Chapter 515: Conspiracy (8) Insecurity

"No, he didn't threaten me. He seemed to have a well-thought-out plan, which worries me," Hannah said, trying to control her emotions. "I don't know what Charles plotted."

"I should have killed that troublemaker!" Theodore ground out through clenched teeth.

Hannah glanced at him, swallowing her questions. "Don't be manipulated by Charles," she said frankly. "He wanted to provoke us, to make us lose our composure. During our phone call, I realized the best way to infiltrate Oscar's apartment was to create a diversion."

"What do you mean?" Theodore asked seriously.

"We'll make them believe our destination isn't the apartment, but somewhere else," Hannah explained. "I've thought of a good place—River Town City Hall. They're nervous about it and will prevent any harassment there at all costs."

"So, deceive them into thinking we're going to River Town City Hall, thereby lessening their surveillance of the apartment?" Theodore clarified.

"Exactly," Hannah nodded, catching a glimpse of his thigh.

"I can do anything as long as I'm alive," Theodore said.

Hannah bit her lip, wondering what Oscar meant to Theodore that he'd risk his life for him. But she knew she couldn't ask.

"Tomorrow," she said, "you'll sneak into City Hall, staying hidden. Then, make sure you're noticed—act convincingly. After you draw their attention, Jimmy and I will get into the apartment. I considered having Jimmy help you initially, but I'm afraid I can't manage an escape if we're discovered, and I'll need you two to rescue me, like last time." Hannah felt a pang of regret after her blunt admission. She often felt inadequate when it came to Oscar.

Theodore appreciated her directness. Unlike many, especially in business, who employed hypocritical methods, Hannah was frank, admitting she needed Jimmy's help. She knew Theodore also relied on Jimmy's assistance, yet she hid nothing.

"No worries. I can handle it," Theodore assured her.

"Okay," Hannah said, dropping the subject. "When you're in City Hall tomorrow, you'll likely be caught for trespassing. Be prepared for that. It's not illegal under Northfield law, but you can't avoid detention given the circumstances."

"Detention doesn't worry me. What worries me is whether you can manage it."

"I have to," Hannah stated firmly.

"Deal," Theodore agreed, accepting her plan. Oscar had said Theodore should listen to Hannah if anything happened to him. Since Oscar trusted her, so did he.

"During my detention, if you need help, find Manuel," Theodore added. "He's not just your childhood friend and a genius hacker. His abilities and influence are comparable to mine. He can handle things while I'm away."

Hannah frowned.

"Don't ask," Theodore said. "You'll understand eventually. But it won't be from me or Manuel. Maybe Oscar will tell you, or you'll figure it out yourself."

"Fine," Hannah nodded, glancing at the clock. "It's late. Time to sleep. Tomorrow, we act separately."

"All right."

Before going upstairs, Hannah said, "I have no idea who you are, what your world is like, or how powerful you are. I want you to know that I will never be a burden. If I ever get in your way, I'll leave."

Theodore was astonished. He hadn't expected that. None of them considered Hannah a burden. While surprised by Oscar's choice, they saw nothing wrong or disadvantageous in her presence. They were prepared to help her, even if it was effortlessly. Hannah, in contrast, remained calm and often saved them considerable trouble.

Her words didn't make sense. Did her feeling insignificant in Oscar's world make her insecure?

Theodore smiled. "What are you doubting about yourself?"

Hannah looked at him. "I always feel distant from you all."

"Never," Theodore said with a smirk. "You didn't know we all watched you grow up."

Hannah was shocked. "Were you reborn? Did you travel through time...?"

"What's with you?" Theodore sputtered. "Are you addicted to fiction? 'Watched you grow up' means we grew up alongside you, unnoticed. You only caught our attention because Oscar has been in love with you since childhood! Didn't you ever wonder why he agreed to marry you so easily when you proposed? He's a clean guy who never let women near him, let alone get married."

Hannah couldn't believe her ears. Were they talking about the same Oscar?

"Oops," Theodore said, realizing he'd said too much. "Anyway, don't underestimate yourself. You've amazed me these past few days. You're capable, not just in your world, but in ours. I'm telling the truth!"

His words comforted her. Lately, she'd sensed Oscar was no ordinary man, that he had a remarkable past. The distance between them felt insurmountable.

Hannah took a deep breath. There were no more questions, no more doubts. Rescuing Oscar was all that mattered.