Chapter 682: Coming Storm (4)

"You mean Oscar might be lying?" Rowan frowned.

"We need more proof," Mathew said cautiously. "We can't simply accept his statement at face value."

Rowan nodded. "So how do you propose we verify it?"

"It's relatively easy. We send men to Balderston Manor to see if Hannah is under house arrest, as Oscar claimed. If that checks out, at least a significant portion of his confession is credible."

Rowan nodded again.

"As for the more suspicious aspects, they're less important. We need to leverage Oscar. Our priority is securing his cooperation and neutralizing any threat he poses. However, something else concerns me," Mathew added, a worried look on his face.

"What is it?"

"If Oscar's account is true, it points to Balderston's conspiracy against us. Hesitation will only harm us. We should use Oscar to instigate a war against the Balderstons before they can react. This is the perfect moment to strike while their guard is down."

Rowan hesitated. "Do you think now is the right time? The Collins and Balderstons have lived in peace for years. A war would unleash a storm upon us all."

"Even if we remain passive, I doubt the Balderstons will. What if they seize the initiative?" Mathew countered.

"You're right!" Rowan finally decided. He'd anticipated this moment for a long time. He'd grown weary of the Collins and Balderstons dominating Northfield's political landscape. This was his chance to elevate his family.

"Let's verify Oscar's confession immediately," Mathew said seriously.

"I'll have my spy within Balderston Manor discreetly investigate," Rowan nodded. "If it proves true, we'll act accordingly."

Mathew sneered.

Oscar wore a sullen expression on his return journey. He expected the Collins to verify his claims and then launch a preemptive war against the Balderstons. The Balderstons' conspiracy seemed ripe for exploitation, allowing Oscar to maximize his own gain from the ensuing conflict. Everything was unfolding as planned, although he hadn't anticipated involving Hannah.

After some thought, he called Melvin. "Mr. Balderston," he said.

"What is it?"

"How is my wife?"

"She's safe, sleeping well, and has a good appetite," Melvin replied easily.

"Mr. Balderston, please take good care of her," Oscar pleaded earnestly.

"That depends on you," Melvin said coldly.

"I'll set a trap for the Collins, but I need your help to succeed."

"Oscar, you exceed my expectations."

"Mr. Balderston, please keep your promise."

"Rest assured. Hannah's safety is guaranteed as long as you remain loyal to me," Melvin replied casually.

"Thank you, sir."

The moment Melvin hung up, his false smile vanished. The more capable Oscar appeared, the greater the threat he posed. Melvin was already planning Oscar's demise. Hannah's fate, however, remained uncertain.

The next morning, Rowan summoned Oscar for a face-to-face meeting at Collins Manor. They'd clearly finalized their plan.

"I've been reflecting since last night. I know how worried you are about your wife's kidnapping," Rowan said.

"Mr. Collins, thank you for your kindness."

"After discussing it with Mathew, we've decided to trust your loyalty, given your initiative in confessing. We reward loyalty."

Rowan had clearly verified Oscar's confession and decided to believe him.

"But Oscar, we face a delicate situation. We can't fabricate a flimsy excuse to rescue your wife from the Balderstons. We need concrete proof before acting. We're also unsure if Hannah is truly under house arrest or a guest. This uncertainty hinders convincing my family."

"Mr. Collins, I understand your concerns."

"Rescuing your wife isn't difficult. If we can frame the Balderstons for a crime, it'll be easier to strike. The crucial point is uniting my family."

"I have a suggestion," Oscar offered.

Rowan's interest piqued. He glanced at Mathew. It was precisely what they'd hoped for—using Oscar to instigate war.

"My youngest daughter's birthday is next Friday. Mr. Collins, I suggest you invite the Balderstons."

"You want me to assassinate Melvin during the banquet? I said it's easy to kill him, but we need a plausible reason. Killing him at a Collins banquet? Are you trying to ruin my reputation?"

"Mr. Collins, that's not my intention. I've considered your reputation. We can stage a show."

"A show?"

"No one will be harmed. If anything goes wrong, you'll be held responsible, even if you're blameless. But what if you're the apparent victim? Would people still blame you?" Oscar asked.

Rowan was impressed by his quick thinking.

"We can have someone impersonate an assassin to attack you at the banquet. We'll then implicate Melvin. This gives us public justification for his arrest," Oscar suggested.

Rowan appeared convinced. But before he could comment, Mathew interjected, "You mean my father might be injured? If he remains unharmed, it won't convince the public."

Rowan frowned. The plan, while ingenious, was risky.

"Don't worry. Mr. Collins won't be harmed. When the assassin appears, I'll shield him, taking the bullet!" Oscar declared.