Chapter 1198: Doyle's Retaliation

"Are you in Northfield?" Hannah asked. She'd noticed the caller ID.

"Yes, I've been here a few days," Doyle laughed. "Do you welcome me?"

"A business trip?" Hannah feigned shock.

"I came to see you."

"Where are you?"

"Guess."

"Doyle, if you want to see me, I'll come. Just give me your address." Her intuition warned her; his arrival felt ominous, even sinister.

"Will you come?" Doyle asked, incredulous and slightly sarcastic.

"As long as you're in Northfield, I will."

"Do you think Oscar can protect you?" Doyle sneered.

"Since you came to Northfield and called, there must be something important. I have no reason to refuse," Hannah replied calmly.

Doyle chuckled disdainfully. "If you hadn't tricked me and left me behind, I wouldn't be doing this." Hannah felt the threat in his words.

"I'm on Mount Northfield, Kensbury City. I hear this is where you and Oscar exchanged vows," Doyle said indifferently.

Hannah bit her lip, puzzled by his choice of location, especially under Oscar's watchful eye.

"You can come now. Here's my address," Doyle said before hanging up.

"I'm in the capital. My flight back takes at least two hours, plus another hour's drive to Mount Northfield. We won't meet for four hours," Hannah calculated.

"No problem. I'm happy to wait," Doyle replied unconcernedly. "I'm just afraid your parents might get hungry…"

"Doyle!"

"What? Why so excited?" Doyle laughed.

"What have you done with my parents?" Hannah demanded angrily. She'd known his visit wouldn't be solely for a reunion.

"Don't blame me, Hannah. Kidnapping your aging parents seemed risky; they might not withstand the ordeal. Your son is too well-protected. Blame Oscar for prioritizing his children," Doyle said with extreme sarcasm.

Hannah clenched her fists.

"Don't worry, if you're here in four hours, they won't starve," Doyle said slowly. "And one last thing: Don't let me see Oscar. I might end up killing him. And if your parents are buried with us… well, I'll be a criminal for eternity."

"Doyle!" Hannah gritted her teeth. She'd hoped half a year had allowed him to rebuild his life with Besse. Instead, he'd resurfaced as her enemy.

Doyle hung up. Hannah immediately called her parents, but both Miguel and Michelle's phones were off. She hesitated before calling Manuel, knowing Oscar would learn of it. She doubted she could save her parents alone, so she called Manuel.

"Hi, Hannah."

"Doyle's in Northfield," Hannah said gravely.

Manuel sensed the urgency. "Did he threaten you?"

"He kidnapped my parents. They're on Mount Northfield. I'm in the capital. Could you check on them?"

"I'm on my way." Manuel grabbed his keys and left quickly.

Susan watched him go. Had he not mentioned Hannah's name, she would have suspected an illicit meeting. His immediate departure without explanation was unsettling.

"Did you tell my cousin?" Manuel asked Hannah while driving.

"No," Hannah replied. "You were my first thought. Doyle said he didn't want to see Oscar."

"But he's the one who could save your parents; he has a better chance than me."

"I know," Hannah nodded, "that's why I told you."

Manuel understood. "Call him. I'll go to your house. If they're not there, we go to Mount Northfield."

"Please, Manuel, I'm counting on you."

Hannah, unable to resist, called Oscar.

"Do you miss me?" Oscar asked, his happiness evident.

"Doyle's in Northfield."

Oscar's smile vanished instantly.

"He's taken my parents hostage, on Mount Northfield. I told you hoping you could help, but he doesn't want you there. I'm afraid he'll hurt them if you intervene."

Hannah laid it bare; she needed his guidance, unable to act alone.

"I understand," Oscar replied. "Go back to Kensbury. I'll call Manuel."

"I already did," Hannah said.

"Then go back, Hannah," Oscar said calmly. "I'll find a solution."

Hannah bit her lip. She wasn't always sure whether to trust Oscar.

By the time Hannah arrived in Kensbury City, Manuel had confirmed her parents weren't home and was en route to Mount Northfield. She remained calm, awaiting news from Oscar.

Hannah sped toward Mount Northfield. Halfway there, she called Doyle, but he didn't answer. She tried not to dwell on it.

After an hour and a half, she reached Mount Northfield. Manuel waited by the roadside and rushed to meet her.

"Get in," Manuel opened the car door.

"Oscar called. He wants us to meet Doyle. I'll buy time, and Oscar will send helicopters and snipers."

Hannah was silent. Manuel added, "To eliminate the threat, we'll have to kill him."