Chapter 525: Set the Trap (1) – Charles's Wedding

"I saw on the news you're getting married," Hannah said flatly.

Charles smirked mockingly. "Jealous? I married a better woman than you."

A disdainful smile touched Hannah's lips. Ignoring his taunt, she asked, "Aren't you inviting me? Why haven't I received an invitation?"

"What game are you playing?" Charles, wary after their past conflicts, remained skeptical. He’d learned not to trust her easily.

"I haven't met her yet," Hannah replied.

Charles smirked. "Want to compare yourselves?"

"No, just curious."

"Curious?" Charles drawled disbelievingly. "Sarah is far superior."

His words echoed his last cruel remark before her death: "Sarah is much better and sexier in bed." Hannah sneered at the memory.

"Charles, I want to see you tonight," Hannah said on the phone.

"Why would I see you?" he retorted bluntly. He wouldn't meet her alone at such a critical juncture. The idea was ridiculous. Did she think him a fool?

Charles inwardly laughed at her.

"Fine, I'll get to the point. I want to see Oscar."

"Ah, that's it," Charles said, having anticipated her subterfuge. "Begging me to take you to Oscar?"

"Yes," she admitted.

"Nice try! It won't happen!" Charles declared. "Even if you begged, I won't help you. You'll witness his suffering!"

Hannah, enraged by his cruelty, snapped, "Don't ever call me again! I won't answer!"

Charles, carried away, continued, "I'll be frank: I never cared for you. My affection was a sham. I always loved Sarah. Don't delude yourself, Hannah!"

"Oh, is that it?" Hannah responded nonchalantly. "Then may you two always be happy." She hung up.

Charles felt uneasy. He'd intended to ridicule her, but her lack of reaction angered him. Holding his phone, her image lingered in his mind. He'd claimed to never like her, yet his heart pounded strangely. His face darkened. Sarah offered a glorious life; Hannah was nothing.

Hannah, putting down the phone, reflected. Charles wasn't easily fooled, yet he remained her most effective tool. She couldn't afford to abandon him if she wanted to see Oscar. She calmed herself and called Manuel. "When are you returning?"

"In a few days. I've located the men from the surveillance video and am monitoring them discreetly. I'll have someone bring them in once the court date is set, but I need to observe their treatment by our adversary."

"Understood," Hannah said. "Can you attend Charles's wedding?"

Manuel frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I need to be there. My family and I weren't invited, but I can still get in. I need help; Theodore's release is uncertain."

"Fine, I'll be there the day before the wedding."

After further discussion, Hannah reviewed the case. They possessed the video evidence and witness testimony to prove Oscar was framed. Proving his innocence only required the real financial statement, which she believed Oscar possessed. She had to meet him. The rape and murder charge against Mary remained Theodore's responsibility for now.

Hannah meticulously reviewed the details. A week later, Charles's wedding arrived. News of the wedding overshadowed Oscar's case. The two men had always been compared, and currently, Charles held the advantage.

Hannah, neglecting her appearance for a month, spent three hours preparing. She wore a stunning one-shoulder red fishtail gown, perfectly complementing her complexion and figure. With her flawless skin, elegant neck, and beautiful face, she was breathtaking.

Hannah, wrapped in a thick coat, entered Jimmy's car, heading to the wedding—not with an invitation, but with her beauty. She reviewed news reports on her phone; Oscar's case had vanished from the headlines.

They arrived at Kensbury City's most luxurious hotel. The entrance teemed with reporters, unsurprising given the Collins family's daughter's wedding—a national sensation. And that was exactly what Hannah wanted.

Jimmy pulled up; a clerk respectfully opened the door. The invitation was only needed at the end of the red carpet; Hannah needed to make a grand entrance. The moment she stepped from the car, she caused a sensation; no one expected her presence.