Chapter 795: Discharge From Hospital

Lillian's eyes brightened as she savored the gruel. Turning to Max, she exclaimed, "Max, this gruel is wonderful! The best I've ever had. Far better than my cook's! It's delicious!"

Max, flattered but embarrassed, replied, "Thank you, Madam. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"I'd love some more. What do you think, Max?"

Max, struggling with social anxiety, stammered, "Okay. Excuse me, I'm going back to Ms. Cooper."

Oscar nodded slightly. Lillian watched him leave with a snort of laughter.

Max exited the ward and encountered Theodore and Manuel returning from a smoke break. They avoided him, slightly surprised to see him leaving Oscar's room.

"What were you doing in Oscar's room, Max? Why weren't you with Hannah?" Theodore asked.

"Ms. Cooper ate. Master Oscar wanted gruel, so I brought him some," Max replied happily.

"What? You said Hannah had eaten?" Theodore exclaimed incredulously. He realized, with a pang of regret, that had he known, he would have urged Lillian to visit sooner.

"Thanks to Lady Collins, Ms. Cooper was willing to eat after speaking with her," Max explained, unable to fully comprehend the situation. He at least saw Lillian's positive influence.

Theodore nodded. Max returned to Hannah's room.

Theodore turned to a pensive Manuel. "Hey, that was something!"

Manuel merely offered a strained smile. He secretly disapproved of his own siding with Oscar against Hannah, deeming it despicable.

"But do you know how Hannah figured it out?" Theodore murmured.

Hannah, a pragmatic woman, knew escalating the conflict would be unproductive, so she compromised. However, Manuel doubted the truce's longevity.

Hannah wished to leave the hospital that day but needed Oscar's permission. She understood the need for careful conduct under Oscar's authority, remembering Lillian's warning about their family's vulnerability should Oscar lose power. She then went to Oscar's ward.

Lillian lounged on the couch, engrossed in her phone, while Oscar worked on his laptop. Theodore and Manuel smoked on the balcony; several guards were also present. The spacious ward felt crowded.

Oscar, visibly nervous at Hannah's arrival – her first visit to his ward, and after she'd eaten – felt his heart race. He stopped working, tensing up.

Lillian, while outwardly composed, felt a surge of displeasure, particularly at Oscar's flustered expression. He, who had remained unflappable during his coronation, was unnerved by Hannah's presence.

"I want to leave the hospital today. May I?" Hannah stated directly.

Oscar's heart pounded. He remained silent, fearing his voice would tremble.

"I've spoken to the doctor. I'm fine, just a little weak. I'll recover well. The baby's healthy; further observation is unnecessary. I just need proper rest and nutrition," Hannah explained. "I'll eat well."

Oscar observed her impassive face. Her recent defiance seemed to vanish; she appeared compliant.

Before Oscar could respond, Hannah added, "I'll stay home after discharge. I won't go anywhere."

Hannah had conceded. Her acceptance of her "mistress" status, though unspoken, was evident.

"Okay," Oscar replied, unsure what else to say. He feared alarming her, forcing himself to remain calm.

"Thank you," Hannah said.

A wave of sadness washed over Oscar. Hannah's sudden obedience broke his heart; he knew it wasn't genuine acceptance, but a reasoned compromise.

Hannah turned to leave. Oscar took her hand; she felt the contact and pursed her lips. Lillian watched, nervously. Manuel and Theodore also focused on them – Theodore worried about another fight, Manuel intently studying Lillian's expression.

"I'll see you home," Oscar said deeply, his voice possibly affected by his tongue injury.

Hannah hesitated, then nodded, "Okay."

Oscar's heart leaped again; he'd anticipated refusal and regretted his impulsiveness. He'd been ready for rejection, yet her quick acceptance surprised him.

"I'll wait for you in my ward," Hannah said.

"I'll be right there."

"Okay."

Further conversation ceased. Oscar held her hand gently, reluctant to let go, fearing a change of heart. He feared her renewed aversion, but ultimately released her hand, unwilling to push his luck.

Upon returning to her ward, Hannah immediately washed her hands. His touch had filled her with nothing but revulsion.