Chapter 1195: It Depends on Your Dad

Hannah felt Oscar's steady gaze but avoided his eyes.

"Let go of my hand if you're sober," she said calmly.

"I'm not sober," Oscar replied, still staring at her.

Her frustration with his lies grew.

"Hannah, I'm sorry," he said.

She remained silent.

"It feels… strange, in here," Oscar continued, voicing his internal turmoil.

Hannah understood, even without explanation.

"Theodore grew up with me," Oscar murmured. "Sometimes I feel closer to him than to Cian. Cian feels more like a responsibility; Theodore is like a brother. He's always been there for me."

"I understand," Hannah replied.

She saw a similar depth in her relationship with Susan, despite their lack of shared life-threatening experiences. This reinforced her belief in the profound bond between Oscar and Theodore.

"I want to help him, but I know it'll only make things worse," Oscar said. "I felt helpless watching him get sentenced. I don't even understand how I got to where I am today."

"Your position impacts many lives," Hannah reassured him. "Don't doubt yourself."

Oscar met her gaze. "Do you think I'm important?"

Hannah nodded. She knew that despite his power and influence in Northfield, events like Cian's death, his divorce, and Theodore's accident were beyond his control. He wasn't invincible, but his contributions to the nation were undeniable. Northfield thrived under his peaceful, prosperous rule.

"He'll be out soon enough," she said optimistically.

"Three years will pass quickly, but Theodore can't work for me afterward," Oscar said.

"Theodore isn't the only one who can excel by your side," Hannah suggested. "He's young, with many possibilities. And without Theodore, you still have Manuel."

Oscar, still slightly disoriented, remained confused.

"Wouldn't it be a perfect solution for Manuel and Theodore to switch positions?" Hannah smiled. She knew Manuel wouldn't willingly leave Susan for the capital, nor did he desire politics; this was her subtle revenge for his part in getting her a job at Cooper Group again.

Manuel sneezed suddenly, startling them. It wasn't even cold in the plane.

Oscar laughed. "You're clever," he said, seeming to accept her suggestion.

"Get some sleep," Hannah said gently. "Your eyes are barely open. We'll discuss anything important when you wake up."

"Stay," he pleaded.

"I won't leave," Hannah compromised. "I'll wait for Sal to return."

As Oscar closed his eyes, he murmured her name repeatedly until he fell asleep, his lips moving as if to say, "I love you."

Hannah understood and silently agreed.

Oscar slept soundly. She sat beside him, intending to move away once he was asleep, but each time she tried, he instinctively pulled her closer. Exhausted from her day in the capital and the earlier alcohol, she eventually fell asleep leaning against the bed.

They slept.

Later, Hannah awoke to Oscar's nearness. His face was close to hers, his lips a breath away.

He later confessed that upon waking and seeing her near the headboard, inappropriate thoughts had crossed his mind. Their lips were nearly touching, their breaths held. The room felt charged with tension.

As he fought his desires and prepared to move, Hannah closed her eyes. He admitted to a strong desire for her, yet reason held back his impulse. He'd held her close only to ensure her comfort, his careful movements bringing them into such proximity. He hadn’t intended to steal a kiss.

But Hannah's eyes were closed.

Was it consent?

Oscar's heart pounded as his lips met hers. He feared offending her, feared she'd leave, but he dared not move. He waited.

One second, two seconds, three seconds…

Hannah didn't pull away.

Finally, he deepened the kiss, overwhelming her, pressing her beneath him. The bedroom heated with passion.

Outside, Max, holding Salem's hand, approached Oscar's room. Salem was thrilled at his mother's return. Max gently opened the door, refraining from knocking, to avoid disturbing Oscar. He immediately closed it again, his face flushed.

Salem was surprised. He hadn't seen what transpired inside.

"Max, what's wrong?" Salem asked, confused.

Max took a deep breath. "Nothing. Your mom and dad are still sleeping. We can't disturb them."

"How long will they sleep?"

"That depends on how long your dad lasts."