Chapter 639: Bloody People of the Collins Family

Susan had been sent away by Hannah. She had to fulfill her obligations, but Hannah felt she should check in with Manuel. Hannah always sensed Manuel had suffered greatly living with Susan.

Hannah called Manuel. "Did you get off work?" It was past quitting time.

Manuel glanced at his watch. "No."

"Susan just left my house," Hannah said.

Manuel, a clever man, anticipated Hannah's concerns. He smiled faintly. "You can pretend I said nothing last night."

"I don't think that's fair to you."

"It's okay," Manuel replied indifferently.

"Do you know why Susan suddenly reneged and chose Henry?"

"It doesn't matter," Manuel said calmly.

Hannah knew her lover's departure was irreversible, and the reasons were inconsequential. Still, she told Manuel the truth: "Henry threatened her, with his life." It was beyond comprehension.

Yet, Manuel remained unmoved.

"Susan was that type of person..."

"Do you want to ask if I'm still keeping my word?" Manuel interrupted.

Hannah pursed her lips, feeling despicable. When Manuel divorced Susan, he'd vowed to change her fate. Hannah feared Susan's future mirrored her past, even though she felt Susan deserved a lesson. But Hannah couldn't bear the thought of Susan being hurt enough to commit suicide. Her call to Manuel was ultimately about Susan.

Hannah's silence acknowledged this.

"Don't worry. I'll do what I'm supposed to do," Manuel said.

"You've simply lost all illusions about Susan."

"Yes."

"I don't know what to say about that foolish girl. What would she do if she knew Henry was plotting against her?" Hannah sighed.

"That's her problem," Manuel stated, "Not mine."

Hannah was at a loss. Determining right and wrong seemed impossible. "Let's not discuss this," Hannah changed the subject. "Oscar's birthday is coming up."

"In two weeks."

"I want to celebrate him."

"Need any help?" Manuel asked.

Manuel was quick-witted. Hannah wondered why this shrewd man had fallen for Susan.

"Just an idea. I haven't decided yet."

"Tell me, I can help you brainstorm."

Hannah shared her idea. After considering it, Manuel said, "Your idea is excellent."

Hannah beamed at his approval.

"But," Manuel cautioned, "be prepared for Laird's scolding."

Hannah smiled faintly.

After the conversation, the thought of Oscar's birthday, especially her unborn child, filled Hannah with excitement. She called Oscar. She asked him to give her and Susan some time alone, but he'd already left.

After several rings, Oscar's charming voice answered, "Missing your husband?"

She was used to his smooth talk.

"Why aren't you back?"

"Something came up."

"What happened?"

"The Collins found me."

Fear gripped Hannah.

"Don't worry. They won't harm me. I was waiting for them," Oscar reassured her.

Hannah understood his plan, but it meant their hard-won peace was over. The Collins finding him would inevitably lead to bloodshed between the families.

Hannah remained silent, though she knew everything.

Oscar offered gentle comfort, "When this is over, we'll live in peace."

"Right, I'll wait for you."

"Take care, and don't forget the little one," Oscar said.

"I know," Hannah said impatiently. She'd been tired of his concern since discovering her pregnancy.

"I'll be pregnant for ten months. It's terrifying!" Hannah mused.

"By the way, did you tell Susan you're pregnant?" Oscar gravely asked.

"No."

"Good girl," Oscar praised.

It was a rare, lengthy conversation.

"Come back soon. Bye."

"Bye."

After hanging up, Oscar hid his smile. He'd waited two hours at City Hall since receiving the Collins' message, but they hadn't appeared. Were they trying to subdue him?

He waited silently in his office.

At 8 PM, as most city hall staff had left, his office door was knocked.

"Come in."

A man in a black suit entered. "Mr. Wells, Mr. Collins wishes to see you."

Oscar nodded, following the man down the hallway, flanked by two lines of imposing bodyguards. He was led to an empty office. A man sat there, smiling faintly. "Oscar, we meet again."

"Hardly. I'm merely an admirer," Oscar replied.

Rowan Collins smiled, a smile that concealed his true emotions, conveying an aura of aloofness and untouchability. He possessed an inherent air of detachment.

"I won't beat around the bush. I came from the capital today, and you know what I want."

"Enlighten me," Oscar said cautiously.

Rowan admired Oscar's demeanor, lacking both arrogance and servility, a stark contrast to Charles, whom he'd misjudged. Charles' actions had cost his daughter her happiness. His reflection brought a wave of regret.

With a malicious glint in his eyes, Rowan stated bluntly, "I need you, Oscar!"