Chapter 657: Parting

After changing into pajamas, Oscar went to bed. Hannah was already there. Neither spoke in the dimly lit room, immersed in the sorrow of parting. Hannah felt Oscar's sadness—a familiar ache from all their previous goodbyes, big and small. She leaned against his chest. Oscar was lost in thought.

He was startled when Hannah nestled closer, then held her tightly but gently. She felt his strong heartbeat, a comfort she wouldn't have tomorrow.

"How often will you come back, Oscar?"

"I'm not sure," he said, shaking his head.

"I'm afraid I'll miss you," Hannah whispered, distressed.

"Come on," Oscar smiled, "Let's just say 'I will miss you.'"

Her lips pursed, she heard him say the words firmly. Her heart pounded. Oscar always took her breath away. She couldn't quantify her desire for him to stay, a longing that mirrored her yearning to leave with him. The adult world felt overwhelmingly helpless.

Hannah nodded silently, swallowing unshed tears, except for one whispered phrase: "Take care and stay alive."

"All right," Oscar replied, holding her close.

It was a sleepless night, though Hannah eventually drifted off. Awakening to emptiness beside her, she knew it was Oscar's way—a silent departure. He seemed to fear farewells, perhaps because of his own past losses. The empty space beside her was a poignant reminder. She sighed, then, composing herself, got up. The normalcy of their life together—him brushing her teeth, washing her face, even carrying her to the toilet—felt shockingly distant.

After her morning routine, Hannah went downstairs and ate the breakfast Max had prepared.

"What time did Oscar leave?" she asked.

"Before 6 a.m., madam. Jimmy drove him to the airport," Max replied.

Hannah checked the clock. It was over an hour's flight to the capital; he should have landed. But no call, no message. Was he simply too busy? She finished breakfast silently and went to work in Jimmy's car. Jimmy was taciturn, speaking only when spoken to, so she knew nothing of his airport run. Lost in thought, she gazed out the window.

"Madam," Jimmy said, a rarity.

Hannah looked up. "Yes?"

"Master Oscar said that time constraints might prevent him from contacting you promptly upon arrival in the capital. He hoped you wouldn't worry," Jimmy explained.

Hannah was surprised by his lengthy explanation.

He continued, "Master Oscar also said he'd return as soon as possible, and he wanted you to take care of yourself and the baby, not to miss him too much."

Hannah smiled, warmed by his thoughtful message. Sometimes, simple words between loved ones held immeasurable comfort.

The car arrived at Cooper Group. In her office, Hannah listened to Rose's work report. Finishing, Rose said, "Ms. Hannah, have you heard about Phillips Bank?"

"What?" Hannah's expression changed.

"There's reportedly a boardroom power struggle, but I don't have details. It's significant enough to be headline news."

"Got it," Hannah replied. "Can you get me a cup of milk?"

"Sure."

Before leaving, Rose glanced at Jimmy, who stiffened under her gaze. She'd been pursuing him relentlessly, ignoring his rebuffs. She approached him again. "What will you have?"

"Mineral water," he answered indifferently.

"Just like you," Rose murmured, "an unromantic backwater."

Jimmy frowned. Rose's incredulity was evident. Had she been chasing a phantom for over a month? How could he ignore her efforts? She tossed a sachet at him; he deflected it with a slap. It landed a few feet away. Her face was grim.

"Did you think I threw a dynamite at you?" she snapped.

Jimmy's Adam's apple bobbed—he had.

"I made it myself. Take it or leave it!" Rose stormed off.

Hannah observed their exchange, amused that few bosses would tolerate such workplace flirtation. She turned away and called Manuel regarding Phillips Bank, suspecting his involvement.

The call connected quickly. "Good morning, Hannah."

"Good morning, Manuel. I heard about Phillips Bank."

Manuel anticipated the call. "Henry and his faction want to force my resignation through public pressure."

"Who is he to do that?" Hannah bristled.

"I set goals upon taking office, but haven't achieved them due to setbacks."

Hannah understood his precarious position, mirroring her own struggles.

"But don't worry, I can manage."

"What can I do to help?"

"No, I'm afraid our close cooperation with Phillips Bank isn't advantageous now. Don't bother; I'll handle it."

"So you're dismissing me?"

"No, I'm not."

Hannah chuckled. "Just call if you need anything."

"Sure."

"And don't overreach yourself."

"I won't."

"All right, that's it."

"By the way, did my cousin leave this morning?" Manuel asked.

"Yes, before I even saw him."

Manuel smiled, recognizing Oscar's style. "Theodore's likely with him. Don't worry, he'll be fine."

"All right," Hannah replied, choosing to focus on the positive rather than dwell on worst-case scenarios.

"Okay, I need to get back to work."

"All right."

Manuel hung up and turned to his secretary, who'd just entered. "Mr. Johnson, there's a board meeting."