Chapter 693: The Act
Melvin signaled the servants to approach Cian. They lifted him, and he protested irritably, "Don't touch me! Let me go! I want more wine..." No one heeded his pleas.
"Leave me alone, or I'll throw up! Damn it! Let go of me!" Cian shouted, though he appeared too weak to truly struggle. He was soon carried to a guest room.
Hannah and Melvin remained alone at the dining table. Hannah wiped her mouth and started to leave, but Melvin abruptly grabbed her wrist. Hannah was startled, and Jimmy, standing behind her, bristled, ready for a confrontation.
"Jimmy, stay calm," Hannah instructed.
Jimmy restrained himself. Melvin, realizing he'd overstepped, released her wrist and wiped his hand with a napkin, his expression one of apparent disgust.
Hannah remained unfazed. "Any other pearls of wisdom, Mr. Balderston?" she asked calmly.
"Hannah, Harry isn't interested in women, but he's still a man. Any man can be aroused, regardless of his sexuality. Consider your actions carefully."
"No worries. It's my affair, whatever happens. I won't blame you, and I can't." Hannah declared, "Life is all that matters."
Melvin stared at her coldly.
"Excuse me," Hannah said, bowing slightly before departing. Melvin remained silent.
Hannah and Jimmy proceeded to Cian's room. Reaching the door, she instructed, "Wait here."
Jimmy, though sensing Hannah's safety, seemed conflicted, playing along. "I'll scream if anything happens. And you'll break in."
Jimmy nodded respectfully. Hannah entered the room, leaving him to stand guard outside.
Meanwhile, Melvin sat alone in the dining room, sipping wine and gazing at the outdoor pool, lost in thought.
"Mr. Balderston," a henchman in a black suit announced respectfully, "Mrs. Wells is in Mr. Harry's room."
Melvin glanced at him, a cold smile playing on his lips. He seemed impressed by Hannah's determination.
"And Jimmy?"
"He's waiting at the door. He'll intervene immediately if necessary," the henchman replied.
"Why the hell should I care?" Melvin snapped.
"Sorry, Mr. Balderston," the terrified henchman stammered before hastily retreating.
Hannah cautiously searched Cian's room for cameras, finding one. Melvin's prudence demanded caution. She approached the bed quietly. Cian slept restlessly, murmuring about wine.
What a good actor! she thought. She climbed onto the bed carefully. Cian felt her approach but gave no indication. Hannah began undressing. Suddenly, she was seized at the waist and pulled down onto the bed.
"Ah!" Hannah cried softly.
Cian pulled her under the blanket, seemingly roughly, but in reality, protecting her baby bump. He lay on top of her, his body hunched. Leaning close, he whispered, his lips near hers, "Turn your face."
Hannah obeyed. Cian buried his head in her hair, refraining from any sexual advance.
"I won't touch you, Hannah," he murmured.
No explanation was needed; Hannah wouldn't have risked this if it weren't Cian.
"Are you trying to blackmail me, forcing me to sell the island to Melvin?" Cian asked. "If so, pull my shirt."
Hannah tugged slightly at his shirt. It felt like playful theatrics, yet the stakes were high; but with Cian, she felt no fear.
"Okay, I see," Cian whispered. "Just play along. I know what to do."
Hannah pulled his shirt again, confirming her understanding. Cian abruptly rolled off her and began undressing.
Hannah was taken aback, finding the situation absurd. She blinked, watching Cian reveal his fair skin. Unlike Oscar's muscular physique, Cian was lean and delicate, almost feminine. Hannah couldn't look away.
He lay on top of her again. "You're taking advantage of me, Hannah," he whispered.
Hannah was speechless. She wasn't attracted to him, and hadn't asked him to undress.
"I'm going to take your pants off," Cian said, shifting his body.
Hannah froze.
"Don't move. I promise I won't touch you."
"Well... um..." Hannah hesitated, a touch of nervousness creeping in.
Cian deliberately kicked away the blanket and began removing her pants. The intimacy was intensely awkward, and Hannah, overwhelmed, closed her eyes.
He then started removing her top. Hannah tensed, clutching the fabric. Would they be completely naked? Cian pulled harder; Hannah resisted with equal force, a silent tug-of-war ensuing.
Meanwhile, Melvin watched from his room, observing the unfolding scene on his screen. He wanted to see how far Hannah would go, to teach her a lesson in her ignorance and arrogance.
The struggle continued. Finally, Cian tore off Hannah's top, closing his eyes the moment she was topless.