“You’ve always been my only princess,” Oscar murmured, the words lingering in her ears. His seductive charm was undeniable; she wondered how he could speak such doting words with such magnetic ease. A woman would find it nearly impossible to resist.

Hannah feigned anger, masking her inner panic. She knew she’d easily succumb to his advances if he continued. Susan was right; she couldn't be with Charles, nor could she be with Oscar. Men were all…difficult.

“Let go of me,” she insisted, pushing against him. Despite his seemingly slender frame, he felt impossibly heavy. He finally released her, noticing her flushed face.

Adjusting her composure, she said, “Oscar, I need to speak with your family.”

He nodded, seemingly expecting this. “Go see if your sister’s returned to her room.”

He frowned, but she thanked him politely. He left, only to reappear moments later, leaning casually against the doorway. “She’s back in her room. You can come out now.” His tone was sharp.

She couldn’t understand his anger. Shouldn't he be grateful for her concern for his sister? He was an enigma. Taking a deep breath, she left the room.

Downstairs, the Wells family were gathered, having just calmed Karen.

“Karen hasn’t had a seizure in a long time. It was terrifying. Thankfully, the doctor said her heart wasn’t affected, but we need to be more careful,” Nancy explained.

“I’m worried she’ll remember Pamela when she wakes,” David fretted.

“Should we get her a cat just like Pamela, as a surprise?” Thomas suggested.

“No,” Venus countered. “She might be upset seeing another cat. Let’s wait and see how she reacts. Honestly, I’m hesitant about another pet after this.”

Nancy agreed. Then, she gasped, drawing everyone’s attention upstairs. Oscar and Hannah descended.

Venus wondered why Hannah was still there. A hush fell over the room.

Hannah smiled, “I still needed to speak with everyone. I saw Karen return to her room before coming down with Oscar. I haven't been near her.”

Venus felt guilty, immediately rising to embrace Hannah. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I understand,” Hannah said softly. “I just need to say something, then I’ll leave.”

Venus urged her to sit. Everyone waited expectantly.

Hannah stated directly, “Pamela’s death had nothing to do with me…”

Venus interrupted, “You don’t need to explain. We all know it wasn’t you. Karen was just overwhelmed.”

“If Karen believes that, I wouldn't need to leave,” Hannah replied with a sigh.

“She’s just in denial,” Venus said, attempting to lighten the mood. “She’ll come around.”

“But I need to tell the truth,” Hannah insisted.

Janet interjected, “You promised to leave. Why change your mind now? Are you deliberately making things difficult?”

Thomas hushed her, but she continued, “If you disagree with the arrangement, say so. Don’t be hypocritical.”

Thomas’s voice was sharper this time. Hannah felt Oscar’s piercing gaze, a warning perhaps. She understood that neither Oscar nor Janet were working together; Janet's earlier concern for Karen was probably just a passing remark, an opportunity for later amusement at Hannah's expense. Now, Janet was likely gloating over Hannah's predicament with Karen. Hannah felt justified in her subtle retaliation.

Venus knew Hannah was upset and felt sympathy, believing Hannah would be understanding. Yet, Hannah's insistence on proving her innocence was proving counterproductive, especially with Janet's provocation. Karen's well-being remained paramount in everyone’s minds.