Chapter 497: Karen vs. Mary

Hannah wondered why Oscar feared he hadn't been a good husband. After all, they'd shared a happy life, and she felt special to him. Turning to him, she met his deep gaze, seeing the profound love in his eyes, a love she knew resided deep in his heart.

"Oscar, why do you care so much about me?" she asked.

They'd known each other since childhood, their emotional development intertwined. If their relationship had a precise beginning, it was likely the car accident six months prior, when they first truly got to know each other. Yet, Hannah couldn't fathom the depth of his love, a love that had even led him to humble himself.

Oscar saw her confusion but offered no explanation, instead silencing her questions with a kiss. Hannah felt she would be with Oscar forever.

Returning home, they received a call from Michelle, lamenting their lack of a visit to the Cooper Manor since Oscar's return. Remembering their long absence, Hannah and Oscar decided to have lunch with her parents.

As they prepared to leave, Karen stood in the living room, asking hesitantly, "Can I come to the Cooper Manor? I haven't visited another family. I want to…" Her voice was timid, laced with fear of rejection. Hannah sighed inwardly; Karen was a constant source of trouble, a significant damper on her joy.

"Sure," Hannah replied, resigned. It was her only option; otherwise, Karen would play the innocent victim, complaining to Venus about being left alone. Hannah had no desire to shoulder that blame.

Karen plastered on a bright, innocent smile. Even Max momentarily considered her pleasant, before remembering her irritating behavior and retracting the thought.

Hannah, Oscar, and Karen arrived at her parents' house at noon, a lavish lunch already prepared. Hannah's face fell at the sight of Mary. Michelle quickly explained, "Mary visits Grandma occasionally."

Hannah smiled faintly, recognizing Mary's shrewdness in currying favor. With Lorie having alienated Wayne and Jane, Mary's attention was now valuable.

Hannah maintained a neutral expression. Michelle then turned to Karen, asking, "Oh, is this Oscar's younger sister?"

"Yes, I'm Karen. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cooper," Karen replied sweetly.

"Nice to meet you, Karen," Michelle responded warmly. "Welcome. Let's have lunch."

"Thank you," Karen said shyly, clinging to Oscar's arm.

Hannah's displeasure was evident, but she noted Mary's own unhappiness. Suddenly, a mischievous thought struck her: the prospect of Mary and Karen under one roof promised to be entertaining.