needed an outlet for his emotions.
She stayed with him, drinking until Oscar passed out on the table, glass still in hand.
Hannah started to call Max for help when someone grabbed her hand.
"Hannah, stay," Oscar pleaded, his voice magnetic, begging her not to leave him alone. "I want to ask Max to carry you to your bed."
"Stay, okay?" he murmured, his grip tight, as if fearing separation.
Hannah sighed, calling for Max.
Max arrived quickly. "Ms. Cooper?"
"He's drunk. Please take care of him."
"How did he get drunk?" Max muttered, helping support Oscar, who still clung to Hannah's hand. She followed them to Oscar's bedroom.
Max settled Oscar in bed, removing his shoes and socks, wiping his sweat with hot towels, and preparing honey water. "Ms. Cooper, could you please look after young master while I tidy the room?"
Hannah wanted to refuse, but Oscar's grip was relentless. She reluctantly agreed.
Max left, closing the door behind him, his expression revealing a misunderstanding. Hannah sighed in frustration; Oscar's grip threatened to damage her hands.
"Hannah," he murmured, his face flushed, struggling to open his eyes. He looked disoriented.
"I want some water," he said.
"Then let go of my hand so I can get you some," Hannah replied firmly.
"Well then I won't drink any," he tightened his grip.
Hannah was speechless. Seeing his parched lips, she softened, using her other hand to fetch the honey water.
"Get up and drink your water."
Oscar, with difficulty, sat up, leaning against the headboard, his eyes blurry and unfocused. Hannah handed him the cup; he drank it all in one gulp.
"Do you want more?" Hannah asked, placing the empty glass on the bedside table.
Oscar shook his head, his gaze locked on Hannah's.