Chapter 678: Negotiate

Hunger roused Hannah at 8:00 PM. She hadn't expected to sleep so soundly for hours, amazed by her own resilience. After washing, she opened her door to find Jimmy standing respectfully, a maidservant beside him.

The servant hurried forward. "Madam, by Master Melvin's order, I'm here to invite you to dinner."

Hannah nodded. As the servant led the way, Hannah asked, "What's your name?"

"Just call me Linka."

"Okay, Linka. How long have you been working here?"

"Since I was a child. I served Mrs. Balderston, Master Melvin's mother, until he assigned me here."

"Okay." Melvin would only place his most trusted person near her. Hannah wouldn't interfere, but she would remain vigilant.

She followed Linka into Melvin's residence, a considerably larger space with a broader view than her own. The décor favored a masculine style, yet possessed a vintage feel, as if a family heirloom, recently refurbished.

"You slept a long time," Melvin remarked upon her arrival.

Hannah smiled. "Sorry, Mr. Balderston. I didn't expect you to wait for dinner."

"One must be mindful of a pregnant lady's needs. Come, sit." Melvin gestured.

As Hannah sat, the servant served the meal. Hannah and Melvin dined while the others, including Jimmy, stood waiting.

"I don't know your preferences, so I had them prepare a wide variety, excluding anything unsuitable for pregnancy. Enjoy," Melvin said.

"Thank you."

Melvin nodded slightly. They continued eating.

After dinner, Melvin led her to the living room and switched on the television. "The remote's yours."

Hannah selected her favorite channel. Melvin settled onto the couch to spend time with her, but Hannah remained uncertain of his intentions. She knew he intended for her to stay; otherwise, she could have returned to her residence to watch television.

"Mr. Balderston, do you have work to do?" Hannah asked, taking the initiative to understand his thoughts.

"No."

"There's something I want to discuss."

"Go ahead."

"Since arriving, I've understood my situation: my life depends entirely on Oscar's success."

Melvin smiled. He found her calmer than expected, evident in her late awakening and demeanor at dinner. Normally, she would be too anxious to sleep.

"That is to say, if anything goes wrong, or Oscar fails, I'll be killed."

"You're right." Melvin nodded.

"So, Mr. Balderston, can my life be independent of Oscar's performance?" Hannah asked directly.

Melvin frowned. "Be specific."

"You've made me a hostage to control Oscar. However, I hope you'll show mercy even if he fails."

He sneered. "You don't trust him? Do you believe he'll betray me again?"

Hannah shook her head. "I don't know what happened between you and him, or between him and the Collins. He told me little, only that he had his reasons. I don't know if he'll betray you, and even if I vouched for him, you wouldn't believe me. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."

Melvin remained silent, acknowledging her point.

"But what worries me is, what if he's killed by the Collins, despite his best efforts? Will I die with him?"

Her question surprised him. She interpreted his pause as acquiescence, adding, "So I'm wondering if I can secure your mercy."

Melvin studied her. He hadn't expected her to negotiate for herself in this situation, amazed by her intelligence and courage.

"It seems I overestimated your relationship with Oscar." He hadn't anticipated her doubts.

"I do love him. But my life comes first. Besides, Mr. Balderston, you know I had a relationship with Charles before Oscar."

Melvin nodded slightly.

"No one falls for anyone at all costs. Oscar and I shared mutual interests. When those interests clashed, the relationship ended. We are no exception."

Melvin remained silent, his thoughts unexpressed.

Hannah continued, "I'd rather find a way to save myself than rely on Oscar."

"I'll consider it," Melvin replied, finding her proposal negotiable.

"I look forward to your answer," Hannah said gratefully. But he wouldn't change his mind solely out of gratitude; he'd assess her value and potential benefit.

"Mr. Balderston, it's late. I need more sleep for the baby's sake." Hannah stood.

Melvin nodded.

Hannah left, followed by Jimmy. Her smile faded as she returned to her residence. She still had faith in Oscar, but felt she must also strive for her own survival. And she firmly believed Oscar would never abandon her.