Chapter 692 The Badger Game

Hannah lay on the bed, devising a plan to convince Cian to sell the island to Melvin. Survival was paramount; she trusted Oscar and Cian wouldn't prioritize anything over her life. Based on her conversation with Cian, he seemed amenable to a sale, at least temporarily.

She felt a twinge of worry. Melvin, she knew, wouldn't pursue Cian again if this attempt failed. Though she was the negotiator, the plan was ultimately Melvin's, and he wouldn't extend himself further.

Hannah composed herself, determined to find a solution. Time was running out. She didn't sleep.

A servant knocked. "Mrs. Wells, dinner is served. Mr. Balderston is waiting."

Hannah returned to reality. Evening had fallen. She chided herself for her self-imposed pressure.

"Okay, I'll be right there," Hannah replied.

"Yes, Mrs. Wells."

Hannah rose, dressed, and joined Jimmy in the dining room, where Melvin and Cian were conversing amiably, their earlier disagreement seemingly forgotten.

"Mrs. Wells," Cian greeted her calmly.

"Sorry, I overslept," Hannah apologized.

"Never mind. You're pregnant," Cian said thoughtfully.

Hannah smiled.

"Come sit here," Melvin indicated the seat beside him.

Hannah hesitated but complied.

Cian subtly glared at Melvin, inwardly cursing him for exploiting Hannah. Hannah, however, remained calm and composed.

"Good wine! It lives up to its reputation!" Cian declared loudly, attracting Melvin's attention. He meant it; he resented Melvin's focus on Hannah and vowed to prevent him from succeeding.

"If you like it, take two bottles when you leave," Melvin offered.

"That's very generous, Melvin."

"It's nothing."

Their conversation flowed easily. Cian excused himself to the restroom. Melvin, Cian realized with a curse, was trying to get him drunk. He continued requesting wine himself, to prevent Melvin from focusing on Hannah.

"I've devised a plan," Hannah said the moment Cian left.

Melvin looked at her skeptically. "What is it?"

"Buy Harry's Island Manor for twenty million," Hannah stated.

"How?" Melvin, though resigned, was willing to consider anything Hannah proposed.

"I've noticed Harry's a light drinker," Hannah observed.

"Indeed," Melvin agreed.

Hannah knew Cian was a heavy drinker, but he often feigned otherwise.

"Get him drunk and keep him here overnight."

"Then?" Melvin raised an eyebrow.

"Then, you know about the badger game, don't you?"

"I told you he's not interested in women," Melvin said coldly.

"That's why I called it a badger game, not a sex trap."

Melvin remained unmoved.

"It doesn't matter if he likes women or not. If we claim he raped me, he'll break the law. You're influential; securing a guilty verdict will be easy. Harry's smart; he'll choose his safety over the property."

"But my reputation will be ruined."

"What difference will that make?" Hannah asked sarcastically.

"I'm wondering what a terrible person you think I am."

"So-called personal reputation is insignificant compared to larger events," Hannah retorted. "Mr. Balderston, don't worry about it. It's inconsequential."

Melvin remained silent, clearly unconvinced. Hannah couldn't be sure he'd agree.

"This is the only solution I see. We're already attempting to buy an island for twenty million; what's a little more ruthlessness?"

Melvin stared coldly, assessing her sarcasm, her subtle dig at his hypocrisy.

Cian returned. Hannah, feigning ignorance of her conversation with Melvin, resumed eating.

"Oh! I feel so dizzy!" Cian dramatically announced, feigning intoxication. "No more drinking, or I'll be wasted."

"You're kidding, Harry. You can drink like a fish!" Melvin refilled Cian's glass. "Stay tonight if you're too drunk to leave. Plenty of rooms! Or are they not good enough for you?"

"Oh, please don't tease. It's an honor, but I fear it might cause you trouble," Cian said with a smile.

"Come on! We're old friends!" Melvin raised his glass. "Let's get hammered!"

Cian feigned reluctance before resuming drinking. Hannah, observing them, knew Melvin had agreed to her plan and was working to intoxicate Cian. Cian, with a subtle glance, confirmed his understanding. Oscar's praise of Cian's suitability as an heir was well-deserved; Cian was perceptive.

Moments later, Cian slumped against the table, yelling, "Refill me! I can have more…"

Hannah looked at him, then at Melvin. "He's drunk."

Melvin was silent, perhaps ashamed of his compromise.