Chapter 257: Oscar Won the Favor of Miguel and Michelle

“What’s wrong?” Oscar frowned, asking Hannah.

Hannah stared at her phone screen, incredulous. Ten o'clock? She usually woke at seven. No wonder she felt so refreshed. She'd overslept. What happened to her alarm? Why hadn't she heard it? She'd thought it was still early, that her alarm hadn't even gone off yet. She’d even been playing with Oscar in bed.

“What’s wrong?” Oscar repeated, hearing no response.

“Who turned off my alarm?” Hannah demanded, turning to him. It had to be him.

“I did.”

“Why? You’re late for work…”

“It’s Saturday.” Oscar reminded her.

Hannah stared, stunned. Of course; he'd slept late, too. “I work on Saturdays,” she said, pursing her lips.

“No, you don’t,” Oscar countered.

“Who are you to say that?”

“Just stay home on weekends,” he said bossily.

“Why should I?”

“Because I’ll stay home with you,” he said seriously, then continued a phone conversation. “Where were we?” He resumed talking to Theodore.

Hannah was speechless. Who was he to dictate her life? Why should she stay home just because he did? She thought of Charles from her past life, his relentless work schedule, weekdays and weekends blurring into one. They rarely spent time together. He’d always remembered small things—birthday flowers, anniversary perfume—gestures she’d been touched by, believing he’d made time for her. But his assistant had handled it all; he'd simply sent a text.

She glanced at Oscar, talking on the phone with Theodore. He wasn't talkative, but his actions were heartwarming. Was he just good at charming women, or did he genuinely love her? And why her? She hadn't done anything to deserve it, and Oscar didn't seem like someone who fell easily in love.

“I know I look dashing, but I’ll be shy if you keep staring,” Oscar said, hanging up as he noticed her unwavering gaze.

Hannah blinked, snapping back to reality, and looked away. He was handsome, undeniably, but also a bit of a jerk. Still, she couldn't bring herself to hate him.

“I’ll go back to Cooper Manor later,” she said, changing the subject. She needed to discuss the case with her father.

“I’ll go with you.”

“No need. You should rest.” A patient should rest, she thought.

“No. You need me.”

“Oscar…”

“Trust me,” he said with a sweet smile. “I’m more useful than you think.”

Gosh! He was supremely overconfident!

Nevertheless, Hannah went to Cooper Manor with Oscar. Miguel and Michelle were exceedingly welcoming.

“Oscar, I heard you became a government officer. Is that true?” Miguel asked, happily oblivious to the ongoing case.

“Yes. I’m not interested in the family business, but I can’t just idle. I’ve married Hannah and must support the family. So I became an officer,” Oscar said gently.

Miguel and Michelle were delighted. He showed ambition and love for their daughter. Oscar was adept at pleasing both women and elders. Hannah thought the diplomatic corps would suffer a great loss if he didn't join.

“For years, you’re the first officer from our circles to work at City Hall. I fully support you!” Miguel declared.

“I’ll do my best, Father,” Oscar promised, playing the perfect son-in-law.

Hannah silently wished she could tell her father that Oscar was incredibly scheming; his City Hall job was entirely self-serving.

“It’s family day. Let’s avoid work talk,” Michelle interrupted. “Oscar, try some fruit. I bought them this morning.”

Oscar readily accepted a piece. “So sweet.”

Michelle offered him more. Hannah sat beside her, yet her mother barely acknowledged her, showering Oscar with attention. Jealousy welled up.

“Mum, I want some,” Hannah pouted.

Michelle glanced at her impatiently. “It’s right there. Help yourself.” Then, kindly, she gave more fruit to Oscar.

“Thanks, Mum,” Oscar said politely, pointedly glancing at Hannah, as if provoking her.

Hannah rolled her eyes. He was being childish. Her mother was only nice to him for her sake. But then she remembered her parents had never been this hospitable to Charles.

“Hannah,” Miguel said.

“Yes, Dad.”

“The court informed me they have witnesses and evidence. My trial is next Friday,” Miguel said anxiously.

Hannah looked at Oscar, startled. Was she relying on him unconsciously? Hadn't she vowed to rely only on herself in this life?

“Don’t worry, Dad,” Oscar said confidently. “Hannah and I will win this case. You’ll be free.”

Miguel remained doubtful. “I reviewed the evidence yesterday. It’s difficult to clear my name.”

“No, it isn’t. The case is flawed,” Oscar insisted. “Trust us.”

“Of course I trust you, but I’m afraid it’s too difficult.”

“Dad, come on. We’re family. Don’t be silly,” Oscar said, a hint of anger in his tone.

Miguel smiled, relieved. Unexpectedly, Hannah had married a reliable man.