Chapter 785 Coronation
Oscar stared furiously at the words "Conversation Over" on his screen. His face turned blue, and his phone trembled in his enraged grip.
Lilian watched him, curious about the source of his anger—his ex-wife, Hannah. How could a woman inspire such profound love in Oscar? Lilian liked Oscar, but she didn't love him; they hadn't spent enough time together. Yet, who could refuse him, the most handsome and influential man in Northfield? Marriage to him was every woman's dream, and Lilian, naturally, was intrigued by the woman who held his heart.
She had rarely witnessed such intense emotion on Oscar's face, an emotion solely reserved for Hannah. Furthermore, her sister’s visit to Kensbury had ended with a life threat from Oscar. Hearing their sister's tearful phone call had ignited their fury, though they'd suppressed their anger. Lilian hadn't mentioned her sister's ordeal at dinner, and her sister hadn't attended. Their father hadn't called her back to avoid embarrassing Oscar.
The crown always came first for her father, despite his spoiling ways. Each sibling understood his priorities, yet her sister had made a foolish mistake. Lilian was puzzled; her sister wasn't stupid, so why repeatedly provoke Hannah? Sarah's incident intensified Lilian's interest in Oscar's ex-wife. However, she must conceal her interest from Oscar, pretending to desire neither him nor his power. This was the only way to alleviate his hostility.
"What's wrong? Did you fight with Hannah?" Lilian asked, concerned yet smiling.
Oscar glanced at her, his effort to calm himself evident. Lilian wondered if only Hannah saw the real Oscar, the man behind the carefully constructed facade.
"I found your phone charging and buzzing in the bathroom. Seeing you with your father and brother, I answered it without realizing 'HH' was Hannah. Did I offend her?" Lilian explained apologetically.
"Not at all," Oscar replied emotionlessly, his voice calm, his fury dissipated within minutes.
"I'm relieved," Lilian said, feigning nonchalance. "Shall we continue dinner?"
Oscar nodded. Lilian naturally took his arm. The intimacy momentarily froze Oscar, but he didn't reject it. Pleased by his acceptance, Lilian believed he would eventually let go of Hannah, making it unnecessary to push him.
Hannah's request to leave the hospital was denied. Her original two bodyguards were doubled, shadowing her even in the small, senior ward. Oscar wielded king-like power, yet couldn't fully control Hannah. Soon after her confinement, she began a hunger strike, refusing all food except the chicken soup she'd had that night. She even disconnected her IV fluids, denying nourishment to herself and her baby. The doctors and bodyguards watched helplessly as she self-destructed.
Oscar's coronation was the next day. The ward TV broadcast the ceremony live. The majestic event showcased his impeccable, solemn, yet powerful demeanor. He was Northfield's most remarkable leader since its founding.
Hannah watched nonchalantly. Max, beside her, was on the edge of his seat, his eyes brimming with tears at his master's triumph. The Wells family had finally reached its zenith after years of struggle, and his master was their greatest heir. He wiped away his tears.
During Oscar's inaugural address, the camera panned to Lilian. Her sleek black suit accentuated her slim figure, stylish and devoid of any hint of pregnancy.
Hannah watched the beautiful woman on screen with an impassive expression. Max glanced at her, worried about her reaction, but her indifference heightened his concern; it suggested her love for his master was gone. Yet, Oscar still clearly favored her.
"Madam, would you like something to eat?" Max asked, attempting to distract her.
Hannah shook her head, her appetite gone, though she felt her baby protesting her self-denial. Max hesitated, torn between his concern and his limits.
"Max, I understand your kindness, but please don't push me," Hannah said gently.
Max ceased his attempts, understanding his boundaries. They quietly returned to watching the ceremony.
At the coronation's end, millions of balloons filled the sky, culminating in a spectacular finale. After the broadcast, Hannah lay on the bed, exhausted by her hunger strike. She wondered how long she could endure.
Her hunger strike, she reasoned, should force Oscar to acknowledge her, even if it only briefly distracted him from his momentous achievement. Yet, she still chose to annoy him at his most critical moment, hoping to wear him down and end their conflict.
Hannah closed her eyes briefly, only to be startled awake by her baby's kick, a stark reminder of its starvation. Tears streamed down her face, guilt overwhelming her. She'd grieved for her parents; now, she grieved for her child.
Trying to overcome her sorrow, she opened her eyes, only to gasp. Oscar stood before her, his unexpected presence in the aftermath of the coronation shocking her. Swallowing her surprise, she reached to wipe her tears, only for his hands to be quicker. She flinched, turning away, rejecting his help. There was no need to hide her resentment or suppress her anger.