Chapter 255: Admit I Love You

"Have you found the problem?" Oscar asked, allowing Hannah little time to respond.

"These contracts were all signed by Maxwell Watson."

"Anything else?"

"The amount is one hundred million, the same as the private contracts."

"Read them again," Oscar prompted, as if she'd missed something crucial.

Hannah reread the documents. Suddenly, she trembled and exclaimed, "They're all about purchasing construction materials!"

"Exactly!" Oscar nodded. "I checked the dates. They were signed a week after the 'Huatan' project land purchase. They bought materials before any contractor was awarded the bid. The contract amounts were substantial. Unless the project was incredibly urgent, someone needed money quickly."

"So, you think these are…false contracts?"

Oscar nodded. "My guess is Maxwell can only sign and approve contracts up to fifty million. They split the one hundred million into three to avoid your father's approval process."

Hannah listened, impressed by his deduction. He didn't work for Cooper Group; how did he know its inner workings so well?

"So, if we prove my father wasn't involved in these three false contracts, we solve a lot, right?"

Oscar nodded.

"I need to find the parties involved in these contracts. They're not solid evidence unless they testify in court."

"I've told Theodore to do that," Oscar stated flatly.

Hannah stared, incredulous.

"He'll likely report back tomorrow morning."

Hannah gazed at Oscar, unwavering. She knew he was more than he seemed, but she hadn't expected this level of resourcefulness.

She tried to remain calm. "I also suspect Dore, the one who reported my father. He fled but returned. Someone's manipulating him."

"Don't worry. I've got informants on him; we'll find evidence if there's anything."

Oscar seemed to anticipate her every concern.

"So, Hannah, are you still angry?" Oscar asked.

"I wasn't angry," Hannah replied. She'd thought him childish, expecting frivolous gifts she didn't want.

She was surprised by his efforts, especially their quiet execution. She wouldn't have been so harsh had he been upfront.

Ultimately, it was his fault. He shouldn't have pretended! She wouldn't have been so cutting had he been honest.

Reflecting, she felt no responsibility for the tension.

"In other words, would you like to sleep with me, Mrs. Wells?"

"Don't push your luck, Oscar."

"I've done so much for you. Shouldn't you thank me?"

"You did it for yourself," Hannah countered.

Oscar looked slightly displeased.

"We're in this together. Think you can win if I'm ruined?" Hannah stated matter-of-factly.

Oscar smiled faintly. She saw his lips curve for a brief moment.

He leaned closer. Hannah froze, her heart pounding at his nearness. He lifted her chin, looked into her eyes, and asked, "Will it be that difficult to admit I love you?"

Hannah felt only the frantic beat of her heart. He wanted her to admit he loved her?

She refused to believe it, fearing deception, yet felt cornered.

"Hannah, what's made you this way?" Oscar asked, not pressing the previous question. He knew it wouldn't work. He desperately wanted to understand the transformation of the twenty-two-year-old Hannah.

"Investigate me," Hannah said directly.

"Don't you think I have?" Oscar raised an eyebrow. He'd found nothing, hence the direct approach.

Silence fell between them. He would concede if he spoke now; he'd always compromised for her, but she didn't believe it.

"Sleep with me or not, your choice. I won't pressure you." Oscar stood and went to the bed.

Hannah watched his back, seeing childishness earlier, now hurt. She swallowed, realizing a womanizer like him was skilled at winning hearts. Manipulation could be lethal.

Ultimately, Hannah left the room.

Oscar stared at the door, his face falling. He'd given her a choice, and she'd left? Didn't she see his attempt at gentlemanly behavior? His wait for her?

What a heartless woman!

The door opened again. Oscar's face, still downcast, became impassive upon seeing Hannah. She smiled faintly, pretending not to notice his previous expression.

"I'll bring my laptop to copy those contracts; I won't need to look for them tomorrow," she said, implying a desire to finish work, not a refusal of intimacy.

"Whatever," Oscar said proudly.

Hannah avoided further embarrassment.

She quickly copied and saved the documents, then went to the bathroom—their bathroom.

Oscar smiled.

Hannah showered and naturally got into Oscar's bed. They slept shoulder to shoulder, then he held her close. She didn't struggle, fearing further wounding. His heartbeat against her chest offered a sense of security. He was slowly winning her over, her acceptance and trust growing.