Chapter 435: Come for a Talk

"No," Rose hurried to deny. She was too busy for a relationship; work took precedence.

"So how can you tell?"

"At least I've seen similar things, though I've never experienced them," Rose replied.

Hannah smiled. "Alright, Rose, just go to lunch." She merely wanted to tease Rose.

"Okay," Rose nodded, starting to leave.

"Wait," Hannah said suddenly.

"Anything else?"

"Tell Jimmy to join you for lunch." Hannah usually took Jimmy to the canteen. However, judging by the lunchbox size, it wasn't enough for Jimmy's considerable appetite.

"Okay," Rose nodded.

"Jimmy, join Rose for lunch," Hannah instructed.

"Okay." Jimmy left with Rose. Watching them go, Hannah thought they might be a perfect match. If neither was involved in a relationship after some time, she would try to bring them together. The thought brought a smile to her face, though currently, they seemed incompatible.

Suddenly, she remembered Susan and Manuel, and called Susan.

"Oh, you still remember me? Hannah," Susan's voice was tinged with unhappiness.

"Sorry, I'm too busy."

"Don't lie. I know Oscar returned a few days ago. Man before friends, huh?" Susan retorted.

Hannah explained, "He only stayed a few days. Of course, I spent time with him."

"You love him more than me. I know it."

"Hey, Susan, don't be jealous. You must be bored lately."

"Yes! Dying of boredom! I've been losing at games and feel like smashing my phone!"

"Is the game the problem, or is there something else?"

"What do you mean?"

"I want to know about you and Manuel…"

"No!" Susan interrupted quickly. Recalling Manuel's disappointing reaction that night, she felt despondent.

"Let's have dinner tonight and talk."

"I don't want to talk!"

"Susan…"

"But dinner's fine. The old place?" Susan sounded hopeful.

"You're recovering. I don't think you should go out. I'll come to your house after work."

"Alright," Susan mumbled. She craved spicy food; the bland home cooking was killing her.

"Alright, see you tonight."

"See you."

Hannah continued her lunch. Max's food was far superior to the canteen's; she ate more than usual. Afterward, she put away her lunchbox.

Too full for a nap, she stood by the window and called Oscar. He answered immediately, as if expecting her call. She chided herself; he hadn't called to check on her.

"Honey," Oscar said, his voice husky and captivating. Her heart pounded. From "Miss Cooper" to "Mrs. Wells" to "honey," she felt his growing love.

Noticing Hannah's silence, Oscar asked, "Do you miss me?"

"What can I do even if I do?" Hannah replied, displeased by his departure.

"At least it would make me happy to know you miss me." His unexpected response left her speechless.

"But I miss you so much. There are three months left. I'll do my best to return safely."

Hannah asked seriously, "Do you think something will happen?"

"Probably," Oscar admitted. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." He always amplified her worries then eased them.

"Alright, I have to report to City Hall. Don't forget to miss me," Oscar said, sounding rushed.

"Okay." Hannah knew when to end the conversation. She missed him but wouldn't cling to him while he had important matters to handle.

"Take care. Let me know if there's any good news," Oscar said, referring to her pregnancy.

"Just get to work," Hannah replied, hanging up. She touched her belly, feeling nervous.

At 2:00 PM, Hannah left for the anniversary ceremony with Tan Laurier, her chief assistant. Rose was too busy, and Hannah didn't want her to work overtime.

In the car, Hannah broke the silence. "How do you feel about your job? Are you settling in?"

"Yes, I'm familiarizing myself with the Group's operations. I'll adapt soon."

"How many days will you need?"

"Three," he replied after considering.

"In three days, give me your oral assessment of the Group's operations. No written report is necessary."

"Okay."

Hannah didn't continue; they were still unfamiliar. While she appreciated his talent, she needed time to assess his suitability and capability.

The ceremony lasted three hours. Hannah had a dinner appointment with Susan, so she left early, instructing Tan to depart with other senior executives. She called Susan to inform her she was coming, but Susan was still asleep when she arrived.

Susan, looking drowsy, murmured, "Oh… welcome… I just wanted a nap…" Had it not been an important talk, Hannah would have left.