Chapter 602: Royal Descendant
Hannah was startled by a sudden footstep on the mahogany staircase. A man descended, elegantly dressed in a suit and bow tie. He appeared young yet mature, his age difficult to discern. His constant smile was enigmatic, revealing nothing of his mood, merely a fixed facial expression.
Hannah felt nervous under his unwavering gaze as he approached, silently observing her. His unpredictable natureโneither threatening nor friendlyโunsettled her. She was unsure of his purpose. Her agitation culminated in his sudden laughter, a sound vastly different from his previous smile, transforming him instantly into a boyish figure, his demeanor reflecting his age.
"Is this her?" he asked, smiling brightly.
Hannah was bewildered. Oscar's friends, Theodore, Manuel, and Jimmy, had all seemed unusual, but this man was far more complex. She bit her lip, unsure how to respond.
"We'll have a rest first," Oscar said. "Talk to you later."
The man remained silent, though his curiosity was evident. "Let's go," Oscar said, taking her hand and calmly leading her past the man.
As they ascended the grand staircase, Hannah couldn't help glancing back. The man was watching them, their eyes meeting. He smiled, again with the boyish charm, making her question her initial impression.
Oscar led Hannah to a lavish room, its splendor difficult to describe. "Just get some sleep," he whispered.
Hannah looked at him, realizing he had offered no explanation despite her courage in entering the house and confronting the truth.
"Be a good girl," Oscar said, settling her on the soft bed. "Health is the most important. Your husband doesn't want to die young."
Hannah frowned. Oscar closed his eyes, his heavy breathing audible moments later. Was he exhausted? Despite witnessing his strength the previous night, she now saw him vulnerable and defenseless beside her. A shocking thought flashed through her mind: Could she kill him now? The thought, and the possibility of his death, terrified her.
Exhausted, Hannah fell asleep. She awoke to find Oscar gone. It was 7:00 PM; she had slept twelve hours. She rose, leaving the room.
The vast villa seemed sparsely staffed. She found neither the man nor Oscar. A feeling of abandonment washed over her.
Downstairs, an old lady addressed her. "Ma'am," the woman said respectfully, "You are awake."
"Yes," Hannah replied. "Where is Oscar?"
"Mr. Wells and his brother will be right back," the servant answered.
Hannah was surprised. "Master Oscar said you should eat after you awake," the servant added, without further explanation.
Hannah, realizing she was famished, followed the servant to the dining room, marveling at the sheer scale of the villa. The opulent dining room, separated from the drawing-room by a considerable distance, astonished her.
The abundance of food before her was staggering. Even for their wealth, the extravagance seemed excessive.
"Since we didn't know your preferences, the kitchen prepared a variety of dishes," the servant explained respectfully.
Hannah pursed her lips, deciding to accept the situation. She ate gracefully, the servant keeping her company.
"What should I call you?" Hannah asked.
"Amy," the servant replied.
"Amy," Hannah said, "What can I do for you?"
"Are they brothers?" Hannah asked hesitantly, referring to Oscar and the mysterious man. She wondered about Oscar's other brotherโand whether the Wells family knew about him.
"Yes," Amy nodded.
"Why is he here, instead of Wells Manor?" Hannah inquired.
"Becauseโฆ" Amy began, but was interrupted.
"Because I'm not a child of the Wells family," a male voice announced. Hannah turned to see the man, smiling, with Oscar standing beside him. They resembled each other. Neither looked truly like members of the Wells family.
A realization struck Hannah: Could Oscar be a descendant of the royal Wells line, the branch exterminated by aristocratic families? The pieces seemed to fall into place.