Chapter 263 Charles’s Arrival

Hannah watched them disappear. She then took a seat in the crowded public gallery.

“Hannah.” A familiar voice startled her.

Hannah turned, surprised. “Susan? Why are you here?”

“My godfather’s involved in this case. I had to be here,” Susan replied. She’d self-proclaimed Miguel as her godfather, a significant departure from Northfield tradition. Susan, however, was an exception.

“Where’s Manuel?” Hannah asked.

“Hey, my feelings seem less important than his! I’m pissed,” Susan said sulkily.

Hannah stammered, “But you’re married to him. My concern for him is a concern for you.”

“Stop mentioning we’re married. It’s disgusting.”

“So, how’s living with your ‘roommate’?”

“Not pleasant. We live separate lives. I’m relieved when he’s gone. I even want to sleep elsewhere.”

“But his leg was injured because of you. Can’t you be kinder?” Hannah asked.

“Justine hired a personal servant for him. She’s young and beautiful. What more can I do?”

“Are you jealous?”

“Jealous? I hope the servant hooks up with him, and he divorces me.”

Hannah decided to end the conversation. She understood Susan’s feelings. Even knowing the truth, Susan wouldn’t likely accept Manuel’s affection given his past actions against her and Henry. Manuel’s handling of Henry’s conspiracy, however, commanded Hannah’s respect.

“Hey, Charles is here,” Susan announced.

Hannah held back her mediating words.

Charles was approaching, as expected. “What are you doing here?” Susan’s hostility was immediate. She’d once viewed him favorably, but now found him repulsive, particularly in comparison to Oscar.

“Hannah and I were together. I feel obligated to show concern for her father’s case,” Charles said, affecting his usual humble demeanor.

“Thank you,” Hannah smiled thinly. She wasn’t foolish enough to argue with him publicly. She knew his goal: to see Miguel convicted. She tolerated his presence.

“I heard Oscar’s Miguel’s defense lawyer. True?” Charles asked.

Kash Hunter had been dismissed a day prior, after a payment dispute. Oscar’s name, however, had been submitted and approved. This information, typically confidential, was somehow known to Charles, who consistently manipulated the case to access leaks.

“You’re right,” Hannah replied casually.

“Has he ever defended anyone?” Charles mocked. “Law isn’t something to trifle with. Miguel may face a harsher penalty if he messes up.”

“Charles, if you’re only here to observe, be quiet. The outcome doesn’t concern you. Your excessive concern for my father suggests otherwise.”

Charles looked uncomfortable. Hannah ignored him. He seethed, anticipating her misery after Miguel’s conviction. He wouldn’t waste time arguing; she seemed unexpectedly eloquent. He approached to sit beside her.

Then, someone deliberately bumped into Charles, nearly knocking him over. He grabbed a chair to steady himself.

“Sorry, that’s my seat,” Theodore said, taking it.

Charles, though irritated, controlled his anger. Theodore’s aggressive nature was well-known.

Charles swallowed his anger, smoothed his suit, and sneered, “Oscar appointed you Hannah’s bodyguard?”

“Hannah’s his everything. She deserves the best protection from bastards,” Theodore retorted.

“Theodore, watch your language!” Charles hissed.

“I’m being restrained. Otherwise, I’d mention your last humiliation,” Theodore began, referring to a past incident.

Charles’s face turned red. He gritted his teeth and stormed off. Susan was gleeful.

“Hey, I didn’t expect you to be so talkative,” she said to Theodore.

“Idle? That describes you better. I’m more capable than you think.”

“So cocky,” Susan observed his offensiveness. She barely knew him.

“Hey, the session’s starting,” Hannah interjected, preventing a fight.

Theodore remained silent, knowing Manuel’s feelings for Hannah. There was no need to argue.