Chapter 846: Another Way Out

After dinner, Hannah led Susan to her bedroom, a room free of cameras and listening devices. This would be their sanctuary for secrets, hidden from Oscar's watchful eye.

Susan, relaxed after a satisfying meal, lay on the bed. Hannah's serious expression, however, quickly dispelled her ease. Susan sensed a shocking revelation was imminent, but felt unprepared.

"Hannah, what's wrong?" Susan asked, her voice trembling.

"Susan, I'm leaving," Hannah said.

"What?" Susan was bewildered.

"I'm leaving Kensbury. Northfield, actually."

"For how long?"

"Perhaps a lifetime." Even Hannah was uncertain. As long as Oscar lived, she doubted she'd return. She couldn't predict if she would outlive him, however; he seemed remarkably long-lived.

Tears welled in Susan's eyes. The sudden sadness she'd felt earlier now made sense; it had been a premonition.

"Hey, don't cry for me," Hannah soothed gently.

But Susan couldn't stem the flow of tears. While not overwhelmed by grief, the thought of their potential final meeting was unbearable. She felt powerless to dissuade Hannah, who suffered deeply from her confinement. Susan couldn't bear to see Hannah's agony; she longed for Hannah to fight back, to strike where it truly hurt.

"When I'm settled, I'll contact you. Then you can visit," Hannah offered comfort.

"But that could be a long time," Susan said sadly.

Hannah fell silent. Maintaining contact with her Northfield friends would be impossible for a long time if Oscar discovered her location. If she escaped successfully, she wouldn't risk returning.

"How about taking me with you?" Susan blurted out.

"Are you giving up on Manuel?"

"I tried, but I failed."

"And your father?"

Susan remained silent, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Susan, I'm not asking you to abandon everything and leave with me. I'm saying goodbye, and I didn't want to disappear without explanation."

The thought of Hannah's permanent departure threatened to break Susan.

"I understand. But I'm heartbroken. What's wrong with your marriage? What happened between you and Oscar? Couldn't he refuse the marriage to Lillian? What could possibly be so compelling that he'd forsake the woman he loves to marry a stranger?"

For Hannah, however, those matters were irrelevant. She sought freedom, for herself and for Oscar. She believed their ambiguous relationship only caused further harm. She hoped Oscar could find genuine happiness in his new marriage, considering it a fitting conclusion to her own.

"Susan, I need your help," Hannah said seriously.

Despite her distress, Susan focused on Hannah's serious tone.

"I won't tell you how I'll escape his surveillance. The fewer who know, the better the chances of success. It's not a lack of trust; you'll be safer not knowing."

Though hesitant, Susan agreed. She knew Hannah wouldn't harm her, and she didn't want to burden Hannah further.

"Honestly, my escape plan is risky," Hannah admitted frankly.

Susan looked agitated.

"Don't panic. I wouldn't risk my life. But I need a backup plan in case of danger."

"What's the plan?"

"I'll leave on Oscar's wedding day. He'll be too preoccupied with the ceremony to notice anything else. It's my best chance, but there's a risk – if I'm caught, he won't have time to rescue me."

"You've really made up your mind?" Susan asked again.

"I need Manuel's help."

Susan paused, surprised.

"I know Manuel will attend the wedding," Hannah said.

Manuel's presence as an honored guest was expected. But once he left Kensbury, Hannah would be alone.

"Yes, he will," Susan confirmed after considering.

"So, you need to keep him in Kensbury. If I'm in danger, you'll tell Manuel so he can save me," Hannah explained.

This was her Plan B. If her escape went smoothly, she wouldn't need it. But if not, Manuel was her only hope.

"How do I keep him there? Why not tell him the plan? We've been through so much together; I think he'd help," Susan doubted her ability to fulfill Hannah's request.

"He'd tell Oscar."

"You're right…"

"Your mission is to keep him in Kensbury without revealing my intentions."

Susan doubted her ability to outmaneuver Manuel. His cunning was well-known; she feared he’d see through her instantly.

"Susan, my life depends on you," Hannah said, burdened by the weight of her plan. She knew Susan thrived under pressure.

"I don't think I can handle Manuel. But if it's the only way, I'll do it," Susan said, her jaw clenched.

She wouldn't hesitate for Hannah. But how could she keep Manuel in Kensbury without arousing suspicion?

"You could try seducing him," Hannah suggested.

Susan was stunned. It wasn't ideal. She had an alternative in mind, but what if Manuel ignored her?

The thought filled Susan with frustration.