Chapter 686: Coming Storm (8) Sarah's Feeling

"Do you think Oscar is trustworthy?" Melvin asked.

"Why keep him around if he isn't?" Hannah retorted.

"He's more capable than I anticipated."

"Isn't that what you need?"

"You're still defending him," Melvin said, scrutinizing her face.

"What else can I do?" Hannah asked. "He hasn't done anything to make me completely give up on him."

"Haven't you given up already, considering he allowed you to come here?"

"At least I know he was forced."

"Hannah, you're remarkably rational," Melvin conceded.

"Mr. Balderston, you want my opinion of Oscar. You won't believe me regardless. Why bother?"

Hannah understood his intentions. Oscar was about to act. Melvin, fearing betrayal, sought information, yet his suspicion prevented him from trusting anyone. This contradiction, she knew, was why the Balderston family had schemed for years without acting decisively. Melvin's indecisiveness was understandable; a single misstep meant irreversible loss. This caution, however, diminished his dominance and statesmanlike demeanor. Compared to him, Oscar seemed far more confident.

Hannah hadn't expected Oscar to initiate conflict so soon; in her past life, it had been at least ten years later.

Melvin, receiving no useful information, departed. Hannah felt a wave of relief. Her composure masked a daily terror; she didn't know how much freedom Oscar would allow her.

A week later, Lillian Collins, Rowan's youngest daughter, celebrated her twentieth birthday. A small gathering of family and friends attended the dinner.

Oscar hadn't been informed of the Balderstons' absence. He correctly surmised the Collins family wouldn't act that day, fearing collusion between him and Melvin.

After arriving, Rowan took him to his study, where Mathew and Sarah were present.

"Oscar, you must wonder why I didn't invite the Balderstons," Rowan began.

"I understand your reasons," Oscar replied calmly and firmly.

Rowan appreciated Oscar's composure. "It's urgent. Don't act rashly."

"Understood."

"Regarding your wife," Rowan continued, "she's safe as long as I remain inactive. Don't worry. If Melvin tries to use me, your wife will be unharmed."

"Yes."

"It's my daughter's birthday. I won't discuss anything else. Don't overthink the invitation. Relax. I consider you my man."

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Collins."

"Go out. Everyone here is a close friend; it's good for you to meet them."

Once Oscar left, Rowan's demeanor shifted. "He's calm," he said coldly.

"So the Balderstons are using him to suppress us," Mathew observed.

"A mistake. Oscar appears respectful, but his ambition and self-esteem are immense. Melvin's violation of Oscar's boundaries is his greatest failure," Rowan said with a sinister smile.

"We may not be able to control Oscar," Mathew worried. "When we act against the Balderstons, we need a scapegoat—to eliminate Melvin and frame Oscar, or we'll face suspicion."

"That's why I invited him today."

"What's your plan?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

Sarah, observing her father and brother, looked away, a sneer playing on her lips. She desired the deaths of both Oscar and Hannah; the thought of Hannah experiencing the pain of losing a child thrilled her.

The birthday party was small and intimate. Oscar remained in a corner, avoiding excessive interaction. He knew overt actions would arouse suspicion. He would appear wholly dedicated to the Collins family while secretly planning his countermove against the Balderstons. His ambition wasn't as vast as they believed.

He sipped champagne when Sarah approached.

Oscar set down his glass and greeted her respectfully: "Miss Collins."

Sarah nodded curtly, an air of arrogance about her.

"I never expected our cooperation," she said sarcastically. "I should have married you instead of that useless Charles, knowing your capabilities."

Oscar remained silent.

Sarah's expression soured at his indifference.

"You care deeply for Hannah, don't you?" she asked.

"She's my wife," he replied.

"Charles wouldn't have fallen so low if he loved me as you love Hannah."

"He didn't know how to cherish her."

"You deliberately keep your distance," Sarah complained.

While acknowledging her lack of Hannah's beauty, she pointed out her own noble status, noting most men in Northfield pursued her. Yet Oscar remained lukewarm, never meeting her gaze. Was he uninterested, or merely playing a game?