Chapter 723: The Feud (28) The Woman Who Waited

Oscar and Manuel buried Cian. They sat silently on the ground, gazing at the earthen grave.

The island was eerily quiet, until Oscar's phone rang. The sudden sound startled the birds from the trees. He lowered his head, saw "Theodore" flashing on the screen, and answered in a hoarse whisper, "Theodore."

"I took Hannah to the hospital. When are you coming back?"

Theodore urged Oscar to leave, fearing he'd be consumed by grief.

Oscar's throat tightened. He glanced at Cian's grave and replied calmly, "Soon."

"Come back soon. She's not doing well. Severe bleeding and the explosion’s impact mean the baby might not survive." Theodore felt compelled to tell Oscar, both to convey the urgency and to distract him from his overwhelming sorrow. Cian had been the driving force in Oscar's life; Theodore couldn't imagine the depth of his loss.

"Hmm," Oscar murmured.

"Oscar, Hannah has suffered greatly. She needs someone now," Theodore said earnestly, his concern for Hannah overriding his focus on Oscar's needs.

"Hmm," Oscar replied again.

Theodore hung up, looking at Hannah's pale, injured form. The doctors said her life wasn't immediately threatened, but continuing the pregnancy was extremely risky for both mother and child. He felt only Oscar could help her decide. He sat beside her bed, saying, "Oscar should be here soon."

Hannah, eyes closed, opened them and said, "Cian has passed. He's grieving. He needs time." She added, "I don't blame him." She understood the agony of loss, comprehending why Oscar hadn't visited. If her parents had died, she admitted, she might not have been able to focus on others either. Her only concern now was her baby.

She'd accepted death at the villa, but now she lived, and she desperately hoped her child would survive, too. The doctor had urged her to terminate the pregnancy, but she refused unless absolutely necessary.

"Would you like something to eat?" Theodore asked, unsure how to proceed. He hesitated to encourage forgiveness, fearing it would sound hypocritical, but felt equally sorry for Oscar if he didn’t.

Hannah shook her head.

"Then rest. Your health is paramount, for you and the baby. I'll stay. When Oscar arrives, I'll wake you," Theodore offered comfort.

Hannah nodded, grateful for his kindness, and for the kindness of Manuel, Jimmy, and Cian – those closest to Oscar who’d all treated her well. She didn't blame Oscar for his delayed arrival or his inability to protect her; she knew he’d done everything he could. She closed her eyes, seeking sleep.

Oscar and Manuel eventually left the island, leaving the ravaged villa and the three graves behind. Laird, who had waited patiently, greeted them.

"Master Oscar," Laird bowed.

Oscar nodded, his grief carefully concealed. Only Manuel knew the depth of his sorrow. His voice was flat as he asked, "The Balderston remnants?"

"Defeated or surrendered."

"The Collins family?"

"Still suppressed."

"Rowan still fighting?"

"Old and cunning, with remaining forces. The Collins family is still under his protection, but no longer a significant threat. We control over half of Northfield."

Oscar, already formulating a plan, remained silent. He boarded the ship with Manuel, ordering, "Check Manuel's injuries."

"Yes."

The ship's doctor examined Manuel, revealing the extent of his wounds beneath his blood-soaked clothing. Manuel paled with pain.

"I suggest transferring him to a hospital. The ship's facilities are inadequate and infection risks are high," the doctor advised.

Oscar nodded, a pang of pain hitting him as he thought of Hannah. He remained silent.

They reached the shore. Cars transported Oscar and Manuel to the hospital. Manuel was incapacitated, carried throughout the journey.

At the hospital, Manuel was rushed to emergency, while Oscar went to Hannah's room. He stood outside, hesitant to face her, overwhelmed by his guilt. He went to open the door several times, but stopped, only for it to open from within. Theodore, startled, exclaimed, "Hannah's bleeding again!"