Chapter 724: The Feud (29) The Man Who Left Again

Oscar's expression shifted instantly to visible panic. He rushed into the room. Theodore immediately called for the doctor, shouting to the medical staff, "Help! She's bleeding again!"

The doctor had explained that if the bleeding stopped, there was a slim 30% chance of saving the baby. Renewed bleeding eliminated any hope.

Hannah, pale and clutching her stomach in pain, gasped. Then, she heard a familiar voice. Her body stiffened. Looking up, she saw a panicked Oscar. Their reunion came at this devastating moment.

Medical staff flooded the ward. The attending doctor assessed Hannah's blood volume and urgently ordered, "Operating room, now!" A member of the staff lifted Hannah onto a stretcher and wheeled her away.

As Hannah disappeared into the operating room, she saw Oscar standing at the doorway, his face etched with self-reproach and distress. The door slammed shut, leaving Oscar gazing anxiously at it, Theodore equally anxious beside him. Theodore worried; he didn't understand Hannah's insistence on keeping the baby given her condition. He believed giving the baby up would alleviate much of her suffering. He stamped his foot in frustration, then remembered something. "Where's Manuel? Wasn't he with you?"

"He's in the emergency room."

"He won't die, will he?"

"Most likely not."

Theodore disliked the uncertainty. Another death would be unbearable. He sat, defeated. "You should try to persuade Hannah."

Oscar's eyes flickered.

"The doctor said it's dangerous for her to carry the baby. But Hannah insists. I can't sway her. The doctor tried, but she's adamant. She only wants the baby," Theodore choked back a sob. He knew Hannah had endured so much; losing the baby would break her.

Oscar remained silent, unable to speak.

The operating room door suddenly opened.

Oscar tensed. He felt vulnerable, despite a lifetime facing life-or-death situations. This fear was profound.

Medical staff rushed out. "Who is Hannah's family?"

Stepping forward, Oscar replied, "I am."

"The baby can't be saved, but the mother insists on carrying it. We need a family member to sign the abortion consent form," the medical worker said urgently.

Oscar's hands trembled. "I'll sign."

He would sign away his child's life. He felt utterly inadequate, incapable of protecting anyone. The consent form was brought to him. He signed, believing Hannah would hate him, that he would hate himself. The doctor returned to the operating room, closing the door behind her, leaving Oscar staring at it with bloodshot eyes.

Theodore, beside him, wanted to offer comfort but feared breaking Oscar further. He felt Oscar teetering on the brink of collapse; he'd lost his brother and now his child. Theodore feared he might lose Hannah as well. The thought overwhelmed him. He simply stood by, offering silent support.

Footsteps approached. Theodore spun around, seeing his father. A bad feeling washed over him. "Don't tell me Manuel died!"

Laird gave him a stern look, incredulous. Manuel was in a regular ward, weak but not critically injured. He simply needed rest. Theodore, chastened, fell silent. Laird addressed Oscar respectfully, "Master Oscar, the Collins family has surrendered."

Oscar's eyes narrowed.

Before he could respond, Theodore blurted, "Can he stay with Hannah? We can handle everything else later!"

Laird's sharp gaze returned.

Theodore felt aggrieved for Oscar. Hadn't he dedicated his life to the Wells family? Couldn't he have some personal time? Couldn't his father show some compassion?

"Tomorrow," Oscar murmured, his gaze fixed on the operating room door. He longed to be with Hannah.

"Master Oscar," Laird leaned in, whispering.

Theodore frowned. What secrets was his father withholding? Was he even his son? He watched Oscar's expression shift dramatically. Then, he saw Oscar leave with his father.

"Oscar!" Theodore called, "What's going on?"

"Theodore, take care of Hannah for me!"

"Are you crazy? Leaving now?" Theodore was baffled. He understood Oscar's earlier detachment due to Cian's death, and believed Hannah would, too. But this desertion, at her most vulnerable moment, was incomprehensible. He feared it would shatter Hannah's love for him. She’d sacrificed so much. He began to question whether Oscar deserved her. He’d chosen the Wells family's cause over her, without hesitation.