Chapter 680: Coming Storm (2)

Theodore remained silent on their way to the airport, wary of irritating Oscar. However, consumed by curiosity, he felt compelled to uncover the reason for Oscar's grim mood. After a few minutes, he tentatively asked, "Are you quarreling with Hannah again?"

Oscar seemed to freeze. Theodore continued, "You announced her pregnancy and your decision to keep her from social activities without her permission? Did that anger her and cause you to leave the house?"

Theodore reflected that Oscar often compromised in his conflicts with Hannah. Unlike Oscar, Theodore felt he dominated his marriage with Little Bunny. This thought brought a fresh wave of pleasure, a consequence perhaps of recent abstinence.

"No," Oscar replied coldly.

Theodore frowned. "Then what's happening? Why the sudden trip to the Capital?" Even now, his thoughts lingered on Little Bunny.

"Melvin spoke to me last night." Oscar explained frankly.

"What did he do?" Theodore's expression turned anxious.

"He doesn't trust me."

"Right." Theodore sneered. They had both anticipated Melvin's distrust, but not its swift arrival.

"Are you going to fight him?"

"That was the plan. But he's taken Hannah."

"What?" Theodore nearly leapt from his seat.

Oscar's countenance darkened as he thought of Hannah, held captive somewhere dangerous, facing death. He clenched his fists.

"Did you just let Melvin take her?" Theodore asked incredulously.

Oscar nodded.

Theodore stammered. He didn't mean to question Oscar's judgment. He was, after all, less insightful than Oscar and Manuel, often the one executing their plans. He felt sorry for Oscar, knowing the torment of watching Hannah be taken away.

"If I'd refused, I'd be in danger. If anything happened to me, Hannah would still be involved," Oscar explained.

Theodore understood. Hannah was Oscar's life. She knew about the deal with Melvin; if Oscar failed, Melvin would kill her to keep the secret.

"How's she doing? Resentful?" Theodore pressed.

"What do you think?" Oscar offered a self-deprecating smile. He hadn't been strong enough to protect her.

"She must be distraught," Theodore said, picturing Hannah's distress, especially considering her pregnancy. This explained the public announcement—to deflect suspicion over her disappearance.

"No, she was composed," Oscar replied honestly.

"Really?" Theodore was amazed.

"She knew she had no choice. She accepted it," Oscar said sadly. The mention of Hannah grieved him, and Theodore sensed he might break down if the questioning continued. He hastily changed the subject, still marveling at Hannah's fortitude.

"What now? Do we let him control Hannah while we run errands for him?" The thought was intolerable.

"No, we declare war."

"What do you mean?" Theodore felt a surge of adrenaline; he'd waited for this moment. Victory fueled him.

"I'm going to the Capital. I'll tell the Collins about my deal with Melvin, face to face."

"Are you insane?" Theodore paled.

"I have a plan. It will expedite the Collins' decision to fight Balderston, and force a counterattack."

"What's your plan?" Theodore felt Oscar pushing himself to the brink.

"Theodore," Oscar turned to him seriously.

Theodore felt uneasy under Oscar's intense gaze.

"The storm is coming," Oscar stated gravely.

Theodore smiled, relieved. "Bring it on. Nothing scares me, not even death."

Oscar was touched by Theodore's loyalty, and the loyalty of all who had pledged their lives to the Wells. He swore he wouldn't fail them.

"I've known pleasure and joy, wealth, family, and now my son. I have no regrets, I'm ready to die."

"You'll live," Oscar said seriously. He wouldn't allow any deaths on his side, and he would risk his own life for Hannah.

Nightfall found them in their Capital residence—a two-bedroom, two-living-room apartment provided by the Collins, expensive despite its modest size. After resting, Oscar called Rowan.

"Mr. Collins," Oscar said.

"I hear you're back," Rowan replied, his voice cool. Oscar realized Rowan knew his every move.

"Yes."

"But I gave you three days' rest. Why return after one? Don't you want time with your wife after being separated?" Rowan joked, masking his suspicion.

Oscar replied respectfully, "Mr. Collins, I have something important to report, alone."

Rowan paused, considering the late-night request. His solemn tone suggested seriousness. "A face-to-face meeting?"

"Yes."

"I'll send the car," Rowan conceded. "But it's late. Don't waste my time. I'm getting old."

"Yes, sir." Oscar hung up, breathing deeply. He turned to Theodore. "Wait here. I'll go to Rowan's alone."

"What if he kills you?"

"Then you get Hannah back," Oscar said.

Theodore was speechless. He hadn't meant for that to be Oscar's last words.