Chapter 844: Dark Side of Ambition

Hannah wasn't easily fooled. Despite my limited knowledge of her, remember she's cunning enough to have imprisoned your sister, and don't forget Charles. These events are recent; don't underestimate her. Rowan remained vigilant.

"Sarah's situation was different; she was interfering with Hannah's interests. But I'm helping her now. There's no better option than my assistance, especially considering she's Oscar's mistress. As a woman from a privileged family, I find this deeply insulting and want to rectify it. Therefore, I believe she'll accept my plan," Lillian explained.

"Even if you convince her, how will we avoid suspicion if Oscar becomes wary?" Rowan asked.

"We'll find a scapegoat," Lillian replied frankly.

Rowan was stunned, but it was undoubtedly the best solution. After Hannah's death, a scapegoat would provide lasting protection.

"Who will be the scapegoat?" Rowan inquired eagerly.

"Oscar wouldn't believe it if we chose someone ordinary; an average person couldn't remove Hannah from him. My brother will be the scapegoat," Lillian responded.

"Lillian! Your brother? Will you risk his life?" Rowan exclaimed, his voice serious.

"Father, I don't mean to be ungrateful, but it's our only option to prove my innocence. I'm now very valuable to the Collins family, as you should know…"

"But you can't sacrifice your brother for this. Lillian, we're a political family, and sacrifice is sometimes necessary, but this is unacceptable. That's our bottom line!"

"Father, please listen. My importance to the family is paramount. If I can prove my innocence, Oscar won't retaliate. Plus, I'll use the baby as leverage. If he kills my brother, I'll stop him, even at the cost of my baby. He values the baby greatly. Threatening my life will deter him, though my brother might still face consequences."

Rowan remained hesitant.

Lillian continued, "Father, great success requires sacrifice. I can ensure my brother's safety, but Hannah must be eliminated. We know I'm pregnant with a girl. Before birth, my daughter is our greatest asset. After the birth, Oscar will take her; then he'll have no qualms about plotting against us. This is our only chance."

"What if he kills your brother immediately after the birth?" Rowan raised a valid concern.

"Father, if you're still worried, we'll send Matthew abroad for safety. He can return after Oscar's anger subsides. I assure you, once Hannah is gone, I'll capture Oscar's heart. Then, my brother will be safe," Lillian said confidently.

Rowan fell silent.

"Father, we can't miss this chance. I understand your concerns; I don't want Matthew to suffer either. But it's the best option. If it's too dangerous, we can explore other avenues. But after the birth, with Hannah still with Oscar, winning his heart will be extremely difficult."

"Alright, proceed as planned. But I need to speak with Matthew first," Rowan finally decided.

"Okay. I'm going home now. Let's talk later," Lillian nodded.

As soon as she hung up, her smirk widened. With everyone under her control, she merely awaited the opportune moment.

The wedding date was announced – ten days away. Hannah would leave the country within ten days.

After Lillian left, she pondered whether Lillian would try to kill her. However, she doubted Lillian was that reckless; there must be a Plan B. Hannah’s eagerness to leave was evident. From Lillian's perspective, Hannah's departure was equivalent to death. But for Hannah, the potential consequences differed significantly, a fact Lillian likely understood.

Hannah called her parents to inform them of their departure. Miguel and Michelle readily agreed. The wedding announcement had gone viral; they understood Hannah's grievances and agreed to her departure, even if it meant never returning. Hannah's grandmother also consented.

With her family's approval, Hannah felt no qualms, although she still felt a connection to her birthplace. She stared at her phone, then dialed a number. "Susan."

"Wow, you called! You miss me?" Susan sounded cheerful.

"Yes, are you free tonight? Dinner. I'll tell Max to prepare your favorites," Hannah said.

"Great, but I'll be late; overtime. A project needs confirmation for Manuel tomorrow."

"It's fine. I'll wait."

"Okay, talk later. I have to go."

"Okay." Hannah hung up, wondering if she should tell Susan she was leaving in ten days, never to return.

Mixed feelings surged, but she quickly dismissed her frustration. She told Max, "Susan's coming for dinner. Prepare her favorite dishes."

"Yes, Ms. Cooper," Max nodded.

Hannah went to her room, pausing before the baby's room, meticulously decorated by Oscar.

She hadn't entered since Max showed it to her. Tears welled as she looked inside, imagining Oscar's reaction to her absence. How would he feel returning to this room?