Chapter 794: Hannah Compromised

Lillian left the ward, sighing with relief. Hannah, though weak, still exerted immense pressure. Had there been other options, Lillian wouldn't have orchestrated Hannah and Oscar's reconciliation. Hannah's question, "Do you mind your husband loving another woman?" had stung.

Lillian did mind. Her pride couldn't accept Oscar's love for another, even though she didn't love him. Yet, she'd become a peacemaker, acting on Manuel's suggestion. She'd simply repeated his words to Hannah, negotiating under his guidance. She'd questioned Manuel's inaction, but he'd replied straightforwardly, "I don't want Hannah to hate me."

Lillian felt used. Manuel explained, "You can never be friends with Hannah," clarifying that her actions wouldn't affect their relationship. He added, "It'll sound more convincing from you. Hannah's more likely to accept it if you threaten her."

Lillian admired Oscar's right-hand men. Theodore was impulsive, but effective. She'd spoken briefly with Manuel, and found herself unable to refuse his request. His handling of Oscar's financial affairs was no surprise; Manuel was clearly capable.

Manuel's most impactful statement was, "Oscar will accept you only if you reunite him with Hannah; it determines your marriage." He was right; Oscar was infatuated with Hannah. Interfering would worsen things; supporting their reconciliation would earn Oscar's gratitude. Lillian had no better choice.

After a deep breath, Lillian returned to Oscar's ward. He lay with his eyes closed, sensing her presence but ignoring her. She wondered if he'd abandon her and the Collins family for Hannah, but they couldn't risk it; their only recourse was to appease him.

Approaching the bed, Lillian smiled gently, "I've spoken with Hannah."

Mentioning Hannah piqued his interest. "Hannah is nice," Lillian continued. "I mustered the courage to talk to her. She's much friendlier than I expected."

Oscar opened his eyes.

"Please don't look at me like that," she said. "I'm not trying to break you up. I convinced her to be kind to you. I can't be friends with her, so let me be the villain."

Oscar's hoarse voice asked, "What did she say?"

"Nothing," Lillian admitted, disappointed. "But Hannah's smart. She'll understand."

Silence descended. Lillian explained, "I would have told Hannah everything if my father hadn't forbidden it. Please don't blame him. He's just looking out for me; parents want the best for their children."

Oscar replied, in a low voice, "It wouldn't change anything." He believed Hannah would distance herself if she knew the truth.

Lillian changed the subject. "The doctor said you can have liquids. Would you like some soup?"

Oscar's sentimentality about Hannah fueled her jealousy.

"Not in the mood," he said.

As Lillian tried to persuade him, Max entered, excitedly announcing, "Ms. Cooper is eating! She asked for gruel and finished it!"

Oscar blinked, and Lillian was surprised. Hannah had compromised sooner than expected; she was remarkably rational.

Max thanked Lillian, who managed a smile. While pleased with the outcome, she still resented Hannah's acceptance of Oscar. "I just did my job," she said. "Hannah figured it out herself."

Max thanked her again and left. Lillian looked at Oscar, noticing a genuine happiness she hadn't seen before. His previous smiles were merely expressions.

"I want some gruel," Oscar said, his desire sparked by Hannah's actions. She was the only one who could elicit such a response.

Lillian calmly smiled and summoned Max. He returned with Hannah's leftover gruel. Lillian offered to feed Oscar, but he requested Max's assistance. She complied, understanding the need for gradual progress. She sat watching Max feed Oscar, whose hand was severely injured, and who was receiving anti-inflammatory IV fluids.

Then, unexpectedly, Lillian asked, "Can I have some, too?"

"Any more?" Oscar asked.

"Yes, I think so," Max confirmed.

"Give her some," Oscar instructed.

Max obliged, seemingly friendlier toward Lillian after her success in persuading Hannah.