Chapter 615: A Fierce Battle

In the moonlight, Hannah watched Oscar approach the ominous black car, her nerves frayed. A man in a black suit opened the door, and Oscar entered.

Hannah's heart pounded as the car sped away. She felt helpless, as did Jimmy. Without Oscar's permission, neither dared act, fearing they might inadvertently jeopardize his plan. Hannah could only wait, each second agonizing.

Finally, the black car returned. Oscar emerged and rejoined them. Hannah immediately checked on him; he appeared unchanged. He then instructed Jimmy to drive. However, a nagging feeling persisted; Melvin's actions—taking Oscar away and returning him—seemed inexplicable.

Silence filled the car. Hannah controlled her emotions, forbearing to question him. She sat, tense and anxious.

"Melvin wants me to go undercover in the Collins' household," Oscar said quietly, as if sensing her concern. His tone was even, devoid of worry.

"So he wants you to work for the Collins family?" Hannah asked.

"You met Sarah, remember?" Oscar inquired.

"Yes," Hannah replied. "It was when Charles was to be sentenced. Sarah tried to persuade me to their side, but I refused. Besides my promise to Melvin, I believed it unwise for us to get involved. We should observe and wait."

Oscar nodded in agreement.

"But Melvin knew that. He planned to use them against themselves, and I'm his secret weapon within the Collins family."

"But it's suspicious to favor the Collins after refusing their request," Hannah pointed out. They were all experienced; in the escalating family conflict, every action would be scrutinized.

"It's just me," Oscar stated. "I'll handle it."

Hannah frowned, uncertain of his meaning.

"That was my condition," Oscar explained. "I'd work for him—he saved my life—but you wouldn't be involved."

"Did he agree?" Hannah was astonished. Melvin was known to exploit every advantage. How could he relinquish the opportunity presented by the Cooper family?

"Two reasons," Oscar explained. "You refused Sarah. As you said, a sudden change of heart would arouse suspicion. You must maintain your stance. Furthermore, even as a couple, our ambitions may differ. Your position doesn't automatically represent mine. Since you rejected Sarah, they'll seek my opinion. And then, accepting their offer won't be suspicious."

Hannah recognized Oscar's thoughtful consideration of all possibilities, a trait that likely earned Melvin's trust.

"Second, I told him I'd do anything for you. He had to accept my terms if he wanted to use me, and simultaneously, it wouldn't raise suspicion about Tan's death."

The thought occurred to Hannah: would Melvin suspect Oscar's involvement in Tan's death? As shrewd as Melvin was, wouldn't he be suspicious?

"Regarding Tan's death," Oscar continued, "I told Melvin Jimmy killed him. Jimmy was a former Men of Sacrifice member, capable of such an act, and no family would suspect his involvement. Moreover, the Men of Sacrifice maintain surveillance, aware of Tan's changing attitude toward you. They'd believe his hesitation regarding you caused his death."

Hannah was impressed by Oscar's ability to anticipate and logically address every question.

"Melvin's trust isn't genuine," Oscar smiled.

"Why?" Hannah asked.

"He's testing my loyalty," Oscar replied. "He wants me undercover with the Collins family to shift the danger onto them. If I'm loyal, the Collins family falls. If not, I pose no threat, as I'd be controlled by the Collins. Melvin is cautious and farsighted. The Balderston family's forbearance and retreat over the years were calculated."

"There are no good men among politicians!" Hannah exclaimed.

Oscar felt a slight awkwardness, realizing Hannah's husband and brother-in-law were politicians.

Hannah laughed. "I meant them," she clarified.

"Indeed, we're not good men," Oscar admitted. "We achieve our goals at any cost."

"I know, you have no choice," Hannah said softly.

"But many have died because of me," Oscar confessed, looking at Hannah intently. "But I promise to leave this life behind when it's over."

"You will," Hannah affirmed confidently. "Then we'll have many babies and live happily."

"Many babies!" Oscar smiled adoringly. Hannah blushed, surprised at her own outspokenness.

"What's Melvin's next instruction? Are you ready to work for the Collins family?" Hannah asked.

"Yes. I start tomorrow. That's why I returned. City Hall informed me of my assignment. I'll remain in position until the Collins approach me. Then I'll accept their offer, becoming a pawn for both families. And when the game ends, I'll crush them both."

Despite Oscar's casual tone, Hannah knew a fierce battle awaited them.