Chapter 324: Take Your Time

"Are you awake?" Hannah heard a familiar, magnetic voice. Turning her head, she saw Oscar beside her. One arm was bandaged; the other supported his head, as if he were studying her. He seemed to have been looking at her for a long time.

Hannah frowned. "Why are you looking at me?"

"You look pretty," Oscar smiled.

Hannah warned herself against falling for his charm. Rolling her eyes, she sat up. "I'm starving," she said.

"Same here," Oscar replied.

"Then why haven't you ordered something?" she asked, a little annoyed.

"I was waiting for you."

"Huh? I didn't ask for that. If you were hungry, you should have eaten first. I'll order when I wake up," she retorted, though a little touched by his gesture. She still found him somewhat foolish.

"I'll eat you up," Oscar suddenly added.

Hannah was speechless and furious, her cheeks flushing. Oscar, seeing her reaction, couldn't help but laugh. Fondling her head gently, he said, "I'll order something to eat."

Hannah didn't want to speak to him. She felt frustrated and bored, instinctively reaching for her phone, only to realize their phones were missing. "Oscar, someone took our phones," she said.

"I know. And I also know you were found because of my phone," Oscar replied.

Hannah guessed as much. There was no other way the police could have found her; using his phone to browse the internet had given away her location. "What about our phones now? Can you get them back?" she asked.

"I asked Jimmy to buy replacements with our numbers."

Hannah was relieved. Though her phone contained many files, she regularly deleted and saved data, minimizing her losses.

The nurse brought their food. After devouring two large bowls, Hannah felt somewhat restored. Oscar also ate heartily. For the first time, they truly cleaned their plates.

"Are you full?" Oscar asked.

Hannah nodded, lying down on the sofa, feeling incredibly satisfied. Oscar stroked her hair dotingly.

Theodore entered the ward, witnessing the scene. What had he done to deserve this? he wondered.

Clearing his throat pointedly, Oscar glanced at him. Theodore said, "Sorry to interrupt, but something's come up."

Oscar nodded slightly.

"Do you need me to leave?" Hannah asked.

Theodore didn't answer. Oscar bluntly said, "No."

Theodore sat on the sofa. "The key figures in the drug ring have been apprehended by Kensbury police. The evidence is conclusive; their court appearance is imminent," he announced.

"Good," Oscar replied.

"The incident has been widely reported. Your contribution to dismantling Langley Town's criminal forces and eradicating the drug cartel has received significant media attention. This could be a huge boost to your election chances, especially with a week to go!"

Oscar nodded.

"When will you leave the hospital? The media are waiting," Theodore suggested.

Oscar hesitated. "Tomorrow is fine. Leaving sooner might arouse suspicion."

"That'll work," Theodore agreed. "I'll leave then." He produced two phones. "Jimmy needed a nap; he asked me to bring these."

Oscar took them. "Get some rest, both of you. We're safe for now."

"Okay," Theodore replied, then departed.

They powered up their phones, both engrossed in reinstalling apps.

Hannah suddenly asked, "Oscar, how did you find me last night?"

"Theodore didn't tell you? They dispose of captured men by throwing them into the river. All I had to do was wait. Your presence meant you'd been caught, and I could save you. Your absence meant you were still alive, and I didn't need to worry."

"How did you know that?" she asked.

"I investigated them beforehand."

"So before going to Langley Town, you knew about the local forces and cartels?"

"Something like that," Oscar answered vaguely.

"You planned this, didn't you?" Hannah stated, certain of it. "To become a hero, perform good deeds, and boost your campaign?"

"It was the only way I could think of to win. They prefer Charles; otherwise, I would lose," he admitted.

Hannah bit her lip, unsure Oscar could win. He had no advantages; Charles had invested considerable effort, making victory seem improbable. Yet, Oscar had found a way. She sensed something different about him this time—a control, a capability she'd never witnessed before.

"Are you angry?" Oscar asked, his gaze serious.

Hannah shook her head. "No. Just a sudden feeling that I don't know you well."

"It doesn't matter. You can get to know me. Take your time."

Hannah smiled gently, focusing on her phone. She downloaded a news app and clicked on it. Then she was stunned. The headlines were dominated by the Langley Town cartel and Oscar's heroic actions. She was also shocked to learn that Chester, the drug ring leader, had committed suicide.