Chapter 172: All Men Are Equally Bad

Theodore Wold promised Janet Burke and rose to leave. He was, he admitted, a troublemaker, always seeking discord. He enjoyed witnessing quarrels, particularly those involving Oscar Wells. He wanted Hannah to understand Oscar's popularity with women.

Oscar suddenly called to Theodore, who was already departing. Janet had happily seated herself beside Oscar. Oscar's abrupt voice made her face turn an unpleasant green. "Help me to the washroom," he said. Theodore simply stared.

Is Oscar worried about Hannah? he mused. How could he be so afraid of her? You should let her realize your peculiar charm.

He bent to assist Oscar, whose hand rested on a cane due to a fracture. They left together.

Janet watched them go, gritting her teeth, then hurried after them. Hannah, lips pressed together, chose to ignore the scene.

Susan, after a long wait, finally addressed Hannah's inaction. "Your husband and his admirer went away together!" she exclaimed.

"I saw," Hannah replied, focusing on the catwalk.

"So, that's it?" Susan's frustration boiled over at Hannah's calm demeanor. "If I were you, I'd have confronted Janet!"

"Which gowns do you like? I'm going to buy some for you," Hannah offered.

"What?" Susan was clearly distracted.

"Choose one as your wedding dress. It's a gift."

"Really?" Susan Phillips was ecstatic, her indignation forgotten in an instant. There was probably no one more heedless and heartless than she.

"Yes."

"May I have them all?" Susan asked eagerly. Each gown was her favorite; she wanted every single one.

Hannah looked at her silently. Susan showed no regard for the cost.

"May I?" Susan repeated.

Hannah nodded reluctantly. Celina's couture gowns were limited editions—exceedingly expensive.

"Then could you please cover my future husband's tailcoat?" Susan demanded.

Hannah regretted her generosity. Susan was too thick-skinned to be embarrassed.

At that moment, Hannah saw Henry Parker, maintaining a gentle smile. Upon noticing her gaze, he returned a friendly smile. Without a second chance, she wouldn't have known his ill intentions toward Susan.

Hannah's attention returned to the catwalk. She wondered if Oscar had simply escorted Janet from the auction. It was still early; the final lot wouldn't be presented for some time. Hannah rose and walked toward the washroom, Charles Sawyer discreetly following. He had observed their every move that evening, hesitant to act rashly after past experiences with Hannah. Yet, he found something enigmatic about Oscar and Hannah's interactions.

Hannah entered the washroom and, as she knew, all men are equally bad. She silently stared at the reflective door, seeing Oscar and Janet standing close together. Janet was pulling on Oscar's suit; he was pressed against the wall. She leaned against him, their intimacy blatant. Janet moved near his lips. From Hannah's angle, it was unclear whether they kissed.

She recalled their closeness during Janet's visit to Oscar in the ward. They might have kissed then, had she not interrupted. Perhaps, she thought, had she not intervened before, Janet wouldn't be so troublesome now.

Hannah wasn't frightened by Janet's actions; less trouble was always preferable. She consoled herself with this thought and turned to leave. It was, after all, a marriage of convenience. As she departed, she noticed Oscar's gaze shift from Janet to her, a sight that unnerved her.

How could his behavior make me feel guilty? Who should be sorry?

She gritted her teeth, trying to ignore him, but saw Charles Sawyer nearby. She imagined his gloating if she simply left. He would assume her marriage to Oscar was miserable. While she didn't care about others' opinions of her marriage, she wouldn't tolerate Charles Sawyer's judgment.

She decided to approach Oscar. His eyes flickered, noticing Hannah stop behind Janet.

"Do you want me to pull you away, or will you leave my husband on your own?" Hannah asked.

Janet turned, her expression ugly upon hearing Hannah's voice. She recognized Hannah's presence by Oscar's reaction; only Hannah could evoke such a response from him.

"It seems you need my help," Hannah stated, yanking Janet away from Oscar. Her strength forced Janet back, though Janet immediately tried to approach Oscar again.

"I advise you not to," Theodore Wold interjected. He'd been there all along, subtly creating space between them.

Janet clenched her fists, gnashing her teeth. Hannah looked at her, then at Oscar's face, his lips. His perfect lips were undeniably attractive. Janet, who adored him, would be desperate to kiss him. Even Hannah, without love for him, felt the urge to kiss him. A handsome man could easily charm women, but how could he be blamed for his features?

Suddenly, Hannah reached out and touched his lips. To her surprise, the lips of this aggressive man were incredibly soft.