Chapter 300: Are You in Love with Oscar?

Hannah returned to her office, checked the time, and realized she hadn't expected Oscar to return today. She dismissed the thought, deciding to focus on work. She’d meticulously organized tasks by department and had several challenging projects ahead.

She reviewed the Planning Department ledger, her gaze settling on the "South Bay New Town" municipal planning project. This was crucial for Kensbury, a flagship project planned as an international metropolis, setting a standard for Northfield's aspirations as a world-class city. City Hall would invest heavily; winning the construction bid would be incredibly lucrative for the next five years.

In her previous life, Sawyer Group had secured the project. Normally, Cooper Group, specializing in real estate, would have been better suited. However, Hannah had persuaded her father to cede the project to Sawyer Group, helping them overcome financial difficulties. Sawyer Group had subsequently prospered, becoming a major corporation rivaling Wells Group and surpassing both Cooper Group and Phillips Bank.

This time, Hannah smiled coldly. Sawyer Group would not succeed; she would ensure they faced serious repercussions.

Her phone rang. "Hello, Susan," she answered.

"Hannah, I'm so bored," Susan complained.

"Why? Aren't you working?" Hannah asked.

"Yep. That's why," Susan replied, sounding desperate. "You won't believe the job my father gave me!"

"Oh? Tell me," Hannah prompted.

"Financial accountant," Susan said, close to tears.

"That's not bad! You'll gain valuable insight into the company's financial situation," Hannah reasoned.

"It's all Greek to me! I can't understand the numbers. I even dream about them! It's driving me crazy!"

"What do you want me to do?" Hannah asked, sensing Susan's ulterior motive.

"Dinner. I need to vent, or I'll go insane."

Hannah checked the time. She'd planned to work late on the South Bay New Town project, but agreed. She realized she should spend more time with Susan, who, despite being married, seemed neglected. She felt inadequate as a friend.

"Okay. Six p.m., same place."

"Will Manuel be there?"

"Don't even mention him!" Susan snapped.

Hannah, puzzled by Susan's anger, rubbed her ears. Sooner or later, you'll see how great Manuel Johnson is, she mused.

Hannah met Susan at HEROIC at six p.m. Susan was already in a private room. Hannah had left work promptly but was delayed by rush-hour traffic. Susan's early arrival indicated she'd skipped work, leaving Hannah wondering how Edward would address the situation.

"A moment. I'll talk later," Susan said, returning to her phone game.

Hannah was speechless. She found the pervasive obsession with games perplexing.

"Focus on your game. I'll order," Hannah said, resigned.

"You know my favorites, right?"

"Sure," Hannah replied.

Susan remained silent, engrossed in her game. Hannah ordered and waited.

"Damn! Lost again!" Susan cursed, visibly upset.

Hannah couldn't understand the intensity of Susan's reaction. She thought of Theodore, who reacted similarly to setbacks in his mobile games.

"Susan, want to meet someone new?" Hannah asked.

"Who?" Susan, though annoyed, lowered her phone, clearly unhappy since her marriage.

"Theodore Wold."

"Pfff... That idiot," Susan said dismissively.

Hannah bit back the comment, "You two are very alike," fearing Susan's reaction. They were both incredibly stubborn.

"Oh, right. Oscar's election campaign seems tough," Susan changed the subject.

Hannah nodded.

"I saw their rallies. Charles is incompetent but cunning. He gives impromptu speeches and pays canvassers. He's spending a fortune! Meanwhile, Oscar's campaigning in obscurity, getting little publicity. He needs to return soon; there are only a few days left. He's handsome; he might still catch up."

So Susan admires Oscar's looks, Hannah thought.

"Oscar has a plan."

"His plan is to gracefully concede," Susan declared.

"That's not him."

"Oh, yes it is! He's a playboy, a master of time management, but mostly just fooling around."

"I believe in him," Hannah insisted, unsure how to explain her unwavering faith.

"Hannah, you're in love with Oscar, aren't you?" Susan asked seriously.

Hannah's heart skipped a beat.

"You do love him, right? You believe him unconditionally, just like you did Charles back then."

"Oscar is different!" Hannah insisted.

"I didn't mean—"

"My feelings for Oscar are not the same as for Charles," Hannah stated firmly.

Susan frowned, unsure why Hannah had become so serious.