Chapter 688: Coming Storm (10) Mischief-Making

"Your father just wants to make you happy," Oscar said.

"I know. But he never knows what I want."

"When you're a parent, you'll understand."

"Really?" Lillian looked at him, amazed. Every time she looked at him, she felt a sense of wonder.

"I heard your wife is pregnant."

"Yes," Oscar nodded.

"How are you attracted to each other?"

"Maybe it's just a feeling," Oscar replied, avoiding the topic.

Lillian nodded. "It's important," she mused, recalling her own instantaneous attraction to her boyfriend. She wondered if love at first sight correlated with a propensity for moving on quickly, associating it with purely physical attraction.

She glanced at Oscar again, a sudden apprehension seizing her. She shouldn't agree to her father's request. This man was too captivating.

She walked ahead; Oscar followed. He noticed people shadowing him, both in the garden and the banquet hall—a clear setup by the Collins family, designed to implicate him.

If he were romantically involved with the Collins' daughter, it would provide a motive for killing Melvin. An old, unspoken engagement between the families existed, though rarely discussed. However, Melvin of Balderston and Lillian of Collins were long considered a suitable match, given Rowan's protectiveness.

Oscar understood the game; he could only play along.

At Balderston Manor, Melvin laughed at the latest intel. He took a photograph and went into the yard, a place he frequented lately, seeking someone to confide in. From childhood, he'd lacked companionship and honest communication. Hannah, while guarded, was at least genuine.

Hannah sat in her rocking chair, basking in the sunlight. She sensed his approach but remained seated, accustomed to his sporadic visits.

"Do you know what I saw today?" Melvin asked.

"Is it good news for me?"

"Probably not."

"Then can I choose not to know?"

"No." Hannah laughed.

"Oscar and Lillian Collins, the Collins' little princess, are behaving very intimately," Melvin stated pointedly.

Hannah wore large sunglasses. Though he couldn't see her eyes, her smile faltered.

"Are you frightened?"

Hannah pursed her lips, silent.

"Do you want to see the pictures? They're high-definition," Melvin offered.

"No."

"Lillian and Sarah are completely different."

"I'm not interested."

"You're overconfident in your own appearance!"

"It's true."

"But Lillian's appeal isn't just her looks; it's her unique, pure temperament. It's hard to resist. I've met her several times and was attracted, but she was too young then to fully reciprocate."

Hannah showed no interest.

"Isn't it normal for men to be attracted to other women?" Melvin pressed.

"You're telling me Oscar betrayed me, right?" Hannah removed her sunglasses, revealing her anger. Melvin had always found her chillingly calm, but her present expression was…endearing. He concealed his reaction.

"It's satisfying to see you unhappy."

"Are you insane?" Hannah snapped.

Melvin remained unperturbed. "Hannah, what would you do if Oscar betrayed you?"

"What can I do?" Hannah sneered. "It's not the first time."

"You mean Charles? If I remember correctly, you dumped him."

Hannah met his gaze without explanation. Melvin guessed at untold secrets, but it didn't matter.

"Hannah, didn't you ask me before how to avoid being killed?"

Expectation shone in Hannah's eyes. Melvin felt a stirring he'd never experienced, but masked it. "I can satisfy you."

Hannah remained doubtful.

"I've been considering it. Killing you is unproductive, and you're useful. I have no reason to harm you," Melvin explained. "I have something I've long desired. Once you procure it for me, I promise I won't kill you."

"What is it?"

"You'll find out soon."

Hannah suppressed her eagerness.

"Take care of your baby. Don't disappoint Oscar," Melvin taunted, placing the pictures on her desk.

Hannah saw Oscar and a stranger in close proximity. She couldn't deny the pang of unhappiness at his expression toward the woman.

Jimmy chimed in, "Ma'am, Master Oscar would never betray you."

Hannah knew her only recourse was to save herself, freeing Oscar from worry and preventing her from hindering his success. As for the rest, she would accept her fate.