Chapter 685: Coming Storm (7) Deal

"Once the Collins family learns of our cooperation, they'll know you're ready to act against them. This will give them time to anticipate and threaten us preemptively. Just play along, let them believe they've succeeded, then strike when they're unprepared," Oscar stated.

"That's easy for you to say!" Melvin retorted coldly. "Tell me exactly what you told them!"

Oscar recounted his plan to Melvin.

"What's in it for me?" Melvin sneered. "I'll be the one targeted. Oscar, are you my ally or my enemy?"

"Mr. Balderston, if you believe that, they will too, and they'll fall for the plan. They'll be the ones outmaneuvered."

"Don't keep me guessing. Tell me what to do," Melvin pressed impatiently.

"It's simple. Flee the banquet as planned; I'll follow and 'kill' you. We'll stage your death beforehand, making the Collins family believe you're gone. Once their guard is down, you'll use that opportunity to strike from a secret location."

Melvin frowned, considering the feasibility. Oscar waited patiently for his response.

"How can I trust you're not working with the Collins family?" Melvin was intrigued but remained skeptical.

"You have Hannah. I wouldn't risk it."

"She's just a woman. Would you risk this for a woman?"

"God knows how much she means to me."

"How would God know?" Melvin scoffed.

"Mr. Balderston, those who achieve great things make their own decisions. No matter what I say, you'll suspect me, so I won't over-explain. This is the best solution I can offer. The choice is yours."

"You've exposed my connection to the Collins family. Do I have a choice?" Melvin questioned.

Oscar's silence was his answer.

"I'm warning you, Oscar. If you betray me, I'll kill Hannah and the child!" Melvin threatened.

"I wouldn't dare."

"Fine," Melvin conceded. He was more forthright than the Collins family, driven by a lack of alternatives. Failure meant the Collins family would act. He'd been backed into a corner. Regardless, Oscar was already in his debt, and he would settle the score later.

"I have a question." "Ask away." "How can you be so sure you'll be the one sent after me?"

Melvin, ever sharp, pressed the issue.

"The Collins family will need a scapegoat."

Melvin was surprised by Oscar's foresight.

"Without proof of your assassination of Rowan, and with your supposed death, they'll need someone to blame to appease the public—that someone will be me."

Melvin nodded; it was sound logic, the very reason he'd sought Oscar out. He found himself reevaluating his initial assessment of Oscar, recognizing his meticulous planning.

Oscar met his gaze impassively, allowing Melvin's scrutiny, silently conveying his honesty.

"Do as you said," Melvin finally said, breaking eye contact.

He would cooperate, but he wouldn't be manipulated. He had his own agenda.

"Yes," Oscar replied, his tone devoid of enthusiasm. "I'll inform you immediately of any developments regarding the Collins family."

"Oscar, my life, my family's future—it all rests on you. Don't screw this up! You can't afford to."

"I won't."

"Go." "Yes." As he left, he added, "Mr. Balderston, please take care of my wife and child."

Melvin nodded curtly.

Oscar departed Balderston Manor. In his car, he gazed out at the city streets, his mind consumed by Hannah's distant demeanor that day. Since her confinement, she'd shown remarkable restraint, carefully managing her emotions and her criticisms of his actions.

He received a call from Theodore.

"Manuel called. Did you summon him to the capital?" Theodore sounded surprised. Manuel's involvement was unusual; Oscar generally shielded his family, ensuring their survival even if he perished. Theodore felt a pang of sympathy; Oscar sacrificed greatly for the royal Wells family. Without Hannah, he wondered if Oscar even considered his own well-being.

"I'll explain later."

"Alright."

Oscar hung up. He needed Manuel's help to protect Hannah, though he dreaded risking Manuel's life. He couldn't fully trust Melvin, requiring a simultaneous effort to protect Hannah from him. It was perilous, but his only path to success.

Back at Balderston Manor, Hannah sat in the sun-drenched yard. She turned as Melvin entered.

He was surprisingly kind to her, providing a comfortable environment, despite her confinement to the yard. She watched him quietly.

Melvin smiled. "I admire your resilience."

Hannah returned the smile. "You needn't. You'd make the same choices if you were in my shoes."