Chapter 510 Conspiracy (3) Urgent!

The call was quick and short. After speaking with Theodore, Hannah felt so anxious she couldn't return to work as planned. She quickly requested leave from her father, then contacted Rose and Tan regarding several work assignments. Only after completing these tasks could she finally focus on Oscar's predicament.

She sat in the lounge. Max appeared anxious as well. Karen came downstairs and found Hannah at home. Perhaps Hannah's recent behavior had influenced Karen, who had lately tended to avoid Hannah by staying in her room. Consequently, Karen was irritated to find Hannah at home instead of at the office.

"Why are you here? Hasn't my brother left yet?" Karen asked, her tone sharp. She was clearly annoyed that Hannah remained while her brother had already gone.

Hannah narrowed her eyes. Before Hannah could respond, Max interrupted, "Master Oscar has been taken by the Investigation Department, accused of corruption." This was hardly the time for Karen to antagonize Hannah.

"What?" Karen's face paled. Though incredulous, she sensed Max's sincerity. The palpable anxiety in the air confirmed it. "Why would my brother do something so stupid? Corruption? He's rich! Does he need more money? Ridiculous!" she exclaimed angrily.

Hannah found herself disinclined to engage with Karen. Oscar's arrest relentlessly challenged her composure. Time was of the essence. The absurdity of framing a wealthy man for corruption suggested a much larger conspiracy.

This realization deepened her worry. Karen, witnessing Hannah's distress, wisely chose to remain silent, recognizing Hannah as the key to her brother's release. Terrified, she dared not exacerbate the situation. Tears welled in her eyes; the thought of Oscar imprisoned was unbearable.

Though worried about Oscar, Max noticed Karen's distress and likely hunger, having missed breakfast. He rose, saying, "Miss Karen, I'll bring you breakfast."

"No, thank you. I've lost my appetite."

"Feed yourself!" Hannah snapped. "Don't add to our problems!"

Karen remained silent. Her anger, though palpable, was subdued as she stared at Hannah with apprehensive eyes.

Max went to prepare breakfast. Hannah waited at home for Theodore. Within half an hour, he arrived at the villa, accompanied by a man Hannah didn't recognize.

Theodore swiftly introduced the man: "This is Josh Aaron, Oscar's lawyer. He was Oscar's instructor during his bar exam preparation. Though primarily an educator, he's a highly skilled barrister."

This piqued Hannah's interest. Josh, a man of about forty with glasses, projected maturity, prudence, and humility.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Aaron," Hannah said.

"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Wells," Josh replied. "Theodore briefed me on Oscar's case. The prosecution seems well-prepared, with ample evidence. Our chances of winning might be slim."

"I disagree," Hannah countered, rejecting his assessment. "This is a frame-up. There must be overlooked clues. No manufactured plot is flawless."

"I concur," Theodore agreed.

"Of course," Josh conceded. "But I must prepare you for a difficult battle. We're short on time. I've contacted the Investigation Department. Let's try to secure Oscar's pretrial release."

"Agreed," Hannah said.

They immediately departed for the Investigation Department. Max and Karen watched them go. Tears streamed down Karen's face. "Everything will be alright, right?" she sobbed.

"I have faith in Mrs. Wells. She'll save Master Oscar," Max said gravely.

…

Jimmy drove them in silence until Hannah's phone rang. She answered, "Susan."

"Oscar's been arrested, right?" Susan exclaimed.

"How do you know?" Hannah asked, frowning.

"The news! Everyone knows he's in custody for corruption," Susan said, her voice high-pitched. "What happened? Did he run out of money? Fifty million should be nothing to him! Did he take it because it seemed insignificant? Did he not consider it corruption?"

Hannah remained silent. Oscar wasn't a fool.

"Fifty million is a pittance for Oscar, but a fortune for most. He was a fool!" Susan scolded.

"You're the fool! The biggest fool I know!" Hannah retorted.

"Why are you so rude?" Susan complained.

"Focus on your job and protect yourself! Don't let anyone set you up!"

"Manuel?" Susan asked, her voice strained.

"That's why I called you a fool!"

"Hannah!"

"I have to go."

"Fine," Susan yelled. "I was trying to comfort you!"

Hannah tightened her lips. She knew Susan's intentions. Despite her flaws, Susan was a true friend.

"I'm fine, Susan."

"Are you sure? You love him so much…"

"I believe Oscar is innocent and I can save him."

"Need help?"

"Not now."

"I'm here whenever you need me."

"It would be better if you didn't create more problems."

Silence.

"I have to go. See you later."

Hannah hung up before Susan could respond. She checked the news; Oscar's arrest for alleged corruption dominated the headlines. Hannah gritted her teeth. Josh's words echoed in her mind. Given the scale of this attack, could she truly save Oscar?