Chapter 711: The Feud (16) Take Action

They fell silent. Hannah had no idea what Melvin was implying. He seemed to want to tell her something but stopped himself, leaving her confused. A heavy quiet settled over the room.

"Never mind. I'll tell you later, when it's over," Melvin said.

Hannah frowned.

"Leave me alone if you've finished eating," he added.

Hannah glanced at him, stood, and left. Unmoved by his sudden shift in demeanor, she remained calm and composed.

Melvin watched her go, then fell into thought. He smiled faintly. He'd almost revealed his feelings—an unprecedented impulsiveness he'd managed to suppress.

Hannah returned to her room. She usually napped after lunch, but today she felt restless.

Oscar would act decisively after Melvin left. She didn't know how many guards Melvin would leave behind. The Wells army would undoubtedly land to rescue Cian, leading to a bloody conflict. Her immediate concern was her own safety.

Cian's safety would be the top priority; everyone knew it. He would be well-protected, but she wouldn't be. She needed to secure her own survival. She turned to Jimmy, who had silently followed her.

"Jimmy," she asked, "who would you save if Cian and I were both in danger?"

Jimmy was stunned. His delayed response was unsurprising. Hannah smiled faintly; she hadn't expected an immediate answer.

"It's okay. I understand," she said gently. To the Wells family, no one outranked Cian, not even Oscar. She knew Oscar would die for Cian, let alone abandon her.

"I'll protect you," Jimmy declared, each word deliberate, breaking the silence she'd come to accept.

Hannah was shocked.

"Master Oscar told me to protect you with my life. It's not my job to protect others."

She wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or grateful to Oscar for assigning Jimmy to her protection. Yet, it was Oscar who had orchestrated these difficult circumstances.

Suddenly, the baby kicked. Hannah stroked her belly. Emotional upheaval always triggered the baby's movements. What a sensitive little thing, she mused, gradually calming herself.

"Thanks, Jimmy," Hannah said gratefully.

"No problem. It's my job. Madam, please don't hate Master Oscar."

Jimmy still spoke on Oscar's behalf, perhaps sensing her disappointment. It was a lie that she didn't hate him; it was also a lie that she didn't understand him. Right now, her only priority was survival—hers and everyone else's.

That night, Manuel escaped the island via a secret tunnel. They allowed Cian to remain, with minimal guard detail, not only to avoid attracting attention, but also because escape routes were prioritized.

Manuel evaded the sentries, reaching the shore by submarine, despite Melvin's heavy security. A secret tunnel led to the villa, but he couldn't access it immediately. He was unaware of the situation inside.

Melvin's foresight was impressive. He'd disabled all cameras and internet access on the island, hindering Manuel's efforts.

The island was quiet. Manuel moved cautiously. After landing, he hid in the woods, climbing a tree to observe with a micro-telescope.

To his surprise, the island was heavily guarded. Approaching the villa was impossible. He could only wait for Melvin and his men to leave; fewer people meant less risk of detection. He descended, remaining inactive.

Dawn broke. Manuel had slept. The sound of ships woke him. He climbed back up, seeing several ships departing. Guards began a controlled retreat.

He waited for Melvin's departure. Some Balderston guards were leaving, but the majority remained, indicating Melvin's presence. Finally, he spotted Melvin, surrounded by a large contingent of guards. Unexpectedly, Melvin paused and looked back toward the second floor.

Manuel quickly focused his telescope, seeing Hannah on a rocking chair, gazing at the departing guards. He pursed his lips, considering Theodore's suggestion that Melvin harbored feelings for Hannah. The evidence was clear, despite Melvin's attempts at concealment.

Manuel debated warning Oscar that Hannah would be taken by Melvin upon his death. He reconsidered, deciding against it; it would unduly upset Oscar.

He remained vigilant, observing Melvin's movements. Once Melvin was aboard ship, Manuel texted Oscar: "Left the island."

Oscar, understanding this signified action, quickly deleted the message and returned to the funeral.

Melvin's funeral was underway. Numerous high-ranking officials and nobles attended, including Mrs. Balderston, controlled by the Collins family and unable to speak freely. She acted as instructed.

The Collinses appeared saddened. Rowan, addressing the media, stated with feigned remorse, "I always treated Melvin as my own son. I never imagined this accident. I've been trying to understand, refusing to believe Melvin would plot against me. I simply wanted to reaffirm our nation's laws and family values: Criminals will face equal justice. I also want to warn my children, and all those in high positions in Northfield, against abusing their power!"

Rowan Collins expertly utilized carefully chosen words to cultivate public loyalty.