Chapter 675: Melvin's Threat
Oscar coldly gazed at Melvin, who returned his intense hostility. The more outrageous Melvin seemed, the more satisfaction he derived. He knew he held a significant advantage over Oscar.
"Oscar, I think you know how I feel," Melvin said.
"No, I don't. I don't know why you had to involve someone else," Oscar denied.
"If not for your suspicions, I would have simply taken Hannah to the capital for a vacation. Your betrayal is what truly involved her."
Oscar's face burned, his fists clenched, his body trembling with rage.
"It wasn't really 'involvement.' When she bailed you out, I knew she'd reciprocate," Melvin said dismissively.
Oscar’s anger intensified.
"Take your time," Melvin said, showing no urgency. "I leave for the capital at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon. You're welcome to speak with me before then."
Oscar glared, but Melvin ignored him. "It's late. I'm tired. You're free to go."
Hesitantly, Oscar turned to leave.
"Oscar, think carefully about the consequences," Melvin warned, glancing at the surrounding cameras. "I've recorded everything about our deal. If the Collins family learns about it, do you think you can survive?"
Oscar growled, "If you have such leverage, why keep Hannah?"
"That threat ensures your loyalty. Hannah is a guarantee of your honest efforts," Melvin explained.
Oscar, teeth clenched, left. The conspiracy between their families was insidious.
Oscar returned to his car. Jimmy, noticing his grim expression, remained silent, starting the engine. At home, Oscar didn't leave the car; he smoked incessantly, soon creating a pile of cigarette butts.
"Master Oscar, is something wrong?" Jimmy asked.
Oscar paused. The worst was yet to come.
"Mrs. Well is waiting inside. The light's on," Jimmy said, pointing out Hannah's vigil. He knew Hannah always soothed Oscar.
Oscar looked up. He saw the faint light through the window. Hannah knew he'd return and waited, without even calling. A slight ache resonated in his chest.
After extinguishing his cigarette, he got out of the car. Jimmy, watching his back, noted his distress. Even serious injury or danger hadn't affected him like this.
Oscar entered the bedroom. Hannah, reading a childcare book, looked up. He felt choked.
Hannah quickly put away the book, approaching with a smile. She noticed the cigarette smell.
"Why were you smoking? It's bad for you," she said.
Oscar finally regained composure, sniffing his shirt. "I need a shower."
She saw his worry; he only showed such distress over serious matters.
She returned to the bed to wait.
He emerged, hair still wet.
"Dry your hair; you'll catch a cold," she said.
Absentmindedly, he returned to the bathroom. Once his hair was dry, he got into bed. Before turning off the light, Hannah stopped him.
"What happened?" she asked, sensing a need to let him confide, even if she couldn't help.
He remained silent.
"Oscar!"
Silence.
"Are you cheating on me?"
"NO!"
"What's worse than cheating?" she asked, smiling.
"Perhaps it is," he admitted.
"Nothing's worse than cheating. That's my bottom line!"
"I swear I wouldn't cheat."
"Then tell me. What's happening?"
Oscar hesitated.
"Does it involve me?" Hannah asked, sensing his distress wouldn't be so pronounced unless it concerned her. He usually bore burdens alone.
He nodded. He knew she'd figure it out and likely tell him anyway.
"What did Melvin say about me?" Hannah’s patience wore thin. She knew it involved her, but not how.
After hesitation, Oscar confessed, "Melvin's threatening me with you."
Her heart skipped a beat. He saw her nervousness, but it wasn't fear; she wanted to face it with him.
"But I don't want to involve you," Oscar said.
"Tell me. How's he threatening you?"
"He wants to take you to the capital."
Hannah watched him fall silent, eyes closed. Silence filled the room.
While she expected Melvin's underhanded tactics, his plan still shocked her. She wasn't as fearless as she thought. She knew how repulsive the idea was and how much she wanted to refuse. She understood Oscar’s worry: under Melvin's control, she wouldn't survive.