Chapter 793: The Negotiation

Hannah listened calmly to Lillian. Her voice was clear, sweet, and sincere—a stark contrast to her sister Sarah, who was always superior and aggressive. Lillian's amiable nature was typically more appealing to men.

Hannah smiled faintly, sensing Lillian's intelligence surpassed Sarah's. Lillian's words sounded friendly, yet subtly sarcastic, implying Oscar was captivated only by superficial beauty.

"This is our first meeting, and sadly, you look so weak and pale," Lillian said, feigning distress. "I envisioned the radiant woman Oscar adores. Why have you placed yourself in this difficult position? Why torture yourself?"

Hannah was acutely aware of her appearance. This morning's reflection had been frightening: a gaunt figure, pale face framed by dark circles, and a protruding belly. She was far from the vision of beauty Lillian projected.

Tired of the pretense, Hannah smiled and said, "Just tell me what you want, Mrs. Wells."

Lillian, well-prepared for their confrontation—anticipated since Manuel's call the previous day—had been curious about Hannah, the woman who held Oscar's affections. This curiosity fueled her immediate acceptance of Manuel's request.

She had recognized Hannah in the corridor. While Hannah's appearance differed from her memory, her exclusive ward and the half-dozen guards confirmed her identity. Lillian's initial aloofness was a calculated tactic, a strategic move to establish dominance. Her indirect approach aimed to seize the initiative.

However, Hannah proved a formidable opponent, remaining alert and unresponsive to Lillian's feigned cordiality.

Lillian offered a pleasant smile. "Yes, I want something from you. I'm here to convince you."

Hannah waited.

"You know Oscar and I married for political reasons; we don't love each other. Our marriage is purely transactional," Lillian explained. "You needn't hate him; he still loves you."

"Do you mind your husband loving another woman?" Hannah countered.

Lillian was taken aback. Hannah's unexpected shift in focus, drawing her into their personal dynamic, left her speechless.

"I think you do," Hannah observed lightly, implying she saw through Lillian's facade.

Lillian pursed her lips. "Yes, but it's secondary now. Our lack of affection is inconsequential compared to Oscar's future and my family's. I ask you to stop causing him distress. He has crucial responsibilities in Northfield and can't afford this distraction."

"You want me to reconcile with Oscar?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Lillian nodded. "I'm here to convince you to cooperate with Oscar."

"Oh, you're much cooler than I thought," Hannah said sarcastically, unconvinced.

Lillian, sensing Hannah's perception, stated plainly, "I have no other choice. Oscar's love for you is undeniable, unchangeable. I can only cater to his desires to maintain our marriage. Rather than saying I'm here to fix you and Oscar, I'm securing Oscar and myself."

Hannah found this a pragmatic assessment.

"Furthermore, Oscar's current actions harm him and the Collins family. I must persuade him to return to the capital to attend to official business. You're the only one who can make that happen," Lillian continued. "I hope you'll sacrifice your feelings for the greater good. Please cooperate with Oscar, even if reluctantly."

"So, it's my fault, even though Oscar imposed himself on me?" Hannah scoffed.

Lillian's appeal to national interests left Hannah little room for rebuttal.

"Hannah, consider your own interests," Lillian stated bluntly.

Hannah looked at her intently.

"How long can Oscar rule Northfield if he's distracted? If he falls from power, your family will be implicated. My family, or others, would seize power and eliminate his allies. Oscar merely took your family's business; fundamentally, he's protecting you from political turmoil. He's the Chief Commander, safeguarding your family. That protection disappears if he loses power."

Hannah stared coldly, acknowledging Lillian's exceptional negotiation skills and astute analysis.

"So, I shouldn't leave Oscar. I should appease him to ensure my family's safety?" Hannah said sarcastically.

"Whether you believe it or not, it's the truth. As commander, Oscar controls millions of lives. I hope you'll reconsider," Lillian said seriously.

Hannah remained silent, her lips compressed. Lillian ceased speaking, confident that Hannah, a shrewd woman, would make the right choice.