Chapter 704: The Feud (9) – Oscar Attains Power

Oscar composed himself and continued his charade. Turning back, he waited for the guard to finish his report to Rowan before saying, "Let's go."

The guard, noticing the blood on Oscar's face and the wound on his arm, remarked, "You did well today. I'll tell Mr. Collins." Rowan had apparently instructed them to keep a close watch on Oscar, as he remained untrustworthy in the Collins family's eyes. The guard's approval stemmed from Oscar's apparent commitment to killing Melvin. Oscar nodded subtly.

They entered the car, the guard driving and Oscar in the passenger seat. He gazed out the window, lost in thought, contemplating how to leverage the conflict he'd ignited between the families. He hadn't actually killed Melvin, ensuring Melvin's retaliation against Rowan—a retaliation Oscar intended to exploit. But where had Melvin taken Hannah? Internally despairing, Oscar maintained his usual calm exterior.

Back at the Collins Manor, they reported to Rowan. The surviving guard recounted their purported success in killing Melvin. Rowan remained unconvinced without seeing a body, though he largely accepted Melvin's demise based on the account of him being shot and falling from the cliff into the sea.

Pleased, he declared, "Good job. You'll be rewarded!"

"Thank you, Mr. Collins," the guard replied. "Thank you, Mr. Collins," Oscar echoed.

"It's been a long night. Rest," Rowan said kindly. "Your reward will be forthcoming tomorrow."

"Yes, Mr. Collins," they responded respectfully, turning to leave.

A gunshot rang out. Oscar tensed. The guard, moments before alive and seemingly unconcerned, lay dead before him, eyes wide open. He likely hadn't anticipated being shot after successfully completing his task. His face was contorted, a grim mask of blood and agony.

Oscar froze, uncertain if Rowan intended to kill him as well. He had no choice but to gamble on his continued usefulness to the Collins family.

"Oscar."

Oscar turned, suppressing his fear, and replied humbly, "Mr. Collins." His voice trembled slightly.

"Don't worry. I won't kill you. I eliminated him to ensure only one of you would be entrusted with significant tasks."

Oscar remained silent.

"From now on, you command the Collins family's army guards. Your mission: cripple the Balderston family. Substantial rewards await the successful dismantling of their forces."

"Yes, Mr. Collins."

"Tend to your wound. You have much to do." "Yes."

"Go." Rowan dismissed him with a wave.

Oscar bowed slightly.

"Right, Oscar!" Rowan added, suddenly.

Oscar maintained his humble demeanor.

"Lillian likes you. You understand."

"Yes, sir. I won't disappoint you, Mr. Collins."

"Good. Go."

"Yes," Oscar said, and departed.

Rowan, along with Mathew and Sarah, couldn't contain their excitement.

"Unbelievable! Oscar killed Melvin," Sarah exclaimed.

"Are you sure? I need confirmation. I can't rest easy without seeing Melvin's body," Rowan countered. He retrieved his phone and reviewed the video footage. The guards wore mini-cameras, capturing everything—Melvin being shot before plunging from the cliff. He was likely dead.

"Rest assured, Father. He won't survive!" Sarah affirmed.

"Don't worry, Father. Melvin is dead. We can seize control of the Balderston family using this as an excuse. There will be opposition, but we'll send Oscar to handle it. We'll reap the rewards, and Northfield will be ours," Mathew stated excitedly. He'd awaited this day, and its sudden arrival overwhelmed him.

Rowan watched the video again, then nodded with cautious relief. "We can't be complacent; our victory isn't assured. Remain vigilant until it is."

"Yes, Father," Mathew and Sarah replied.

"It's late. Get some rest," Rowan said, stretching. Dawn approached; the long night had exhausted him.

"Father," Sarah said.

"What is it?"

"Must Oscar die eventually?"

"What are you implying?" Rowan asked, startled, sensing something amiss.

"Forgive me, Father. He's capable, and it seems a shame he must die."

"He's capable, yes, and a threat! Control yourself. Oscar's demise is inevitable."

Sarah nodded, a sense of unease lingering.

Rowan said nothing more. They retired to their rooms.

After 4 AM, Oscar returned to his lodgings in the Collins family's car. Seriously injured, he appeared unfazed. He stared out the window until the car stopped, then exited.

Theodore awaited Oscar's return at his apartment, having stayed up all night. He was alarmed by Oscar's blood-soaked appearance.

"Minor wounds," Oscar waved it off.

Theodore nodded, quickly retrieving a medical kit. He instructed Oscar to sit, examining the wounds. The gunshot wound showed signs of infection; he frowned but said nothing.

"I let Melvin live," Oscar revealed.

"I figured," Theodore replied calmly.

Oscar would have driven himself mad if he had killed Melvin and neglected Hannah. After all, Oscar couldn't bear life without Hannah.

"Take it easy, heal quickly. Roll with the punches. The worst is death—no point in fretting," Theodore advised.