Chapter 698: The Feud (3) The State Banquet

At the Balderston manor, Hannah discovered Melvin hadn't returned home the previous night. Anticipating the imminent battle, she felt nervous. Uncertainty hung heavy in the air. She gently stroked her belly, feeling the baby's movements, more frequent lately, particularly when she was anxious. She wondered if the baby was unusually sensitive or active, and worried about the hardships it might face even before birth.

At lunchtime, Melvin arrived unexpectedly while Hannah dined alone. She continued eating silently as he sat opposite, picking at his food with little appetite.

"No questions?" Melvin finally asked.

"I don't want to ask," Hannah replied.

"No confidence in me?" Melvin chuckled.

"No, I just don't want to worry," she said.

"Are you worried about me?" he pressed.

Hannah remained silent.

"Worried you might die with me," Melvin added.

Still, she said nothing.

"Oscar's shopping with Lillian," he stated.

After a brief pause, Hannah continued eating.

"He bought her oranges, accompanied her, carried her bags," Melvin continued, his tone pointed.

Hannah remained silent.

"Has he ever done that for you?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" Hannah asked, after swallowing her food.

"He doesn't deserve you," Melvin said earnestly.

Hannah laughed. "Beggars can't be choosers. Some flirtation is unavoidable; he needs to gain the Collins family's trust, and so do I."

Melvin looked displeased.

"Under the circumstances, I can't make demands of him," Hannah said, looking at Melvin. "I won't blame him, even if he hurts me."

"It's hard to drive a wedge between you and Oscar," Melvin said, a self-deprecating laugh escaping him.

"You already have," Hannah replied.

Melvin frowned.

"I'm indifferent to him; I have no expectations for our future. Our love… it's faded," Hannah said calmly.

Melvin watched her intently, searching her expression for her true feelings, but time was short. He put down his knife and fork, having barely touched his food. "Take care," he said, "and don't die."

Hannah felt uneasy.

"Don't play tricks," Melvin added, his voice hardening. "If you try to leave, I'll kill you." He was warning her against escaping while he was away, though escape seemed impossible.

Hannah made no reply.

Melvin left abruptly, without waiting for a response, seeming hurried. Hannah was left wondering about his sudden arrival and departure. She lost her appetite, uncertain about the future, only hoping to survive.

It was 6 p.m., at Northfield's state banquet. The opulent dining hall, heavily guarded, exuded an air of both grandeur and mystery. The hall buzzed with conversation as dignitaries mingled before dinner, the atmosphere lively and peaceful.

The Balderston and Collins families, as was their custom, arrived late, the other guests already assembled and awaiting their arrival.

Outside, Rowan, Oscar, and Mathew waited in the car. Rowan had left Sarah behind for safety reasons.

The guards opened the doors with deferential respect. Before exiting the car, Rowan asked Oscar, "Wearing a bulletproof vest?"

"No," Oscar replied.

Rowan nodded, patted Oscar's shoulder, and exited first. Oscar followed.

Everyone underwent a rigorous security check except Rowan, leaving Oscar unsure whether Rowan wore body armor.

Entering the hall, Oscar saw Melvin arrive with his mother. Melvin's father had died of illness years ago; he had no siblings. Mrs. Balderston, largely retired from public life, made only occasional appearances, such as this evening.

Rowan greeted Mrs. Balderston. "Mrs. Balderston, it's been a while."

"Mr. Collins, good evening," she replied, her queenly bearing undiminished at over sixty years of age.

After polite pleasantries, they entered together. The room fell silent; the guests rose spontaneously to greet them, a familiar ritual. They proceeded to the head table, the focus of all eyes.

The other guests then seated themselves, conversation stilled, their gaze fixed on the two families.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Rowan announced. "Relax, and enjoy this rare gathering."

Mrs. Balderston followed suit. "Thank you for your hard work for Northfield. Relax and enjoy the meal; it's for everyone here."

Others echoed their sentiments. Several high-ranking officials spoke briefly, quickly reviving the lively atmosphere.

Oscar stood behind Rowan; he wasn't seated. Melvin and Mrs. Balderston were accompanied by their personal bodyguards.

Rowan, mid-conversation with Mrs. Balderston, made a sudden announcement. "Oh, Mrs. Balderston, I'd like to introduce you to a young man…" He gestured towards Oscar.