Chapter 613: Oscar's Choice

Suddenly, Cian leaped from the sofa, making Hannah nervous. What did he want?

"Sister-in-law, welcome to our home!" Cian bowed sincerely, touching Hannah's heart. Despite Oscar's earlier comments about Cian's apparent indifference, Hannah decided to treat him as a younger brother. Standing, she extended her hand. "Thank you for your welcome. We'll be a good family."

Cian smiled, his long, slender fingers gently taking hers. They shared a smile. The magic of family affection was sometimes hard to explain.

Later, the door opened. Oscar entered, frowning at Hannah and Cian. Cian immediately released Hannah's hand. "It's late. I need to sleep to stay fit," he said, hurrying from the room.

Hannah watched him go, then turned as Oscar approached, his possessiveness evident as he took her hand. "Let's go to sleep," he said.

"Did you finish talking with Laird?" Hannah asked, her concern evident. Knowing Oscar's background, she always sensed danger surrounding him.

Oscar hesitated. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me," Hannah quickly added, regretting her question.

"Honey," Oscar touched her head, "since I brought you here, I wouldn't keep secrets. I didn't tell you before because I worried you couldn't accept the truth, not because I distrusted you."

Hannah's heart melted at his tenderness, a stark contrast to the bloody world he navigated.

"Laird knew I brought you here, so he came to question me."

"Were you punished?" Hannah's heart ached for him.

"No. I'm not a child, and he wouldn't punish me. I explained, and he was just… annoyed."

"I would have felt the same," Hannah replied.

"Don't overthink it. He was irritated because he didn't expect my strong feelings for you. He once saw me as his successor, but that ended when he realized my love for you, and my lack of interest in the position. He couldn't accept it."

"He'll realize Cian would be a better successor, someday," Oscar said, noting Laird's high regard for Cian.

"Have you ever wanted to be the successor?" Hannah asked, carefully observing his reaction.

"Never," Oscar responded firmly. Hannah had once believed his ambitions were as great as Charles's, but his words disproved that.

"Personally, I want to help Cian get what he deserves."

"Great," Hannah nodded, relieved. She had worried about Oscar's political aspirations, but she didn't want to share him with the country.

"What did you talk about with Cian?" Oscar asked, hand in hand with Hannah as they walked to the bedroom. The peaceful moment was precious.

"Your childhood. He said you always beat him up."

Oscar's face changed. "Isn't he too old to tattle? He never mentioned I treated him better afterward!"

"He did, and it made me jealous," Hannah retorted playfully. "Fine, he knew you before I did."

Oscar chuckled, gazing at her adoringly.

Hannah produced the jade bangle. Oscar wasn't surprised. "Take it," he said.

"Cian, despite his troubled past with his girlfriend, would love his children. I'm keeping it for them!"

Oscar smiled. "How thoughtful!"

Hannah felt it was a good plan. They went to the bedroom, talking and laughing. Sleep eluded Hannah, but Oscar stayed beside her, hand in hand, foot to foot. The island was quiet, as if they were alone.

Hannah envisioned a peaceful, joyful life with him, with children. The thought made her giggle.

"What are you thinking about?" Oscar asked tenderly.

"I'm so happy," she replied.

"Happy for what?"

"For being alive."

Hannah smiled broadly, then playfully rolled over, pinning Oscar beneath her. He gasped, unable to resist her teasing.

"Do you want a kid… Oops!" Oscar quickly turned the tables, playfully pinning her instead. Their lovemaking filled the room with joyous sounds, some of which carried beyond their door.

Meanwhile, Cian appeared pleased, watching Laird. Laird's face was grim. "Stop looking at me, go on!" he snapped. He'd tried for years to convince Oscar to take the family's mantle, but failed. His frustration often spilled onto Cian, who was used to it.

Cian closed the window. Laird scowled. "How can you achieve greatness if you're easily distracted?"

"You're distracted," Cian retorted. "We young men are used to such things. But your well-being... I'd worry if you tried..."

Laird's anger flared, but Cian smoothly recited a text Laird had used to test him. Laird gradually calmed. He had a deep affection for Oscar, whom he'd raised. The Wells family needed a perfect successor. He sighed. Cian might be a better choice; Oscar was too devoted to his love, while Cian remained calm under pressure. Cian was better suited for politics.