Chapter 528: Set the Trap (4)

"You get it?" Hannah asked.

Manuel nodded. "I sent the photos and video."

"Okay," Hannah replied calmly, everything proceeding as expected. "I'll go in; you follow later."

"Right," Manuel said.

Hannah turned and walked away. "But, Hannah…" Manuel called after her.

"What?"

"Is it worthwhile sacrificing so much for Oscar?"

Hannah, noticing Manuel's low spirits, smiled dryly. For Oscar, she was capable of anything, if cornered. Charles's harassment? She would even sleep with him, if necessary.

Manuel understood. He'd tried to dissuade her the previous night, but this was the best way to reach Oscar, even if the thought of Hannah making such sacrifices pained him. Seeing Charles kiss her had been particularly disheartening; Oscar would be furious if he knew. He'd had to observe from afar to achieve their goal. Fortunately, Hannah had avoided being violated.

"Thankfully, Oscar hasn't given up on you," Manuel said seriously.

Hannah frowned, sometimes struggling to understand him. "I'll go on ahead."

She walked away, taking a deep breath at the hall entrance. The usher didn't ask for her invitation; it was likely Charles's instruction. He preferred not to be bothered.

Few guests were present. The wedding, though lavishly publicized due to the Collins family's prominence, was low-key, not ostentatious or inappropriate. It reminded Hannah of her own casual wedding to Charles. It didn't matter; Oscar had given her a far grander wedding. At that moment, her life felt perfect because of him.

Hannah entered gracefully, shedding her heavy coat in the warmth. Her red dress commanded attention; her beauty always did. She eclipsed everyone, including the bride, Sarah.

As the ceremony began, Sarah, hidden behind a curtain, observed Hannah and frowned, jealousy evident. She'd only known Hannah through media reports and Charles's comments; she'd dismissed much of the talk of Hannah's beauty, believing Charles's dismissive attitude meant she was more attractive. But Hannah's beauty and grace surpassed all expectations. The media photos, she realized, hadn't done her justice. Sarah was visibly displeased.

Hannah suspected Sarah's unhappiness, though unable to see her. In her past life, Sarah and Charles had tormented her; she remembered Sarah's intense jealousy.

Hannah sat, the guests gradually shifting their gaze. Staring was considered impolite.

Suddenly, Susan's voice cut through the air. "Hannah!"

Hannah turned to see Susan and Henry approaching. "I'm surprised to see you here," Susan exclaimed. "I thought it was just a rumour. You're stunning! Are you here to spite Charles? Everyone knows you're far superior to his bride."

Hannah simply smiled. That was part of her motivation, though primarily she aimed to unsettle Sarah, not Charles.

"Hannah, I admire your strength now," Susan continued, sitting beside her. "You used to be so conciliatory; I felt so frustrated then. I'm delighted to see this new side of you." She talked animatedly, seemingly fearless and drawn to excitement, unable to bear injustice towards those she cared for.

Hannah spotted Manuel approaching. He paused, glanced at her, ignoring Susan, who in turn, engaged Henry, also ignoring Manuel.

"Sit here," Hannah gestured to the seat on her right; Susan sat to her left. Manuel, seemingly deliberately, sat beside Hannah.

Susan shifted uncomfortably. "Do you have an itch?" Henry asked, concerned.

"No, just a little unsettled. When does the wedding start?"

"In ten minutes, at 12:08," Henry replied.

Susan nodded, forcing composure. She remained uneasy, uncertain about the tension between herself and Manuel, recalling an earlier incident where she'd almost unwittingly slept with him.