Chapter 754: Oscar's Answer

Inside the ward, Susan remained at Edward's side, weeping. Justine was there too, her eyes periodically welling with tears. Despite her previous belief that she harbored few strong feelings for her marriage to Edward, she found herself heartbroken.

Justine took a deep breath, retrieved her phone, and stepped onto the balcony. She was about to call Hannah, knowing Hannah must be worried about Susan. However, Justine felt she had no helpful advice regarding Oscar's predicament, and sighed.

Hannah answered, her voice calm and even, betraying no obvious emotion.

"Ms. Knight, how is Edward?"

Justine knew Hannah anticipated her call. Justine was amazed by Hannah's composure.

"The doctor says he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage during a suicide attempt. He's now in a vegetative state," Justine replied.

"Vegetative?" Hannah's composure faltered.

"But the doctor mentioned the possibility of a miracle," Justine added, though she felt the word "miracle" offered little tangible hope.

"What about Susan?" Hannah asked.

"She's inconsolable," Justine said, her empathy evident. She softened the tone, "I hope she can be as strong as you."

"If I were her, I doubt I'd be any better," Hannah replied frankly. No one could remain unaffected by the loss of a loved one, Justine reflected, remembering her own despair during a family crisis.

"Ms. Knight, please look after her," Hannah said.

"Don't worry. I have plenty of time. I'll keep a close watch on her."

"What about Manuel?" Hannah asked. She assumed he would be with Susan. And Henry?

"Manuel has business to attend to," Justine replied.

Hannah refrained from further comment, realizing she was in no position to demand Manuel's presence. "Okay, Ms. Knight, thank you," she said.

"Not a problem. Edward and I were once a couple. You take care of yourself. I'll look after Susan."

"Thank you. I must go."

"Take care. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Hannah hung up.

Looking away, she saw Oscar, unexpectedly present.

Max was overjoyed. "Master Oscar, you're finally here! Why didn't you answer Madam's calls? She called several times." Hannah had stopped after receiving no answer to her first attempt.

"I was on a flight," Oscar explained to Max. He'd intended to answer Hannah; both he and Theodore were on a flight together. Hannah, being reasonable, had no grounds for complaint.

Oscar approached Hannah and sat beside her. "Anything you wanted to say on the phone?"

Before Max could answer, Hannah shook her head, startling Max. Her earlier anger was gone, replaced by an emotionless denial.

"Nothing. It's over."

"What was it about?" Oscar asked.

"None of your concern," Hannah replied.

Oscar appeared uneasy, while Hannah avoided his weary gaze. She knew he had his reasons for ignoring her, but despite her reasonableness, she struggled to suppress her anger. Maintaining distance, she hoped, would allow them both some space.

"What brings you back?" Hannah changed the subject. She sensed a purpose to his return; he'd been too busy to visit before, and she hadn't felt inclined to share her feelings. Yet, she hoped he would resolve their issues.

Oscar fell silent, leaving Hannah feeling as isolated as before.

"Oscar, just say it. Perhaps what I expect is precisely what you'll say," Hannah urged, losing patience.

He hesitated, his gaze fixed on her. Hannah felt foolish facing his silence.

"Next month, I will be crowned heir to Northfield."

"Congratulations," Hannah smiled. After years of hardship, the Wells family had returned to prominence, a testament to Oscar's efforts. Her congratulations were sincere.

"But, before that…" Oscar paused, his voice trembling.

Hannah waited patiently. Tears welled in his eyes. She hated seeing this vulnerability. A decision had been made; hesitation served only to torment them both. It was time to let go.

Hannah sighed. If he couldn't say it, she would.

"You mean a divorce, right?" she asked calmly.

Oscar nodded, acknowledging Hannah's remarkable composure. He wished she would express her feelings more openly, but her impassivity was frustrating.

With a tight-lipped nod, Oscar confirmed her question.

Hannah offered a wry smile. She'd anticipated it, yet the confirmation was still painful. Five months pregnant, she was being told to divorce.