Chapter 536: A New Discovery

Charles arrived at Oscar's villa at top speed. Hannah exited the car. Charles, looking at her back, said, "Hannah, you should know who chose the right path." Hannah bit her lip. "You're smart," he continued, "you should know how to suffer less." With a supercilious air, Charles departed.

Regardless of her choices, she would be alright; those Charles targeted fared less well. He was a man who subjugated others to satisfy his desires, vanquishing all, then mercilessly killing anyone who no longer fueled his triumph.

Hannah suppressed her anger and entered the living room. Theodore and Manuel were still waiting. They rushed to her upon her return, immediately averting their eyes at her attire. Hannah chuckled. Initially, she'd considered Oscar's associates useless and ill-mannered, but she'd been wrong. They were far more respectful than Charles Sawyer.

"I'm going to my room to change," she announced. The men, their backs turned, acknowledged her.

Upstairs, even in the warmth of her home, Hannah shivered. Exhausted and cold, the tears she'd held back finally flowed. She squatted in the corner, clutching her knees, and wept. In the cell, she’d controlled her emotions, hiding her distress from Oscar. She hadn't shown weakness to Charles either. But the memory of Oscar's unwavering protection broke her.

How much did Oscar love her? When had he fallen for her? These questions stunned her, as did his repeated self-sacrifice. The day's events were overwhelming. She cried for all she’d endured, her intense emotions fueled by Oscar's profound love.

Crying frantically, she sought catharsis through tears, but reminded herself it wasn't the time; she hadn't rescued Oscar yet. Hope remained.

She rose, her legs unsteady, and fell. After a second attempt, she reached the bathroom for a hot bath. She changed into warm clothes and returned downstairs, striving for normalcy. Theodore and Manuel remained on the sofa; Max was occupied, likely easing his own tension.

"Max, please find some cold medicine," Hannah requested.

"Right away," he replied quickly.

Hannah sat beside the men, who seemed unsure how to proceed, hesitant to inquire about her disheveled state. She began calmly, "I saw Oscar. He... wasn't well."

"I knew it! Charles Sawyer would never be kind to Oscar!" Theodore exploded, his rage evident even before Hannah's arrival. Manuel had barely restrained him from confronting Charles.

"But he won't die," Hannah stated, unsure how to describe Oscar's condition. Theodore trembled with fury; Manuel, though equally enraged, remained silent, recognizing the need for composure and planning.

"Did Oscar say anything?" Manuel asked.

"Yes," Hannah nodded. "He said it's almost Christmas, and his birthday's soon. He asked me to forget him if he couldn't return." Her voice was calm, yet her eyes reddened again.

"Anything else?" Manuel pressed, finding the information scant.

"Two words," Hannah replied, struggling to recall Oscar's whispered message. She was certain of the words, though unable to retrieve them.

"Two words?" Theodore's excitement was palpable.

"I don't know," Hannah shook her head. Oscar's whisper had been barely audible. Theodore's frustration mounted; the words clearly held the key.

Manuel addressed Theodore, "Oscar's words must make sense. Even without hearing them clearly, we can find clues. We needn't panic."

"I'm worried sick!" Theodore exclaimed. "Oscar's been inside... he has a serious stomach problem!"

Hannah accepted water and pills from Max, then looked at Theodore.

"Oscar developed stomach problems. A perforated ulcer! The doctor said if he doesn't care for himself, he could suffer greatly! Cancer is possible!" Theodore cried, his distress mounting.

Manuel interjected, "Don't exaggerate. Oscar's stomach is much better now. The perforation was repaired. It won't become cancerous!"

Hannah listened silently.

"Hannah," Manuel changed the subject, "are you sure that's all Oscar said?"

"He said he'd let me remarry if he died."

"Bullshit!" Theodore exclaimed, his heart aching for Oscar.

"Why would Oscar mention his birthday?" Manuel pondered, his approach more methodical than Theodore's.

After taking her medicine, Hannah joined the discussion. "Yes, his birthday must be a clue," she agreed.

"January 18th," she continued. "Is there anything significant about those numbers?"

Manuel shook his head; they seemed meaningless. Silence followed until Theodore exclaimed, "I gave him a mobile phone last birthday!"

Understanding dawned on Hannah and Manuel. Mobile phone!

Hannah grew nervous; it must be Oscar's two words.