Chapter 824: Oscar's Return

Manuel waited for Hannah outside the detention center. As she emerged, he noticed a scratch on her neck. He paused, momentarily, and Hannah realized he'd seen it.

"I'm fine," she said.

But Manuel saw blood oozing from the scratch; it was too noticeable to ignore. Hannah got into the car, and he drove her home in silence. Neither of them initiated conversation.

As they pulled up to the manor, Manuel offered to walk her inside.

"No, thanks. You may go," Hannah said.

Manuel nodded. "I've called a doctor to check the scratch."

"Mhm," Hannah replied, this time not refusing.

Watching her enter, Manuel returned to his car and texted Oscar: "I've driven Hannah back. When will you be back?"

"Tonight," Oscar replied.

Manuel hesitated, then deleted a message he'd started typing. He simply texted, "Okay."

Inside, Max was startled by the scratch. "Ms. Cooper, what happened to your neck?"

"I'm fine. A doctor will see me," Hannah said casually.

"Okay," Max replied, wisely ceasing his questioning.

Moments later, a doctor arrived. After examining the scratch, he advised, "Ms. Cooper, keep it dry to prevent infection. It's not deep, but bacteria could still develop. I've disinfected it. Given the heat, I won't bandage it. Apply ointment three times a day; it should heal within a week. Shall I apply the ointment for you?"

"No, Max will," Hannah responded.

"Right. Let me know if it festers," the doctor said, smiling before departing.

Hannah returned to her room. The outside air felt unfamiliar after her long confinement; she wondered if she'd lost her desire for the outside world. She soon fell into a deep sleep.

She awoke unsure of the time, likely late. She was hungry; Max rarely woke her for dinner, preferring to wait until she awoke before serving. She was about to get up when she saw someone familiar sitting beside her bed: Oscar. He was back. He noticed her movement.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, turning to her.

Hannah nodded, rising with difficulty. Six months pregnant, movement was cumbersome. Oscar helped her, an offer she accepted.

"Need help to the bathroom?" he asked gently.

"I can manage," Hannah said, then changed her mind. "Take me," she added, noticing his hesitation.

He struggled to conceal his excitement, supporting her to the bathroom and waiting outside. He stayed by her side after she returned to bed, watching her sleep for hours, resisting the urge to wake her. He treasured her unguarded sleep, a time when her usual wariness around him lessened.

After washing, Hannah opened the door. She masked her disgust—a sentiment Oscar pretended not to notice.

"You're back earlier than planned," she said, attempting to break the silence.

"Five days early. The schedule was tight, and I managed to shorten it. I'll be here with you for the next five days."

"Mhm," she replied, displaying neither displeasure nor happiness. They felt like a long-married couple, absurdly, given their divorced status.

They went downstairs together. It was 11:00 PM. Hannah had slept for a long time.

Upon entering the downstairs area, they found Lillian on the couch, greeting them with a smile. "Hey, Oscar, Hannah! Did you sleep well?"

Hannah remained silent; Oscar simply nodded.

Hannah mentally berated herself—hadn't he considered potential conflict between the two women? But evidently, Oscar had anticipated and managed the situation. No friction existed; in fact, they appeared quite amicable.

"You haven't had dinner, have you?" Lillian rose and approached them.

"Slow down," Oscar cautioned, frowning.

Lillian smiled. "Oh, I'm sorry. The baby's so well-behaved, I almost forgot about the pregnancy. Morning sickness must have been tough in those first three months, right?"

"Just…be careful," Oscar repeated.

"Alright," Lillian agreed.

Hannah observed, remaining neutral. Driven by hunger, she went to the dining room, where Max had prepared dinner. Oscar and Lillian joined her.

Lillian explained, "The food was delicious! I already ate; I need to control my appetite to avoid gaining too much weight."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Max said, flattered.

"I did! I missed your cooking so much when I was abroad with Oscar," Lillian added. It was clear her enjoyment was genuine, unlike affected politeness. Max, flattered, excused himself. Only the three of them remained.