Chapter 596 Countdown

Hannah had advised Charles in a past life, but she'd never interacted with aristocratic families. She wasn't sure if this life held any such connections. She bit her lip, fighting panic. At least, she wasn't in immediate danger; Tan had promised not to kill her.

Suddenly, headlights cut through the darkness. Hannah's heart pounded. Was it Oscar?

Tan's demeanor shifted, growing serious. He abruptly exited the cab, yanked open the back door, and pulled Hannah out, pressing a black pistol to her head. Terror shook her.

"Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you if you cooperate," Tan whispered in her ear.

Hannah bit her lip, striving for calm. A car screeched to a halt before them. It was Jimmy and Rose. They emerged, their faces etched with shock. Rose's legs trembled.

"Tan, are you insane? What are you doing? Let her go! If you want money, tell me, and I'll call Mr. Cooper immediately. Don't be impulsive!" Rose pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears.

Hannah was touched. Despite her kindness to Rose, she hadn't anticipated such unwavering support.

Ignoring Rose, Tan coldly addressed Jimmy: "Where is Oscar?"

"He's on his way," Jimmy replied, his brow furrowed. He couldn't escape responsibility for Hannah's abduction.

"Then wait."

"Tan, what in God's name are you doing?" Rose's composure threatened to shatter. She'd once admired him, even harbored feelings, but felt inferior and had long since given them up. She couldn't comprehend his actions.

"Take her away!" Tan snapped, impatient.

Jimmy glanced at Hannah, who nodded. "Take Rose away first."

"I don't want to go…" Rose protested, her concern for Hannah paramount.

"You'll only be a burden," Hannah said firmly. "I'll be fine."

"But…"

Before Rose could finish, Jimmy shoved her into the car. His strength proved too much. He returned to the cab and sped off, certain that as long as Hannah was safe, Oscar would rescue her.

Rose, silent in fear, suddenly saw a car approaching rapidly. As it passed, Jimmy braked hard, nearly choking Rose with the seatbelt. He then leaped from the car, leaving Rose behind, and pursued the passing vehicle.

"Jimmy, you idiot!" Rose cursed, abandoned in the desolate landscape.

Two cars halted at the shore. Oscar, Theodore, and Jimmy emerged, their gazes fixed on Tan and Hannah. Strangely, Oscar's presence increased Hannah's anxiety. The prospect of revealing his true identity filled her with trepidation. Their current life felt perfect; she dreaded the unknown.

Hannah stared at Oscar, who returned her gaze. "Don't be afraid," he whispered softly. He seemed to rescue her whenever danger threatened. She shook her head, reassuring him. He offered a slight smile, a silent commendation of her bravery.

Tan observed their exchange. "Are you done?"

Oscar's eyes hardened. Hannah, startled by Tan's abrupt interruption, flinched. Oscar's expression darkened.

"This is about me. Let her go," Oscar said coldly.

"No. I still don't know who you are. Three against one? I can't win."

"What do you want?"

"Tell me who you are!" Tan demanded.

"Oscar Wells."

"Anything else."

"The third son of Robert Wells, of the Wells family, Northfield's elite."

"Stop beating around the bush!" Tan pressed the gun harder against Hannah's head.

Oscar's face tightened. Hannah trembled, the fear palpable. She'd thought everything would be alright after Charles's death.

"I'm Oscar. I don't know what else to tell you," Oscar ground out, his anger barely contained.

"I can kill her," Tan said, his finger tightening on the trigger. Oscar glared at him, his eyes burning with fury.

"If you don't tell me in three seconds, I'll shoot her," Tan threatened.

Hannah couldn't maintain her composure. The face of death stripped away her pretense of calm.

"Three!" Tan began the countdown. Oscar's fists clenched, veins bulging.

"Two!" Oscar braced himself.

Just as Tan was about to speak, Hannah shouted, "Didn't you say you wouldn't kill me?" Why had she ever believed him? This was a stranger, a completely different man.

"I said I wouldn't kill you if Oscar cooperated. He didn't, so he'll learn a lesson," Tan replied emotionlessly. Men of sacrifice, after all, felt no empathy.

Hannah gritted her teeth, her gaze fixed on Oscar. She wanted to live. The memory of Charles's knife flashed through her mind, the will to survive overriding everything else.