Cian's face and tone betrayed no anger. This man seemed to conduct himself with a perpetually impassive demeanor, yet simultaneously commanded an overwhelming sense of dignity.

Hannah remained silent, still grappling with how to protect herself. Cian didn't press her for an answer, suppressing the thought that she might rely on her beauty. He didn't want Hannah to suffer further because of his family, the royal Wells family; he felt she was burdened unfairly by their actions, enduring both physical and emotional harm on their behalf. However, words seemed futile now; he couldn't guarantee her safety, rendering any assurances meaningless.

"It shouldn't take Oscar long to realize we're being controlled by Melvin," Hannah murmured.

Melvin hadn't anticipated the strength of Oscar and Cian's relationship. To avoid suspicion, there were no troops stationed to protect Cian, nor any means of communication; yet, Hannah was certain someone would visit regularly. Once this island's unusual situation was discovered, the royal Wells family would know Melvin's location.

But what then? Cian was under Melvin's control. Would his family dare intervene? Would Oscar?

"Oscar will come to save us, I'm sure," Cian stated.

Hannah believed him, trusting Oscar would rescue Cian, though she wondered how he would manage it. The best countermeasure was already in Melvin's possession, a fact unknown to Melvin himself, but one that deterred the Wells family from taking risks. Hannah pondered the situation, unable to formulate a solution. Cian remained silent, and they returned to their rooms.

A sense of helplessness washed over Hannah; she had to leave things to chance.

The night was still dark when Theodore finished tending Oscar's wound. As he packed the medicine chest, a heavy silence settled in the room, thick with tension and sorrow. Suddenly, the phone rang sharply. Glancing at the caller ID, Theodore answered, "Dad."

His father's words etched a grave expression onto his otherwise calm face. Oscar, sensing something was amiss, stared intently at Theodore, his cigarette burning silently between stiff fingers.

Theodore hung up and turned to Oscar. His seriousness, now palpable, indicated something gravely wrong.

"The latest intel says Melvin has Cian."

Oscar's Adam's apple bobbed. He was visibly suppressing intense emotion.

"My father said the island is surrounded by the Balderston family's army. Cian's still there. He didn't mention Hannah; he may not know. To avoid alerting the army, no one dares act rashly. All we know for certain is that Melvin has Cian," Theodore repeated, his voice tight with anger. He couldn't believe Melvin would target Cian of all people, but his immediate concern was for Oscar.

Even with Melvin's troops occupying the island, its inhabitants wouldn't be in immediate danger if Melvin were killed tonight. The soldiers would flee, or at worst, kill Hannah to fulfill Melvin's orders, leaving Cian safe. But because Oscar let Melvin escape, Cian was now at risk.

Theodore couldn't gauge the extent of Oscar's internal suffering, nor how to console him. He simply noticed Oscar hadn't registered the cigarette burning his fingers until the pain forced him to stub it out. This made Theodore realize how much Oscar had endured. He longed to protect and comfort Oscar once this ordeal was over.

"My father says saving Cian from the island is paramount, but the situation is too volatile for immediate action. He wants your opinion," Theodore continued.

Oscar said, "Keep them on hold. Melvin doesn't realize who Cian is yet, so he's not in immediate danger."

"You're right. Melvin isn't a psychopath who kills indiscriminately."

"But if he succeeds, he'll kill Cian," Oscar countered.

Theodore looked at Oscar. "Will he kill everyone?"

"Cian's a billionaire with no living relatives. If Melvin kills Cian, all his estates will be confiscated – a huge windfall for Melvin if he secures Northfield," Oscar explained.

"Bastard," Theodore cursed.

"We can't let that happen," Oscar said, striving for calm and calculated analysis.

"So what do we do? Melvin has Cian and Hannah," Theodore said, his restlessness palpable, his urge to kill Melvin overwhelming. Melvin was utterly ruthless.

"We can't waste time," Oscar declared. "I'll have the Collins family publicize Melvin's death and hold a memorial service. We'll let him return for it, and then our people can rescue Cian."

"Don't we need more preparation?"

"We need to act quickly. Every moment increases their danger!" Oscar insisted. "Tell your father to prepare to storm the island."

"Yes."

Theodore called Laird, outlining their plan. Oscar then called Manuel.

Manuel answered immediately, as if sleepless. Oscar hadn't initiated contact, so Manuel hadn't dared call.

"I think I know where Hannah is." After returning to the hotel, Manuel had tirelessly reviewed traffic videos searching for Hannah. Melvin was a cunning fox, covering his tracks well. Manuel had spent ten hours before locating a possible lead.

"I know," Oscar stated flatly.

"You know she's on Cian's island?" Manuel asked, considerably less calm than Oscar upon making the discovery. He'd questioned his deduction repeatedly, yet it remained the most plausible scenario.

"Yes. So I need you to save them," Oscar said.

Manuel was unsurprised by his cousin's decisive approach.

"Okay."