Chapter 586: Trust

Oscar remained silent. Some things, particularly sensitive topics, went unspoken, a tacit understanding existing between them. The phone rang abruptly. Hannah glanced at the caller ID, her face falling into serious lines. Oscar noticed the shift in her demeanor.

"It's Melvin Balderston," Hannah said.

"Answer it," Oscar instructed.

Hannah took a deep breath. She hadn't contacted Melvin since Oscar's hospitalization for a stomach perforation following his acquittal. Despite their agreements, she felt she owed him thanks. Now, he was calling.

"Hello, Mr. Balderston," she said.

"Oscar Wells' trial is set for a week from now," Melvin stated pointedly. His impatience was palpable, lending him an air of indifference.

"Thank you," Hannah replied.

She suspected Melvin was behind Charles's expedited trial.

"You owe me nothing. It was your efforts," Melvin countered.

"Regardless, I should thank you," Hannah insisted.

"You're welcome. Just remember your promise," Melvin said.

"Don't worry, Mr. Balderston. I won't break my word. Oscar's still recovering from surgery, which is why we haven't contacted you," Hannah explained.

"I see," Melvin replied.

A sudden understanding dawned on Hannah. Melvin hung up.

Hannah turned to Oscar, her gaze intense. He waited patiently, silently, for her to speak.

"Oscar, there's something I haven't told you," Hannah began.

"As long as you don't divorce me, anything is reasonable," Oscar responded.

Hannah frowned. Could this guy be more serious? she thought.

Oscar, seeming to read her mind, smiled. "Say it. I'll listen attentively."

Hannah pressed her lips together, realizing she needn't worry about his reaction.

"I promised Melvin something. I needed the Balderston family's involvement to counter the Collins family's machinations."

"Go on," Oscar urged.

"I said that once you were acquitted, you would pledge allegiance to the Balderstons," Hannah said, watching his expression carefully.

She still didn't know which side Oscar had belonged to in her previous life. Charles was undeniably Collins, but Oscar seemed unaffiliated, yet a formidable rival to Charles. She'd suspected a secret connection between Oscar and the Balderstons, but neither she nor Charles had found any proof. In this life, however, she'd allowed him to align with the Balderstons too easily. Confusion clouded her face, while Oscar remained calm.

"Okay," he said simply.

Without question or complaint, he agreed. Hannah felt a pang of guilt; this was a significant decision, potentially attracting powerful enemies. In her past life, Charles had perceived Oscar as a threat, but neither family knew his allegiances, leaving him largely untouched. They underestimated his potential impact, believing Northfield remained firmly under their control. But this life was different.

"Sooner or later," Oscar reassured her, "If not now, there will be another time I have to choose, if I want to further my career. We discussed this from the start. If I need help, I'll choose the Balderstons."

Hannah listened quietly. She'd agonized over seeking Melvin's assistance, but would never do anything to harm Oscar.

"Don't overthink it," Oscar said, pulling her close. "We'll handle it. Believe in your husband's abilities."

Hannah nodded. She did believe in him. He had given her the courage to trust again after the hurt inflicted by Charles and his family in her previous life.

Resting her head on his chest, she murmured, "Oscar, let's escape the 'battlefield' someday." She craved peace, a selfish desire after her revenge.

"Well," Oscar said, hugging her tightly. He agreed without hesitation.

Although Hannah wondered if Oscar was downplaying his ambition, she believed he was being truthful.

As midday bled into evening, Manuel finally subdued the disruptive individuals at the bank. Susan had witnessed his composed authority and problem-solving skills. He effortlessly managed their complaints, ultimately proving the bank's innocence. They dismissed the last of the protestors at 9 PM.

Both Manuel and Susan were starving, having skipped meals while the protestors were feted. Susan's stomach rumbled loudly.

Manuel glanced at her. Embarrassed, Susan quipped, "An empty sack cannot stand upright."

"What do you want to eat?" Manuel asked calmly, sorting through computer files. His professional demeanor remained unaffected.

"Heroic," Susan replied, naming her favorite restaurant.

Manuel nodded slightly. Susan was surprised by his willingness to dine with her.