Chapter 609 Cian Wells

From the beginning, Cian was raised as the heir to the royal Wells family. He underwent rigorous daily training in political strategy, confined to a room where experts provided instruction in various fields. Proficiency was mandatory; failure resulted in detention. For a time, he suffered from severe autism and depression, yet the pressure remained unrelenting. "It went on and on…" Oscar said sadly. "You might see him as cheerful, easygoing. But he was actually cold to everyone."

Hannah was incredulous. She found him warmhearted.

"That's an illusion," Oscar countered, shaking his head. "Theodore, Manuel, and I once underwent unarmed field training. We fought a tiger, hungry and weaponless, for a week. Cian watched from the sidelines. The three of us were a bloody mess, but we subdued the tiger. The scene was horrific, unimaginable. Yet Cian showed no emotion. No one knows what he was thinking. He was only nine."

Hannah was shocked, struggling to imagine the scene.

"But don't treat him differently," Oscar continued. "Though we weren't raised together, there was no animosity when we met. He used to take my hand and…" He paused.

Hannah frowned, questioning, "And what?"

"Act like a little girl, be cute," Oscar laughed.

Goosebumps erupted across Hannah's body. She found it hard to reconcile this image with the grown man she knew. Wasn't he cold to everyone? Yet, Oscar seemed special to him.

"I didn't accept it at first, but… well, it's like we have the same parents," Oscar explained.

Hannah nodded, accepting Oscar's brother as her own.

"Okay, I'm going to see Laird," Oscar rose from the sofa. "If I stay, he'll be angry."

Hannah smiled, wondering if they’d teased Laird growing up, suspecting Oscar's boldness.

"Wait here. I'll be back."

"Okay."

Oscar left, leaving Hannah alone in the warm room. She rose and walked around, considering the house. Was this truly his home? She wondered how often he stayed here. The decorations were valuable; she even noticed antique tea sets in the tea room.

She was examining them when the door opened. Hannah turned, her smile fading. She expected Oscar, but it was Cian.

"Sorry to disappoint you," Cian said with a smile.

"Not at all," Hannah replied, smiling back.

"Laird's visits with my brother last forever. I figured you'd be bored, so I stopped by. I brought snacks. Amy makes the best cakes." Cian offered an exquisite cake.

Hannah couldn't help but notice his youthful appearance; there was no coldness.

"Try this," he said, placing the cake on the table without meeting her gaze.

"I will," Hannah replied, taking a bite. The mousse was rich and refreshing, sweet but not cloying.

"Is it good?" he asked expectantly.

"Delicious," she replied.

"I knew you'd like it," Cian beamed.

"How?" Hannah asked to avoid awkward silence.

"Because I know you very well," he replied.

Hannah stared, astonished.

"Don't look at me like that. It's because of my brother," he quickly explained.

"Oh?"

"My brother's liked you for years. You should know that," Cian said, a hint of jealousy in his tone.

Hannah blushed. She wouldn't have known of Oscar's long-held feelings without his confession. The thought remained lovely.

"I first heard your name from Theodore," Cian said calmly.

"Theodore?"

"Yeah, he's very gossipy," Cian laughed.

"Yes, I do," Hannah agreed.

"He told me. They grew up together, practically inseparable. My brother and I weren't. I haven't always liked him." Hannah thought he seemed easily jealous.

"Still, I know a lot about my brother thanks to Theodore's gossip. At first, I didn't believe Oscar would like anyone. He's been cold, like a killing machine. Violent to everyone except me. There was a time Laird wouldn't dare provoke him. When he was angry, everyone was afraid." Cian paused, taking a deep breath. "But that was then. Now he's the best man in the world." Hannah found his words a bit sentimental.

"Anyway, after learning of your existence, I found out you'd put Oscar aside for someone like Charles."