Chapter 790: The Pain Worse Than Death

Manuel kept Hannah company, but it made no difference. Leaving the ward, he stared at her weak, pale face, certain Oscar would be devastated to see her like this.

He went to Oscar's ward, where Theodore waited by the bed. Oscar's tongue was injured, preventing him from eating; he was sustained only by intravenous nutrition. In contrast, Hannah had refused even an IV.

Theodore looked up, his gaze a silent question. Manuel shook his head. Theodore had anticipated this; Hannah was incredibly stubborn.

He turned back to Oscar. "Rowan called, asking when you'll return to the capital."

Oscar closed his eyes, silent.

"Things are chaotic in the capital," Theodore said, his voice urgent and laced with frustration. "Rowan might exploit your absence!"

Oscar retrieved his phone and typed, "He dare not."

"Even so, you can't just disappear! My father also scolded me, blaming me for this, saying I kidnapped you!" Theodore complained.

Oscar ignored him. Theodore, bored with the one-sided conversation, sighed. "What the hell were you thinking? You fell out with Hannah, yet you still tried to kiss her? It's a miracle she didn't bite your tongue off!"

Oscar glanced at Theodore, who seemed self-satisfied with his assessment.

"Oscar," Manuel interjected, "Hannah refuses to eat. I fear she'll…"

Oscar showed a flicker of worry.

"Forget it. Rest. Theodore, come with me; I need to talk to you."

Theodore was puzzled by the need for secrecy but followed Manuel out. Once they were gone, Oscar retrieved a syringe, left the bed, and headed out.

In the corridor, Theodore and Manuel saw Oscar approaching Hannah's ward.

"Fuck!" Theodore cursed. Again? Hannah undoubtedly loathed his presence.

Manuel pulled Theodore's sleeve. "Let him be. He'll be distraught if he doesn't see Hannah."

"Damn it! I practically begged him! I don't understand his obsession! I almost suggested finding him some women to distract him!"

"Oh yeah? If you want to become a corpse," Manuel countered dryly.

"Hell no! That's why I didn't," Theodore replied, aware of his limitations after years of working for Oscar. "What's the problem?"

"We need to help Hannah and Oscar. They're hurting themselves."

"Absolutely! The problem is, neither will compromise. What can we do?" Theodore asked anxiously.

"The other woman."

"What do you mean?" Theodore didn't understand but sensed a glimmer of hope.

"Whoever started the trouble should end it. Why did Hannah and Oscar break up?"

"Lillian Collins?" Theodore exclaimed, considering her potential role.

Manuel nodded.

"What will she do? I'm afraid she'll start a war!"

"Lillian's smart and knows how important it is to maintain Oscar's favor. She won't risk harming Hannah."

"I still don't understand."

"Call Lillian. I'll talk to her."

Theodore felt intellectually inferior to his colleagues in this intricate matter. He called Lillian and handed the phone to Manuel, who stepped aside to speak.

Theodore remained clueless. Later, Manuel returned. "Lillian's arriving in Kensbury City tomorrow. Pick her up at the airport."

"What the hell are you doing!?" Theodore protested.

"Got a better idea?"

"Fine. It's better than nothing," Theodore conceded.

A sharp slap echoed through the quiet corridor. Theodore and Manuel exchanged glances and rushed to Hannah's ward.

Oscar held a bowl of food; Hannah sat on the bed, Oscar's cheek red and swollen. Hannah had slapped him. Theodore and Manuel watched, immobile.

"Get out of my sight," Hannah hissed, her voice dripping with anger. He had left, then reappeared, insisting on feeding her soup despite her refusal. She'd reached her limit.

Oscar put down the bowl and spoon, rose, and raised his hand. Hannah's expression hardened in anticipation. Theodore and Manuel watched nervously, knowing Oscar's gesture well. Predictably, guards intervened, restraining Hannah.

Hannah glared at Oscar, tears in her eyes. Doctors arrived and inserted an IV. Hannah struggled, but the guards held her firm. Oscar forced the IV. The doctors left, but the guards remained.

Due to his tongue injury, Oscar was advised against speaking for a couple of days. Yet he spoke to Hannah. "You know, with modern medicine, keeping you alive and delivering the baby is easy."

Tears streamed down Hannah's face. She had suffered immensely, but only wept silently. Her hatred for him was at its peak.

Theodore and Manuel could bear it no longer. While the IV would sustain Hannah, it would also deepen her resentment. Her affection would fade, her forgiveness impossible, regardless of his justifications.

"Oscar…" Manuel began, but Oscar had already left.

His indifference stung deeply. Hannah had once believed Charles's betrayal was the worst pain imaginable. This, however, surpassed even death.