Chapter 825: Hypocritical

Hannah continued eating, unfazed by their scrutiny.

Lillian suddenly broke the silence. "Hannah, I'm sorry."

Hannah, lips pressed together, looked at Lillian. She saw no need for an apology. She held Oscar solely responsible for their conflict; Lillian, in her view, was blameless. Lillian's presence was solely due to Oscar's acquiescence, a fact Hannah understood perfectly.

Before Lillian could elaborate, she explained, "I heard my sister scratched your neck." The apology was for Sarah's actions, not her own arrival. The villa's ownership had transferred to Hannah—a detail Oscar might have forgotten—but he still retained the power to reclaim anything he desired.

Hannah replied simply, "It doesn't matter. I ruined her reputation and sent her to prison. She has every right to retaliate. It was just a scratch."

Hannah's admission of her role in Sarah's downfall prompted a look from Oscar. Observing her nonchalance, he remained silent.

Lillian continued, speaking casually, "You're not entirely responsible for what happened to Sarah. Honestly, seeing that video, I couldn't believe it was my sister. If she hadn't pushed things so far, you wouldn't have set her up. Frankly, it's all on her. You're far cleverer."

Hannah remained silent, unconcerned with Lillian's true feelings.

"I'm returning to the capital tomorrow, so I'm staying tonight. Before I leave, I'll see my sister. Oscar deemed a hotel unsafe, so I'm here overnight. Plus, I missed Max's cooking. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you."

"Of course not. Please, feel free to stay," Hannah replied with a polite smile. She would gladly cede the master bedroom if asked, but chose to conceal her true feelings. She now adopted the demeanor of a mistress, learning to be discreet when speaking to the future Mrs. Wells.

"Oscar said you'd be fine with it. To be honest, I found it incredible at first. I'm much relieved now," Lillian smiled.

Hannah returned the smile, though it was purely courteous. While she found Lillian's presence irksome, she could do nothing about it. Hannah preferred to maintain a humble facade, denying Lillian the opportunity to feign humility.

During dinner, Lillian initiated conversations, to which Hannah responded politely. A semblance of friendliness pervaded the air.

After supper, Lillian stretched. "I'm sleepy. I think I need to rest."

"Max, bring her a glass of warm milk," Oscar instructed.

"Yes, sir," Max responded promptly.

Lillian smiled at Oscar. "You never forget my bedtime milk. I'd forgotten."

"You were on a flight all day. Time to sleep," he said.

"I'm not tired. I slept the whole flight. I feel fantastic thanks to your care," Lillian smiled.

Oscar nodded.

"Alright, time for bed," Lillian said, sensing Oscar's disinterest in further conversation. A woman as brilliant, considerate, and privileged as herself was typically alluring to men.

Lillian retired upstairs, but Hannah, despite hours of rest, remained awake. She strolled into the garden. Oscar quietly followed. A month had passed since their last meeting. Hannah struggled to navigate their relationship. Passion might brand her deceitful; indifference risked annoying him by neglecting her 'mistress' duties.

As she hesitated, Oscar broke the silence, reaching for her hand. Though repelled, Hannah didn't resist.

"Hannah?"

"Yes?"

"Don't worry. The Collins won't pursue what happened to Sarah," Oscar explained, seemingly addressing Manuel's request for her confession to Sarah.

"But I set her up. It's up to the Collins to decide on revenge," Hannah said, unperturbed. She had anticipated the consequences of her actions, even if confession wasn't her initial intent. She wouldn't seek a scapegoat, even if the public learned the truth.

"Lillian leaves for the capital tomorrow. She should have returned today, but the Collins insisted she see Sarah first, so she's staying tonight," Oscar explained.

"Lillian told me at dinner. No need to explain," Hannah replied, showing more faith in Lillian's account than his. Oscar nodded, remaining silent.

An awkward silence hung in the air, yet he held her hand as they walked.

Meanwhile, a woman stood on a second-floor balcony, her figure barely visible in the darkened room. Lillian watched them walk in the garden's dim light. They had returned from abroad that day; Oscar had insisted on returning to Kensbury without discussion. If not for her meeting with Sarah, he would have sent her back to the capital alone. To Oscar, Hannah was the priority; Lillian, merely a victim after her sister's imprisonment. He showed no concern for her feelings. Watching their backs, hatred burned within her, jealousy welling in her eyes. Then, her phone rang. She entered the bedroom, closing the window before answering.

"Dad?"

"Are you in Kensbury?"

"Yes, I'll talk to Sarah tomorrow," Lillian replied.

"Teach her a lesson!"

"I understand."

"She infuriated me! I've never been so humiliated!" Rowan huffed.

"It wouldn't have happened without Hannah."

"You believe it was Hannah?" Rowan asked coldly.

"Most likely. I visited her today. Knowing her, she wouldn't have admitted it unless she'd set Sarah up. She wouldn't be someone else's scapegoat."