Chapter 164: Oscar Has Changed

The Light Building project was underway, progressing exactly as Hannah planned. Her promotion was also proceeding smoothly. Suddenly, it became a highly visible event. Janet's expression changed upon hearing this news.

She demanded of Roger, "Didn't I tell you to obstruct her? What are you doing with these advertisements?"

"It's not that simple with Hannah," Roger replied. "Besides, Miguel is President of Cooper Group. Who dares stand in her way if she speaks to her father?" He deflected blame, insisting Hannah's father was assisting her.

Janet, furious but accepting Roger's explanation, sneered, "I don't care. Fix this. With the advertising cost, I'll look foolish if I don't approve, but I refuse to waste money on her; she's not worth it."

"Relax, I'll handle it," Roger said. "I hear she's asking Win to be the Light Building spokesperson."

"Win?!" Janet frowned. "As if it's not her money."

"Exactly," Roger explained. "She's using the power her father granted her. She doesn't care about the cost; it's about the impact. We should outmaneuver her. If she secures Win, the most popular celebrity, Light Building will succeed. If she fails, and you succeed, consider whose network will be more valuable."

"You mean I should sign Win before Hannah?"

"I can schedule an appointment for you. Hannah's team will likely meet with Win the day after tomorrow. Sign her beforehand; I guarantee you'll win," Roger said slyly.

Janet hesitated. The project posed a significant risk for Starlight Group. Signing Win without a concrete plan would be costly. Yet, failing to sign her would leave them inferior to Light Building, as Roger pointed out.

She needed to surpass Hannah in every way. She couldn't afford to lose.

Roger, sensing her hesitation, pressed, "Think about it."

Janet frowned. Desperate measures were needed.

"I know what to do," she said gravely. "And you, keep an eye on her."

"Consider it done," Roger replied with a malicious smile.

Janet hung up and immediately dialed another number.

"Miss Burke," a deferential voice answered.

"Investigate whether Cooper Group intends to sign Win."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Report anything immediately."

"Understood."

Janet wasn't entirely trusting Roger. She wasn't convinced of collusion, but she feared Hannah's cunning. Years in the business had exposed her to the worst of people.

Hannah arrived home around eleven, exhausted after three grueling days. The thought of Oscar's controlling presence made her consider moving out.

Home… it felt wrong to call it that, given it was Oscar's house. Yet, she returned. Max waited for her. The anticipation was a sweet comfort.

After dessert, Hannah went to her room. Oscar lay on the bed, expectantly waiting to be served.

"Need to pee?" Hannah asked bluntly.

"Nope."

"Shower?"

"Nope."

"Massage?"

"Nope."

"Back scratch?"

"Nope."

Hannah frowned. "Didn't you take your medication?"

This man seemed changed.

"Yes," Oscar replied seriously. He'd received anti-inflammatories upon discharge, but they clearly meant different things.

Hannah stared. "Just say what you want." She doubted his newfound niceness.

"Go take a shower," Oscar said.

"Oscar, you promised!"

"What about?" Oscar was speechless. What else could she possibly mean?

"To shower so you can sleep," he clarified, a hint of anger in his tone. "You come home at midnight, exhausted. I notice."

He seemed genuinely changed.

"What are you looking at?" Oscar felt uneasy under her scrutiny.

"I'm worried you took the wrong meds."

"Do you miss being bossed around?" Oscar smirked, "Admit it. When did you develop feelings for me? Feeling neglected now that I don't give orders?"

"Asshole," Hannah cursed. He remained his cocky, vicious self.

She turned and headed to the bathroom. Oscar smiled, watching her go. He then glanced at a text from Theodore: "It's Janet; she's against Hannah."

Oscar didn't reply. Theodore sent another message: "Whose side are we on?"

It was a group chat: Oscar, Theodore, and Manuel.

Manuel replied, "Seriously?"

"I can't read Oscar's mind. I need to know," Theodore retorted sourly.

Theodore, knowing Oscar saved Hannah's life, remained unsure of his feelings towards her.

Oscar typed, "Don't act now. Stay close."

"Are you trying to find out something?" Theodore asked.

Oscar didn't elaborate, but he wanted to know what Hannah was up to.

He put down his phone and watched Hannah emerge from the bathroom, her face rosy after her shower. His Adam's apple bobbed.

Hannah habitually lay beside him. Exhaustion often lulled her to sleep instantly. Besides, she wasn't sure what Oscar might do in the night. She tried to snatch as much sleep as possible.

In the dead of night, as sleep claimed her, Oscar's voice broke the stillness.

"Need my help?"

His voice startled her awake.