Chapter 763: How Long Will She Wait for Me?

Manuel's words left Hannah speechless. They underestimated her resilience, despite her years of tireless effort.

"Hannah," he began, "life is paramount, but nothing else matters as much."

"Yes," she replied, "but you want more."

Her sarcasm embarrassed Manuel.

"When will you act?" Hannah asked, her tone remarkably calm.

"After Oscar's enthronement," Manuel answered. "In half a month. You can use that time to appease your parents."

"Should I thank you for this advance warning, giving me time to prepare?" Hannah asked, her gaze unwavering.

"It's all I can do," Manuel replied.

"Will you also seize the Wells family's assets?" she inquired. Oscar had grown up there; would he show no mercy?

"Yes," Manuel nodded. "Over half already belonged to Oscar. Even after acquisition, many key positions remain with the Wells family. The impact will be minimal. After all, Mr. and Mrs. Wells raised Oscar as their own."

"So it will only harm Susan and me," Hannah stated, precisely. Manuel could only nod.

"Will you also acquire Phillips Bank?"

A hint of reluctance hung in the air.

"Yes, we will," Manuel confirmed.

"In my past life, Henry took Phillips Bank. Now, it's your turn," Hannah said coldly.

"I didn't intend for this," Manuel apologized. "I only meant to control the bank, preventing Henry from acquiring it, and forcing Susan's independence. But it backfired, accelerating the ownership change."

"Will Susan be harmed?" Hannah asked.

"I'll do my utmost to prevent her suicide, at least," Manuel promised.

"Perhaps that's all I can ask for," she murmured.

"I'm bound by official protocol," Manuel explained. "But in private matters, I will do everything within my power." He reiterated his willingness to help, barring any ethical conflicts.

"Take care of Susan. I don't want her to die."

"Okay."

"And find a way for me to leave here."

Manuel smiled wryly. "I lack the authority. Oscar keeps you here to…" He trailed off, seeing her expression.

Hannah needed no explanation. He simply smiled. "I won't push it. It's beyond my power, despite being ethically sound."

"For the next half month, I want to go to my company, not remain imprisoned here."

"You simply want to leave?" Manuel asked.

Hannah nodded.

The irony was palpable. In her past life, Charles had imprisoned her, inflicting cruelty. This life mirrored that imprisonment, though her physical suffering was less intense. Time, she knew, would heal much of the pain and emotional scars.

"I'll try," Manuel replied, "but I can't guarantee success."

"Thank you."

His discomfort was evident at her gratitude. The more composed she remained, the worse he felt. He couldn't predict Oscar's timeline—a year, two, ten, or even twenty years. He couldn't even guarantee a reconciliation between Hannah and Oscar.

Manuel left immediately, sensing she desired neither his company nor his presence. He understood her well.

He called Oscar from his car.

"Yeah," a low voice answered.

"I saw Hannah."

"You're out of the hospital?" Oscar asked, deflecting the conversation. He feared any news concerning Hannah.

Manuel paused. "Yes, just a minor skin injury."

"Your health is important."

"So is yours," Manuel countered. "Theodore said you've been overworking."

"I'm adjusting my schedule."

"Good."

Their conversation lacked sentimentality; a few words of concern sufficed.

"You saw Hannah," Oscar prompted, a mixture of fear and curiosity evident in his voice.

"I told her about acquiring the Cooper Group, Phillips Bank, and the Wells Group."

"What did she say?"

"She wants to personally handle the Cooper Group's post-acquisition affairs."

Oscar was silent for a moment. Her response was predictable; she wouldn't crumble but would rationally address what she couldn't change, minimizing harm.

"Okay," he readily agreed.

"Oscar…" Manuel hesitated.

Oscar waited.

"In this situation, will you consider separating from Hannah, letting her go? Don't force her to stay. She's rational. Later, when she understands your helplessness, she might forgive you. But this will only push her further away."

He felt Oscar's actions were damaging their relationship; too many wounds would be difficult to heal.

"If I let her go, she'll leave me forever," Oscar admitted. "One year, two, ten years… how long will it take me to move on and return to her? She might wait a year, but ten?"