Chapter 509: Conspiracy (2) Frame-up

Moving her husband to bed proved a strenuous task for Hannah, nearly exhausting her. After settling Oscar, she began undressing him, intending to ensure his rest. But suddenly, she found him looking at her with suggestive, smiling eyes. What was wrong with him? He was openly seducing her.

"I'm only undressing you to get you comfortable," Hannah said. "You need sleep."

"Honey," Oscar murmured, his deep voice dripping with sexual allure.

Hannah tightened her lips, trying to ignore his advances. He was undeniably appealing, making it difficult to refuse him. "What is it?" she asked, attempting to deflect his attention.

"Will you trust me?" he inquired, his question laced with mystery.

"What?" Hannah asked, puzzled.

"Come here," Oscar requested, wanting to draw closer.

Hannah leaned against him. He enveloped her in his arms, saying, "Trust me, no matter what." His words were cut short by a passionate kiss, silencing her unanswered question.

She now believed Oscar was acting lasciviously. He had finally set his plan in motion, and Hannah's resistance crumbled. She was used to his considerable libido and seductive skills, but tonight felt different. Was it the alcohol? This wasn't like him. Under his touch, Hannah's inhibitions melted away, and Oscar's restraint vanished as he became consumed by passion.

Morning arrived, finding Hannah too weary to even move her toe. The previous night had been a passionate encounter, a rarity for them. The alcohol had acted as a potent aphrodisiac, transforming Oscar into a force of nature. An unexpected hug revealed the lion had become a gentle cat, his arms affectionately wrapping around his mate.

"Good morning, my dear," he murmured.

However, it wasn't a good morning for Hannah after such an intense night, one that afforded her only scant minutes of sleep before the alarm shattered her rest.

"Need to call in sick?" he asked.

"No need," she replied. She had an important meeting and rescheduling would burden her team.

"So it seems I can ask for more," he said with a sarcastic smile.

"Enough!" Hannah interrupted, her face flushing. He knew exactly how to tease her; without his relentless seduction, last night's events wouldn't have transpired. He seemed pleased by her shyness.

He unfolded the duvet, revealing her naked body, causing her a momentary shock. "Come on," he teased, "You've been my bride long enough!"

Hannah was slightly annoyed. She was always passive during their intimacy. He gently guided her under the showerhead.

"If we have time, I want another hot, sexy spa treatment, my baby." She supposed she should be grateful for the meeting; otherwise, another round of intimacy might be in store.

After their shower, Oscar carefully dried and dressed her, overwhelming her with love and happiness. She cherished these moments, unsure how long they would last. Having a man who loved her so deeply was a blessing she hadn't expected, having given up on love long ago.

With gratitude, she tiptoed to kiss him. His surprise was evident; her passion was unexpected.

"Thank you, Oscar," she murmured, her face flushed, before hurrying away.

The warmth in his eyes faded as she left. His lips moved, but no sound escaped. He wished he had said, "Hannah, trust me, please."

As they finished breakfast, the impending separation brought a wave of sadness to Hannah, quickly replaced by the knowledge that Oscar would only be gone for half a month. Her heart fluctuated between joy and sorrow.

Hand in hand, they left the living room. At the door, three uniformed officials appeared.

"Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Wells," the lead official stated formally. "We're from the Investigation Department. Mr. Wells, we require you to accompany us for questioning. We received an anonymous complaint alleging abuse of power and corruption amounting to fifty million dollars during your time in River Town."

Hannah's face paled. She looked at Oscar, who was calm but somber.

"Please come with us," the official repeated.

Oscar exchanged a troubled look with Hannah before departing with the officials. Hannah watched them go, certain he had been framed. A man as wealthy as Oscar had little reason to embezzle fifty million.

Had Charles orchestrated this? Had desperation finally driven him to recklessness?

"Mrs. Wells," Max asked, breaking through her shock, "what do we do now?"

She immediately called Theodore, who answered impatiently after being roused from a short sleep.

"Oscar was taken by the prosecutor," she stated.

"What?!" Theodore exclaimed, fully awake. Hannah explained the fifty-million-dollar corruption accusation.

"Damn. This is ridiculous," Theodore retorted.

Little Bunny, observing Theodore's enraged state, quietly left the room.

"I need more information immediately. I don't trust any lawyers right now. I need to navigate the legal process in Northfield before obtaining the information I need. Any recommendations?" Hannah asked calmly.

"I'll handle the lawyer," Theodore promised. "And if possible, discreetly contact your father and see if anyone from the aristocratic families can assist. Charles wouldn't be capable of this alone."