Chapter 428: An Opportunity

Hannah finally regained her composure, quickly averting her gaze with a blush. Oscar, seemingly unconcerned, turned to Theodore. "Hey, don't be jealous. You're getting married soon."

Theodore retorted, "My marriage is different from yours. Stop teasing me and the PDA. I need liquor; you need water."

Oscar acquiesced, resuming his drinking with Theodore, who indulged heavily, perhaps venting his frustrations. Manuel joined them, drinking considerably less than Theodore, though still a significant amount. As a light drinker, he seemed intent on getting drunk.

Hannah couldn't bear to watch. Approaching Manuel, she pleaded, "Don't get drunk. You're not like Theodore; he'll be fine."

"I'm drinking for myself," Manuel replied.

"But Susan and you…" Hannah began.

"We separated," Manuel stated frankly.

"Actually, I want to convince her to reconcile," Hannah sighed.

"I know, and you've tried," Manuel said smoothly, a gentle reminder for her to desist.

Hannah understood. She knew the key to their reconciliation lay in pleasing Susan. She needed to speak with Susan again.

"Time to return to Oscar," Manuel reminded her.

Hannah frowned.

"I'm afraid he'll be jealous," Manuel explained. "I know what he's like; it's horrible."

"Have you seen that before?" Hannah asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"For which girl?" A hint of unhappiness colored Hannah's tone.

"Guess," Manuel challenged.

"He's slept with so many," she countered, "I can't say."

"Think about it; I bet you can figure it out," he pressed.

Hannah glared.

"Stop glaring! I'm afraid Oscar will kill me!" Manuel joked.

Hannah doubted his exaggeration, but nonetheless, she moved away. Manuel breathed a sigh of relief. He still vividly remembered Oscar killing a lion barehanded after accidentally witnessing Charles kissing Hannah. The memory sent shivers down his spine.

Returning to Oscar, Hannah found him enveloping her in a hug while continuing to drink with Theodore, refusing to release her despite Theodore's complaints. They drank until midnight.

Theodore and Manuel were both thoroughly intoxicated. Theodore staggered from the restroom; Manuel could barely stand with his crutch. Oscar helped Manuel to the restroom.

Those who wanted to get drunk, had. It was time to end the party.

Oscar summoned club staff to escort Theodore and Manuel. Theodore, though still clamoring for more, was too drunk to resist. Both men were taken to a waiting car.

Hannah offered to help take Manuel home, but Oscar stopped her, assuring her the chauffeur would take him upstairs. Hannah was speechless; he seemed unconcerned about his own cousin. Nevertheless, she complied. They left in the car with Jimmy. Theodore and Manuel were sent home by the club.

In the car, Hannah appeared preoccupied.

"Still worried about Manuel?" Oscar asked firmly. "With my arrangements, I vouch for his safety. I know the responsibility would be heavy if anything happened to him again."

"No, that's not it," Hannah shook her head. She trusted Oscar's judgment, but she wondered if she should intervene to reunite Susan and Manuel. Manuel's intoxication presented an opportunity.

It was time to act. Hannah called Susan, who answered immediately—clearly still awake.

"Why aren't you asleep? Be kind to yourself; you're still recovering from the miscarriage," Hannah chided, as if addressing a child.

"Why are you calling so late? Checking if I'm asleep?" Susan asked rhetorically.

"Stop it. But take care of yourself," Hannah insisted.

"I'll go to bed after the game," Susan replied dismissively, though aware of Hannah's concern.

"Stay awake a little longer. I need to tell you something," Hannah said frankly.

Susan was momentarily speechless. Hannah had just told her to sleep, and now this?

"Manuel's drunk. Go get him. He can't go home alone," Hannah stated.

Susan felt a flicker of concern, quickly replaced by indifference. "Not my problem. We're separated, and I'm divorcing him. Why should I care?"

"Are you divorced?" Hannah asked.

"Not yet, but it's only a matter of time."

"I mean now!" Hannah clarified.

Susan pouted.

"Since you aren't divorced, you're still a couple. You're both responsible for each other! If anything happens to him, you'll be responsible!"

"Don't push me, Hannah. He's a grown man," Susan protested.

"Are you going or not?" Hannah pressed.

Susan finally relented, as she often did.

"Fine, I'm going! I hate you for blaming me. And it's almost my divorce," Susan grumbled.

"Keep warm; don't catch a cold," Hannah kindly reminded her.

"Okay," Susan replied.

Hannah only hung up after giving Susan further instructions. Turning to Oscar, she urged, "Call the chauffeur to take Manuel upstairs and wait for Susan. Hurry!"