Chapter 593: Business Banquet I

Hannah watched the news silently, contemplating Charles's suicide. Though she felt no love for him, a flicker of emotion betrayed her composure; she was crying. Only when the man before her—Oscar—wiped away her tears did she realize it.

"Tears of joy," she offered a thin smile. Her relief was profound. The grudge from her past life was settled; she had her family, her fortune, and Oscar's love—perfect satisfaction.

A shadow of a smile played on Oscar's lips. His expression was often unreadable to her.

"I know," he said. "But from now on, do not cry for any other man, for any reason."

Hannah bit her lip, aware of his possessiveness.

"I don't want to make you cry," he continued, "and no man has the right to."

His gentle kisses on her cheek dried her tears. She responded, wrapping her arms around his neck, taking the initiative. Charles's death barely registered; Oscar's love painted her life vibrant.

Charles's death caused a sensation in Northfield, sparking prolonged discussion. Some felt he deserved his fate; others pitied the Sawyer family's sudden downfall. Once one of the nation's most prominent families, the Sawyer Group was fragmented, its assets acquired by various entities. Hannah herself had purchased several promising divisions.

A half-month after Charles's death, Hannah managed the acquisition of Sawyer Group assets with ease, almost forgetting the horrors of her past life.

Returning from a meeting, Rose reported, "Ms. Hannah, there's a business banquet in Kensbury this evening. The Secretary to the Chairman requests your attendance in his stead."

"The old man's getting lazy," Hannah muttered, resigned. With Oscar still recovering, she longed to be with him. She anticipated his busy schedule upon returning to City Hall, knowing the Balderston family would keep him occupied.

"Shall we refuse?" Rose asked, observing Hannah's expression.

"No," Hannah replied flatly. She couldn't say no; her father would use her mother as an excuse—"I need to go home with your mother." Having lost them in her previous life, she now supported their pursuit of a fulfilling life.

"Yes, Ms. Hannah."

"Tell Tan to accompany me."

"Okay," Rose nodded, then hesitantly added, "What about me?"

"You can join us," Hannah smiled warmly.

This recent upheaval reinforced the need to cultivate more talent, ensuring smooth operation in her absence.

"Okay," Rose left, content.

Hannah smiled, then called Oscar. "I can't leave work on time tonight."

"What?" he responded, instantly upset.

"I have to attend a business banquet."

"How long?"

"Until eleven at the latest."

"Ten."

"Oscar." Hannah's turn to be upset.

Bossy!

"Ten o'clock curfew. No later," Oscar insisted.

"Fine, I'll try," Hannah conceded.

"Your dear husband will be waiting," he said, his mood improving, "with an inviting body."

"..."

Gee!

With Oscar's recovery, neither of them had much respite.

At five, Hannah, Tan, and Rose went dress shopping.

"You've worked hard," Hannah said to Tan, acknowledging his support during Oscar's ordeal.

Tan smiled faintly. "It's my job."

"I don't forget those who contribute," Hannah said warmly. "Keep it up."

"...Yes," Tan's smile faltered momentarily.

Dressed for the banquet, they arrived at seven.

Hannah's arrival was met by a familiar, incongruous voice, "Hannah!"

Susan Phillips, never one to conform, approached with unrestrained excitement. "I knew you'd come."

"Why are you here?" Hannah was surprised. Even Susan's penchant for socializing wouldn't typically extend to this event.

"I'm with Manuel," she said with a dramatic eye roll.

Hannah laughed. Manuel was clearly keeping her on her toes.

"I'm his assistant," Susan complained, "I have to wait on him. I've never endured such nonsense!"

Hannah's amusement was palpable.

"Hannah, are you my best friend or not? How can you laugh at me? I haven't bothered you, not wanting to interfere with you two. You look radiant! Happy with Oscar, aren't you?"

Susan's flippancy left Hannah speechless.

"Look at your blush! I knew it!" Susan exclaimed, a mixture of certainty and confusion. "But you always had an eye for men. You chose Oscar when nobody else believed in him, and look at him now! And Charles, once so acclaimed, turned out to be a bastard and got what he deserved! You lucky dog! Give me some luck!" She gave Hannah a bear hug.