Chapter 705: The Feud (10) Where is Hannah?

Hannah never expected to be sent here by Melvin. Perhaps Cian didn't expect it either.

After Melvin left yesterday at noon, she returned to her room, waiting for the final results. However, she was unexpectedly taken away that afternoon. Hannah wondered if Melvin regretted his promise. After several transfers, she arrived at Cian's former island, now swarming with Melvin's men. Melvin had acquired the island, but the contract granted Cian a three-month grace period—billions in assets required time to relocate. Surprisingly, Melvin had already established himself here.

Hannah and Cian met in stunned silence, concealing their surprise. Both were clearly under Melvin's control. Hannah's sole concern was protecting Cian from implication. She understood his importance to the royal Wells family, but escape seemed impossible under the island's heavy security.

Cian vented his anger in the villa, railing against Melvin's treachery. It provided some catharsis, but nothing changed—until an unusual noise disturbed the villa's quiet the next morning.

Both Hannah and Cian rushed out to find Melvin. Hannah was nervous. Knowing Oscar had acted, she anticipated Melvin's death, but her own life was intertwined with his. She wasn't sure whether she hoped for his survival or demise; seeing him filled her with complex emotions.

Melvin looked frail, propped on the sofa, panting weakly. Hannah and Cian approached him.

"What do you mean?" Cian demanded before Hannah could speak.

Melvin, his health failing, strained to look at them, his gaze fixated on Hannah, ignoring Cian.

"Luckily, I'm still alive," he said, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

"Should I congratulate you?" Hannah asked, forcing a smile.

"You should congratulate yourself, too," Melvin replied weakly, yet with surprising strength.

"So, Oscar didn't lie," Hannah stated, implying Melvin would be dead otherwise.

He sneered, emotionless. He'd come to trust Oscar. Oscar had numerous opportunities to kill him during their fight, yet each near-fatal move allowed Melvin to survive. His jump off the cliff was a deceptive escape, meticulously planned. Men were waiting in the water to provide oxygen and extract him. He then used a speedboat to reach the island.

The island had been secured half a day prior. Hannah’s help in acquiring it provided Melvin a safe haven; its unique location made it virtually impregnable. Even the Collins family would struggle to reach him here.

After his preparations, he attended the state banquet. Events unfolded as he and Oscar predicted. The Collins believed him dead, the rough seas and gunshot wound seemingly insurmountable. Oscar had advised him to avoid body armor during the banquet to avoid suspicion, only donning it afterward. The bullet, despite the armor, damaged his ribs. The ordeal left him exhausted.

"I need rest. Leave me alone," Melvin commanded.

Cian, angered by Melvin's preemptive arrival, protested. Hannah intervened.

"Let him rest. Let's go to our room," she said. "We can wait until he's rested." Cian, though resentful, complied.

Melvin smiled slightly, interpreting Hannah's actions as concern, but cautioned himself against overthinking. Hannah, however, simply believed his weakened state made him unlikely to target them. His survival was his priority.

As Hannah and Cian ascended the stairs, she whispered, "Cian, be careful. Don't take any risks."

Cian looked at her.

"Melvin doesn't know who you are. He won't harm you... for now."

Cian's nervousness was evident.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Hannah stated firmly.

"What about you?" Cian countered.

Hannah's life, she thought, was less important than Cian's.

"I'll live if I can. I know how to protect myself," she said.

"How?" Cian asked.