Chapter 727: The First Lady

Oscar remained silent, his lips pressed together.

Hannah nodded. "All right. Go on your trip. I'll take care of myself and the baby."

He gave a silent nod, making no promises. Hannah withdrew her hands; Oscar's grip, though released, was noticeable.

"Theodore," she called, the young man standing nearby hurrying over. "Let's go." She smiled, maintaining the calm composure the doctor had advised to protect her and the unborn child. Theodore glanced at Oscar, offering no conciliatory words, and pushed Hannah's wheelchair toward the exit.

"Hannah," Oscar called out suddenly.

She turned to him. He produced a red amulet. "Jimmy was found with this. Do you know who gave it to him?"

Hannah's eyes welled. Rose, of course. She hadn't realized Jimmy valued the gift.

"Give it to me," she said quietly.

Oscar handed it over. Hannah clutched the amulet, then gestured for Theodore to proceed. He wheeled her to the plane, followed by Manuel. Others soon boarded as well. Oscar remained behind, watching them depart.

The plane ascended. From the cabin window, Hannah saw him, his gaze fixed on the aircraft, before his figure finally faded from view.

Two hours later, they landed in Kensbury City. Two months later still, they returned to their familiar city—a homecoming Hannah had once doubted possible.

She was taken directly to the hospital. Relief washed over her upon hearing the baby was healthy. She had barely settled when Max entered, likely sent by Oscar, bearing nutritious food. Hannah’s appetite had been poor since the accident, but Max's meal was a revelation; she ate heartily without nausea.

Hannah remained in the hospital for another week, Theodore by her side. Manuel, having avoided hospitalization after returning from the capital, was recovering well, Theodore assured her, though Hannah had no direct knowledge of his condition. A week later, the doctor cleared Hannah for discharge, the baby stable and tests normal, though caution was advised given her previous injuries.

Returning home, Hannah was startled by the heavily guarded villa. Theodore, noticing her surprise, explained, "Oscar arranged this. Don't dislike it. Things are different for both of you now; you'll need to adjust."

Hannah smiled wryly. "Nobody knows who'll adapt more."

Theodore, unable to defend Oscar's actions, remained silent.

Back in her room, Hannah dismissed Theodore. "I'm fine now; Max is here, and there are plenty of bodyguards…" She laughed lightly at the unexpected security detail. The situation, she admitted, was rather startling. "You should go."

Theodore, noting her apparent well-being and unconcern regarding Oscar's public life, felt his presence unnecessary. Staying felt awkward, even inappropriate, given the circumstances.

He nodded. "Call if you need anything, regardless of what happens with Oscar…"

Hannah looked at him.

He pressed his lips together. "Friends, that's all."

Hannah smiled gratefully. Theodore left, and her smile faded. She checked her phone, the news confirming Oscar's status as sole heir to the Wells family, effectively placing him in power and setting the stage for his return to public life. The speed of events explained his recent preoccupation.

Soon after, the Collins family publicly declared their support for the Wells family, portraying their previous actions as a necessary stewardship until the royal family's return. Calls for Oscar to assume office were mounting.

An incoming call interrupted her thoughts. It was Susan, who had called repeatedly. Hannah had avoided her calls, unsure how to explain the sudden change in Oscar's fortunes. But with the news public, evasion was no longer an option.

"Susan," Hannah answered, bracing herself.

Susan's excited scream filled the phone. Hannah moved the phone away from her ear to protect the baby.

"What the hell is Oscar?" Susan yelled. "How did he become a royal descendant? Is he some kind of prince?"

"Uh-huh."

"Hannah, don't avoid me! You've landed yourself a big one! I admire you!" Susan's voice was practically vibrating with excitement. "You're going to be the First Lady! And I'll be the First Lady's best friend! Oh my God!"

Hannah couldn't bring herself to dampen Susan's enthusiasm, though the title "First Lady" felt strangely remote.