Chapter 484: The Little Bitch's Coming

"Come on, let's go home," Hannah said, abandoning further questions. She knew any inquiry would be fruitless. She wasn't sure she understood him, or what astonishing secret he harbored. For now, she chose to let it be. As long as Oscar didn't intend to harm her, she would overlook his actions—her tolerance stemmed from her affection for him.

They left the sofa, Hannah walking ahead. Oscar reached for her hand, but she pulled away. He smiled faintly and followed. Despite her calm demeanor, he sensed her displeasure.

In the car, Hannah asked Jimmy, "Is Mary okay?"

"She's fine. Minor injuries from the fall, but she's taken medicine. The doctor said she'll recover by tomorrow."

"Good," Hannah replied.

Through the rearview mirror, Jimmy saw the couple's strained silence and surmised they'd quarreled. He hadn't returned to Hannah's office after taking Mary to the hospital, fearing disruption. He couldn't comprehend their sudden coolness, and resigned himself to the unknowable nature of affection, focusing on driving.

They soon arrived at the villa.

The drive home was wordless, making Jimmy increasingly nervous. He'd earlier been embarrassed by their intimacy, and now missed that—preferring it to their current cold war. Upon arrival, Hannah opened the car door herself, a departure from Oscar's usual courtesy, and entered the villa. Oscar followed.

Watching them, Jimmy felt that if Hannah ever left Oscar, he wouldn't last. He withdrew his gaze and drove home.

Hannah entered the hall to find Venus and Karen seated on the sofa with Max. Max greeted them, "Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Wells!"

Oscar nodded curtly, acknowledging the women. Hannah, who liked her mother-in-law but not her sister-in-law, approached calmly. "Venus, why didn't you call before coming? I'm so busy these days, and would have been home after nine if Oscar hadn't picked me up."

Venus responded gently, "Don't worry, your work is important. We didn't want to bother you." She pulled Hannah beside her and turned to Oscar. "When did you get back? Why didn't you tell us?" Her tone shifted dramatically, contrasting sharply with her manner towards Hannah.

Oscar sat calmly, "I just got back and picked Hannah up. What brought you here so suddenly, Mom?" He deflected the question.

Venus readily followed his lead. "Your father and I are going on a trip for our anniversary in a few days. I was going to leave Karen home, but Nancy's mother fell ill, so Nancy's going to her parents' to help. That leaves only Thomas, who's a workaholic, so I had no choice but to bring Karen. It was her suggestion, too."

Hannah listened, her gaze lingering on Karen. She suspected the "little bitch" was up to no good.

"You got back just in time," Venus continued. "I was worried Karen's arrival might bother Hannah. Now you're home, I can leave it to you." Her tone implied it was a given.

Before Hannah or Oscar could respond, Karen interjected, "Hannah and Oscar, I'm so sorry to bother you." She affected a demureness that was hard to refuse.

Hannah met Oscar's knowing gaze. He'd maneuvered her into this position, confident that she would reluctantly agree to appease Venus—precisely what he desired. It wasn't respect for her opinion, but a way to ensure she had no say in Karen's stay. She'd made a promise, and realized she was outmatched. He was a master manipulator.

Feeling Venus's scrutiny, Hannah smiled. "Come on, Venus, don't be so distant. We're family. Karen's visit isn't a bother. We're happy to have her."

"I'm so glad to hear that," Venus replied warmly, clearly pleased. "Robert and I will be gone for about half a month. We'll pick Karen up then. It's very kind of you to look after my little Karen."

"Oh, don't say that, Venus. Karen's not a child. I can't do much for her, but it's nice having company. Oscar's going to River Town tomorrow or the next day, and Karen can come home with me then." Hannah's words were laced with subtle disclaimers: she wouldn't actively care for Karen; any mishap would be Karen's responsibility.

Venus smiled. "You're right. Karen is your age. I'm the one being overly protective."

Hannah echoed the sentiment, knowing directly disagreeing might offend Venus, whose fondness for Karen was obvious. She smiled in agreement.

"I'll be home for a week," Oscar announced. Hannah was surprised by his extended stay, suspecting it was related to their recent attempts to conceive.

He clarified, "My formal return is in two weeks, so I'm back early to handle the transition this week."