Chapter 709: The Feud (14) Gather Strength

A few days later, news of Melvin's death swept through Northfield and ignited a national uproar. Rowan publicly expressed guilt and regret, detailing the events in the state dining room that night, including his regret over ordering Melvin's arrest. He carefully avoided revealing whether Melvin's alleged assassination plot was genuine, intending to wait until Oscar completed his tasks before claiming a misunderstanding. This would allow him to blame Oscar for Melvin's death and seize Northfield legitimately.

The Collins family eagerly anticipated the fruits of their scheme. With his troops, Oscar began his covert campaign to subdue the Balderston family. He initially placed Mrs. Balderston under house arrest, disguised as a rest cure at a resort. Simultaneously, he targeted Melvin's key associates, many of whom surrendered or were eliminated, leaving some dead. This decisive action took only a week.

Oscar secured control of over sixty percent of Melvin's power, paving the way for the Collins family to claim the Balderstons were leaderless and incapacitated by grief.

Rowan lavishly praised Oscar: "Your accomplishment far surpasses my expectations. I anticipated perhaps thirty to forty percent within a week, not sixty."

Oscar responded modestly, "The Balderstons' disunity made it easier. Surrenders spurred further compromises, as self-interest prevailed. However, I regretfully caused some losses—I eliminated two powerful Balderston retainers."

"Their deaths established your authority, accelerating the process," Rowan countered. "You outmaneuvered them; I have lost nothing." He elevated Oscar accordingly.

"It's my pleasure," Oscar replied.

"Excellent," Rowan declared. "Tomorrow, we hold Melvin's memorial service. Mrs. Balderston will attend, but I'll ensure she remains silent. Any press photos can be explained away as her grief. I'll arrange for a staged outburst highlighting the Balderstons' ungoverned state, allowing me to assume control under the guise of reluctance."

"Congratulations," Oscar offered.

Rowan's laughter erupted. "Oscar, a significant reward awaits you!"

"I appreciate it," Oscar replied, a glint of cunning in his eyes. "You need to prepare. The Balderstons still retain forty percent of their power; expect some presence at the memorial. Security falls to you."

"Rest assured, I will ensure your safety and maintain order. No one will interfere with your control of the Balderston family," Oscar affirmed.

"Good. Trust your judgment. Report back if you have concerns."

Oscar departed. Rowan, barely concealing his excitement, told Mathew, "Tomorrow dawns a new world."

"Congratulations, Father!" Mathew exclaimed.

Rowan placed a hand on Mathew's shoulder. "This will be your world one day. I'm growing older. Once this is settled, the family is yours."

"You are still strong; I will always assist you," Mathew replied.

"Good. You're my son," Rowan smiled.

Father and son exchanged pleasantries. Sarah, however, felt a pang of foreboding, sensing Oscar's impending doom. A dark thought briefly crossed her mind, but she dismissed concern for Oscar Wells.

Returning home, Oscar contacted Melvin: "Rowan's holding your memorial service tomorrow."

"Arrangements complete?" Melvin inquired, sipping tea in his island villa. He appeared relaxed after a week's rest.

"All set. Bring your men; I'll control the troops. You'll enter directly. Eliminate Rowan and Mathew; the Collins family will fracture. We'll seize them within a week," Oscar outlined.

"I no longer doubt you, but I remind you—Hannah and your child's safety depend on your loyalty," Melvin stated.

"That's all I desire," Oscar affirmed.

Melvin hung up. Oscar extinguished the call, receiving a cigarette from Theodore. "Big day tomorrow, eh?"

Theodore asked, "Ready?"

Oscar nodded.

"Yes," Theodore confirmed. "After Melvin eliminates them, we kill him. My father will simultaneously launch our island assault to rescue Cian and Hannah. Manuel will infiltrate beforehand; my father will act on his signal. We extract them once Melvin dispatches his troops."

"Understood," Oscar responded, his silence speaking volumes. Success or failure; this was their only chance.