It took her a while to compose herself. Enduring aching muscles, she washed, dressed, and applied makeup. Her feet trembled as she slowly descended the stairs, nearly stumbling several times. Yet, she maintained her usual composed demeanor when she saw Max. She walked to the table and sat down for breakfast.

As soon as she was seated, Max quickly presented her breakfast.

"Cake?" Hannah looked surprised.

Max usually prepared a bountiful breakfast. Today, however, there was only a piece of cake and a glass of milk—an unusual sight.

"Mr. Wells requested it before he left," Max explained.

It suddenly dawned on her: the cake he'd brought last night. They hadn't touched it then. But Hannah was hungry now, having skipped both dinner and a post-coital snack. She picked up her fork and began to eat.

It tasted delicious.

"Max, did you make this?" Hannah asked, noticing the roughly shaped cream topping. It didn't look like something from a fancy bakery.

"No, Mr. Wells made it himself," Max replied.

Hannah was surprised.

Max added, "Actually, he returned yesterday afternoon. I'm sorry, Mrs. Wells, I lied."

"Never mind," Hannah smiled.

"He started decorating the room and making the cake as soon as he arrived. He did everything himself—baking, whipping the cream, and shaping it."

"I didn't know he could bake a cake."

The cake, however, didn't look like a first attempt. Hannah had considered learning to bake; making a cake was something she’d always wanted to try. But her attempts would have lacked the even texture and smooth frosting, let alone the shaping. The cake's taste and appearance clearly indicated Oscar's experience.

"After all, Mr. Wells tried to…" Max paused.

Hannah looked at him.

"He tried very hard to prepare a surprise for you last night," Max smiled.

Hannah sensed Max had kept a secret, but she didn't press him. If Oscar didn't want her to know, she wouldn't push Max.

"When did he leave this morning?" Hannah asked, changing the subject.

"Six o'clock."

"Did you see him off?"

"No, I just walked him to the door. Jimmy saw him off."

"Did he…" Hannah trailed off.

"Mrs. Wells, I'm sure he misses you," Max quickly said.

That wasn't what she'd meant to ask.

"I mean… did he look tired when he left?"

"No, he looked quite energetic going downstairs. He seemed hurried, even trotting out the door. Mrs. Wells, don't worry. Mr. Wells will take care of himself."

It felt unfair, Hannah thought.

"Mrs. Wells, would you like more breakfast?" Max asked when she finished the cake.

"No, thank you." Hannah wiped her lips and prepared to leave for the office.

"Mrs. Wells," Max said, bringing a glass of nutrient drink. "Master Oscar wanted you to drink this before work."

Her stomach felt full already.

"He said it would refresh you," Max continued before Hannah could refuse.

Hannah was speechless. A nutrient drink hardly qualified as refreshing.

"Mrs. Wells?" Max looked awkward at her silence.

Hannah took the drink and finished it. Despite Oscar's limited understanding of her needs, his thoughtfulness touched her. Jimmy drove her to the office as usual.

"Has he boarded the plane?" Hannah asked. Max had mentioned Jimmy driving him to the airport.

"Yes, his flight departs at 8:20 AM. He arrived at the airport at 7:30 AM," Jimmy replied.

"Okay."

Jimmy remained silent. Hannah assumed Oscar hadn't shared anything special with him.

Upon arriving at the office, Rose rushed over. "The kickoff meeting for the South Bay New Town project starts at 3:00 PM at the construction site. We're all invited. The chairman's secretary asked me to inform you that you should attend with him."

"It's just a simple kickoff meeting, right?" Hannah asked.

"No, it's presenting the rules for public bidding. Most companies in Kensbury City will attend; they've been invited based on a fair standard."

"Okay, I understand. Tell the chairman's office I'll attend."

"Okay." Rose left.

Sitting at her desk, Hannah felt listless. Her mind was preoccupied with the South Bay New Town project. This time, she vowed to prevent the Sawyers from winning.

Her thoughts drifted to Oscar. He'd be a few hours into his flight now, probably halfway there. She put down her phone, unable to reach him. Taking a deep breath, she acknowledged her preoccupation with him. He wouldn't be back for at least six months; she needed to focus on work.

She switched on her laptop and forced herself to concentrate.

At 1:20 PM, Hannah and her father left for the meeting.

"Hannah, what are your thoughts on this project?" Miguel asked.

"I intend to win it," Hannah replied.

"Well, expect fierce competition. Don't let your guard down," Miguel warned.

"Okay," Hannah nodded.

In her past life, mercy towards the Sawyers had cost her dearly. This time, she vowed revenge.