Chapter 776: The Man Who Is Turned Down

Oscar was stung by Hannah's sarcasm. He merely bit his lip, speechless.

Hannah waited a moment, then left after confirming he had nothing to say.

"Hannah," Oscar called out as she departed.

"What?" she paused, turning back.

"I'll be crowned the day after tomorrow."

"Congratulations!" Hannah offered a smile.

The forced smile felt like a sharp jab. He knew she didn't care about his ascension, or him, yet he felt compelled to share the news.

"I'm going to my room. I'll be extremely busy tomorrow. Good night," Hannah said, leaving without hesitation. She knew she couldn't stop him from returning, nor influence him even if he broke his promises. All she could do was focus on herself.

She showered and lay in bed, but sleep evaded her. Oscar's presence in the house kept her awake; she hadn't slept well in days. Worries about the Cooper Group compounded her personal struggles. Only she knew the depth of her distress. She tried to clear her mind and sleep, but her efforts were futile. Oscar's return only exacerbated her insomnia, even though he hadn't visited her room all night.

The next morning, Hannah rose with the alarm, having been up all night. This was her norm; lying in bed felt perfunctory.

In the bathroom, she noticed a small amount of blood in her underwear but didn't fuss. She changed, freshened up, applied makeup, and went downstairs.

Oscar was reading the newspaper in the lounge. He looked up as she entered. Max approached from the doorway. "Good morning, Madam. Mr. Wells is waiting for breakfast."

"I'll eat in the office canteen with my father. We have a prior engagement," Hannah smiled.

Max looked bewildered, glancing at Oscar. He seemed unsure how to persuade her to stay.

"I'm flying at 8 PM," Oscar announced.

She knew he'd leave tonight for his coronation, but made no comment. His comings and goings were inconsequential to her.

"Any lunch plans? Manuel said you're leaving after this morning's meeting," Oscar inquired.

"You're the boss," Hannah retorted, two guards watching her closely. Escape was impossible.

"We'll have lunch together," Oscar said lightly, ignoring her sarcasm.

Hannah turned to leave, entering her car and receiving a call from Susan.

"Hannah, why didn't you stop me last night?" Susan sobbed.

Hannah frowned, wondering what was wrong.

"I really gave Oscar a piece of my mind last night, didn't I?"

Hannah chuckled. Susan had finally sobered up. "Um, yeah. You really let him have it."

Susan was terrified.

"What? Do you regret it?"

"Are you kidding? He'll be king. Will he have me executed?"

"Maybe!"

"Hell no! Hannah! Don't scare me!" Susan shrieked.

Hannah smiled brightly, sunlight illuminating her face. "Ask Manuel to intercede with Oscar. Maybe he'll forgive you."

"Jesus! Give me a break!" Susan exclaimed angrily.

Hannah took a deep breath. "Don't drink so much, Susan. It's bad for your health and leads to mistakes. Oscar isn't petty, and he's not king yet. I bet he'll forgive you. Remember, serving a king is risky; show him respect and keep your distance."

"What about you?" Susan asked. Everyone was expected to respect and obey Oscar. Would Hannah? Would she endure this despite his past hurts?

"Me too," Hannah said calmly. "Ordinary people don't defy authority. Susan, survival of the fittest. Let's just manage."

"God, I feel so sorry for you," Susan said sadly.

Her first call that morning, after sobering up, was to Hannah. She regretted her drunken outburst the previous night. Though Theodore had praised her boldness, the memory now terrified her.

Secondly, she wanted to know what happened between Hannah and Oscar. Hannah was tough, unforgiving. Had Oscar forced himself on her? Susan stopped thinking, fearing another breakdown.

"I'm fine. Don't worry. You're late for work. Manuel will chew you out, right?" Hannah reminded her.

Susan checked the time and screamed, "Lord! I have to go! Bye!" She hung up abruptly.

Hannah lowered the phone. She sometimes admired Susan's impulsiveness, unlike her own tendency to overthink.

The car arrived at the Cooper Group. Hannah felt sentimental; this might be her last visit. She headed straight to her father's office. Miguel looked gloomy and solemn.

Hannah took a deep breath and plastered on a smile. "Good morning, Dad. All dressed up? We're saying goodbye to the employees; we need to look our best. Come on, let me see!"

Miguel looked at Hannah's approaching smile, knowing it was false.