Chapter 519 Conspiracy (12) Breakthrough

Hannah calmly observed the enthusiastic old man. He seemed to lose steam, abruptly ceasing his monologue. "Alas," he sighed, "it's a matter for the aristocratic families. Nothing to do with us ordinary folk. Nothing I can do."

Hannah pursed her lips, then smiled. "Indeed. We are ordinary people. Best to avoid such affairs and mind our own business."

He nodded in agreement. Hannah initiated casual conversation. "You live alone, it seems. Where is your family?"

"My son lives abroad; he married and has children. My wife passed away last year, leaving me alone," he lamented.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Hannah offered.

"It is what it is," he replied.

Hannah asked no further questions. After more pleasantries, she departed with her bottle of soy sauce, only turning when she saw the old man close the door behind her.

Back in the car, Hannah instructed, "Tomorrow, we return."

"Any progress, Mrs. Wells?" Jimmy inquired.

"Not yet. I'm pursuing it," she responded.

"Very well."

The following morning, Hannah tasked one of Theodore's men with procuring the finest chicken broth in River Town. She transported it to the old man's residence in a thermos. Upon arrival, she poured the broth into a large bowl, feigning neighborly kindness. She knocked; the old man answered.

He recognized her. "Can I help you, my dear?"

"Good morning, sir. I returned your soy sauce yesterday; this broth is a small token of thanks."

He was surprised by the large bowl of broth. "It was just a bottle of soy sauce. How thoughtful of you."

"I made a large batch, but my husband and I couldn't finish it all. I thought you might enjoy some."

He accepted the bowl. "Allow me to transfer it to my own bowl, and I'll return yours."

"No need. It might scald you. Keep the bowl; I'll collect it later."

"Very well," he agreed.

Hannah departed with a smile.

Back in the car, she instructed Jimmy, "Next time, disconnect his internet cable."

Jimmy frowned but acquiesced.

At 5 p.m., Hannah returned. The old man greeted her warmly. "One moment, my dear. I'll get your bowl."

Hannah waited, observing him retrieve the clean bowl.

As she turned to leave, he called out, "Excuse me."

Hannah smirked, knowing Jimmy had completed his task. She turned back. "Yes?"

"My internet connection has suddenly failed," he explained. "I've contacted the provider, but it will take time. I'm expecting a video call with my granddaughter soon. Could you perhaps take a look?"

"Of course," Hannah agreed. She removed her shoes and entered his apartment.

Despite living alone, his home was neat and well-maintained. He seemed a refined man, likely well-educated. How else could he afford to send his child abroad ten years ago, especially in a less developed city like River Town?

While examining the apartment, Hannah repaired the internet cable.

"What was the problem?" he asked.

"The cable, it seems. Don't worry; I'll check it thoroughly," Hannah assured him.

"Thank you. You're very kind."

"It's nothing," Hannah replied, smiling.

Ten minutes later, she messaged Jimmy to reconnect the cable to the electronic box. The internet was soon restored.

The old man expressed his gratitude. "Young people are so adept with technology. The other day, Oscar helped me fix my cable television."

"Oscar... appearances can be deceiving," Hannah remarked casually.

"I don't believe he committed a crime," the old man insisted. "It was a setup. His success made others jealous."

"Perhaps you should be cautious about what you say, sir. It's rather... blunt."

"Why should I be? I have freedom of speech!" He revealed his resentment, his misgivings eased by their mutual assistance. "Since arriving from Kensbury City, he's worked tirelessly. I've met him several times, returning home after 9 or 10 p.m. He always worked late. He's also a generous philanthropist, donating to numerous primary schools around River Town, personally championing basic living allowances, and even pushing through healthcare reforms that were perpetually delayed. I can't believe such a benevolent man would be accused of corruption. Besides, I heard he comes from a wealthy family. Why would he embezzle such a paltry sum at such a risk?"

His enthusiasm grew with each word.

Hannah listened silently. She was unaware of Oscar's contributions to education, poverty alleviation, and healthcare in River Town. The thought that Oscar might be a suitable leader for the people struck her, a thought she quickly suppressed to avoid further emotional distress.

"He sounds like a good man," she finally said.

"A very good man. It's a shame Oscar wasn't more subtle about his talents," he sighed. "It's hard to know who he offended with his achievements."

Hannah sighed but said little more. After further conversation, she prepared to leave.

As she stepped outside, the old man called out, "Excuse me, dear, could you help me reconnect my surveillance camera? It's malfunctioned since the internet outage. I'm too old to manage it. Oscar used to help me with it."

"You have a surveillance camera? In your home?" Hannah was astonished. She considered herself thorough, yet she hadn't noticed a surveillance camera.

"Yes, at the door," he replied.

Another surveillance camera!