Chapter 690: Furious Cian

"Mr. Balderston, you wouldn't have made such a fuss if it weren't important to him," Hannah said.

Melvin smiled calmly, despite being seen through. "I'll tell you about some of his hobbies. He loves antique collecting; he has a vast collection at home, but he's still obsessed. But he's not interested in women. I once sent him some… companions, but he dismissed them. Perhaps he's gay," Melvin added.

"So, are you saying you're going to sell your… charm?" Hannah asked.

"Come now, Hannah. Don't even think about it!" Melvin snorted.

Before Hannah could retort, Melvin continued, "You have no choice. This is the only way to save yourself. Whether it works or not is up to you."

Hannah pursed her lips, realizing she was in no position to negotiate.

"Get ready. He'll be here in half an hour," Melvin said, then left.

Hannah felt dreadful. Melvin was deliberately making things difficult. It felt impossible; she had to close a deal with a complete stranger—a man disinterested in women but obsessed with antiques, and who stood to lose considerable money in the transaction. She narrowed her eyes, a memory flickering—she thought she might have met someone like him before.

Confused, she was sent to the living room half an hour later. Upon entering, she was stunned to see a man sitting and chatting with Melvin. The man was surprised to see her, but quickly regained his composure. Only they could truly understand the weight of that moment.

Hannah pursed her lips. It was Cian. How did he know Melvin? She thought Oscar had hidden Cian to protect him, but how had he become involved?

"Hannah, meet Harry, the gentleman I mentioned. He's from Northfield, but he's a foreign national," Melvin introduced him briefly.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Harry," Hannah said calmly.

"Nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Wells?" Cian feigned surprise and curiosity.

"Well, what Hannah's doing here is none of your concern," Melvin said bluntly, clearly wanting to prevent Cian from investigating further. Cian understood and dropped the subject. Then, brightening, he said, "When will you show me the new treasure?"

"Now."

"Where?" Cian looked around curiously.

"She's the treasure, isn't she?" Melvin gestured to Hannah.

Hannah flushed with embarrassment.

"Come on, Melvin! We're old friends, and you've never played such a trick on me before. Don't you think you've gone too far?" Cian said sullenly, implying Melvin had lied.

"Don't be angry. I know you appreciate women, and I do too. Otherwise, we wouldn't be friends," Melvin said leisurely. "It's a joke. Actually, Hannah has a medieval ruby Oscar gave her at the Kensbury City auction. I thought you'd love it."

"You mean the ruby I saw at Norbert's Antique Shop?" Cian perked up. "I tried to buy it, but the seller said it was already sold. Later, I learned it was auctioned for charity. Then I got busy and forgot about it."

"Hannah has it now," Melvin said.

"Mrs. Wells, might I see it?" Cian asked expectantly.

Despairing, Hannah looked at Melvin, who knew she didn't have the ruby.

"I'm sorry. I gave it to my mother," Hannah apologized.

Cian looked slightly disappointed.

"So, you don't have it?"

"I can go to your mother's. I'd just like to see it; it's been on my mind ever since I first saw it," Cian suggested.

Hannah looked at Melvin, silent.

"Perhaps not now," Melvin said.

"So, you were trying to trick me?" Cian said, unhappy.

"Come on," Melvin clapped him on the shoulder. "Forget the antique for now. We haven't seen each other in ages. Can't we just enjoy a meal and catch up?"

"But you shouldn't have tricked me!" Cian said angrily.

"No, I didn't. I told you Hannah had a treasure and how to get it. I did my best, buddy. Shouldn't you be grateful?" Melvin feigned anger.

Cian relented. "Okay, thanks."

"Come on, it's lunchtime. Let's eat," Melvin said.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Cian said politely.

The three went to the dining room, where a delicious meal awaited.

"Hmm, delicious! It's been a while; the food's improved!" Cian commented.

"Not as good as the delicacies in your place," Melvin said modestly.

"Both are excellent," Cian said, glancing at Hannah. "Mrs. Wells, aren't you enjoying it?"

"It's wonderful," Hannah offered a weak smile. She felt emotional and lacked her usual appetite. She had to admit Cian was remarkably calm. Finally, she understood why Oscar considered Cian a better heir. He was incredibly composed under pressure.

Melvin offered her some cod. "Have some cod. Protein is good for the baby."

Hannah was startled and looked up at him.

"Oh, Mrs. Wells, you're pregnant!" Cian exclaimed.

"Don't you read the news?" Melvin gave Hannah the cod, speaking naturally to Cian. "Oscar Wells announced it. Everyone knows she's carrying Oscar's child."

"Oh, I see. I don't read the news much."

Hannah pursed her lips and ate quietly. She didn't notice Melvin's smile as she ate, but Cian did.

He remained outwardly calm, but cursed Melvin internally. How dare he flirt with his sister-in-law? He vowed Melvin would pay.