Chapter 839: The Collins’ Plot

"I've tried," said Rowan, "but couldn't determine Hannah's baby's gender. Oscar likely blocked the news. I can't risk acting rashly; we'd alert him. He's too shrewd; one wrong move, and he'll anticipate our next."

Rowan looked terrible. He'd always considered the Balderstons his only rivals. Now, he realized Oscar had manipulated him completely. The thought weighed heavily on him.

Lilian, undoubtedly, knew this as well, maintaining a façade of kindness and unconcern toward Hannah. However, her composure crumbled upon learning she was carrying a girl. In Northfield's millennium-long history, there had never been a female commander. A daughter meant her child couldn't inherit the throne. If Hannah's child were a boy, the succession would be clear.

"Father, we must eliminate Hannah's baby," Lilian snapped.

Rowan waited for her to elaborate.

"Our goal is to reclaim the throne and power. We planned to use the baby, but that's no longer feasible. We need a new strategy."

"Taking down Oscar is difficult. We're at an impasse, neither daring to act rashly. This stalemate could last a long time. Whoever acts first will likely fail. It's a delicate balance, like our conflict with the Balderstons. That took nearly a century to resolve. This fight with Oscar will be equally long."

By then, they might be dead.

"That's why we can't leave Hannah's baby alive. Without an heir, the stalemate breaks, and we can reclaim the throne without bloodshed," Lilian declared fiercely.

"I agree. But have you considered Hannah might have more children?" Rowan countered.

Lilian pursed her lips.

"Oscar can easily have another heir," Rowan stated.

"Precisely. But I must be the mother of his heirs," Lilian retorted furiously.

Rowan looked at her.

"To be clear, we can't keep Hannah and her baby."

"Lilian, reconsider," Rowan cautioned, his greater experience prompting a second thought. "We have a deal with Oscar. He won't forgive betrayal. He'll likely start a civil war for Hannah if we harm her. We can't afford that."

"He'll never know it was us!" Lilian hissed.

"Keeping anything from Oscar in Northfield is impossible. And he's protecting Hannah too well; we'll find no opportunity," Rowan frowned.

"Then I'll handle it," Lilian said with a cold smile.

Rowan was surprised.

"With Oscar's trust," Lilian continued, "he won't suspect me. Father, I have a plan. Just support me."

Rowan remained uncertain.

"Father, will you willingly cede the throne?" Lilian pressed.

He thought he was sure to win, until Oscar's unexpected ascension.

"We must reclaim our dignity!" Lilian declared resolutely.

"Very well," Rowan affirmed. "If you believe this will work, I'm with you."

Lilian nodded, a plan forming in her mind. Her eyes widened suddenly. "Is Oscar back in the capital?"

"I heard he just returned. He's in his office now."

"Take me to his office."

"What are you going to do?" Rowan asked, concerned about disturbing Oscar at work.

"Gain more of his trust, of course," Lilian replied. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Rowan agreed. The longer he spoke with Lilian, the more impressed he became. She was shrewder than his eldest daughter, possessing a keener insight. He'd previously underestimated her youth, excluding her from his plans. He now regretted not involving her earlier, perhaps averting his power-sharing arrangement with Oscar.

The car arrived at the Kensbury City supreme power office. Lilian, an employee, easily gained access. She proceeded directly to Oscar's office, finding him with Theodore and several guards.

Oscar looked up. Lilian, momentarily captivated by his charm, was struck anew by his handsome features. He remained a dream to her, his power and composure enhancing his allure.

Maintaining composure, she concealed her feelings, smiling as she said, "I heard you're back."

"What is it?" Oscar asked lightly, his demeanor consistently even-tempered.

"Nothing important. I just wanted you to review the baby's examination report," she said, placing it on his desk. "I thought you'd want to see it. The doctor says everything's fine."

Oscar ceased reviewing his documents, focusing on the report. He picked it up and began reading silently.

Theodore, out of curiosity, leaned over to read it. "Oh, this is Cian's…"

Oscar glared sharply at him. Theodore clamped his lips, understanding the unspoken warning. There was no point in mentioning the open secret.

"Time flies. It's been sixteen weeks. I'm showing," Lilian said, gently placing a hand on her abdomen.

Oscar and Theodore looked at her, noticing her burgeoning bump.

"Take care of yourself," Oscar said.

"I will," Lilian nodded obediently.