Chapter 877: Hannah's Demand
Oscar's face clouded.
Lillian said smoothly, "It's fine. The public isn't qualified to judge us. Just ask Theodore for a ride later." She didn't want to offend Oscar. "Since Manuel's fine, I won't visit. Susan dislikes me anyway. Now, I'm going to my ward." Smiling, Lillian departed, walking quickly, as if not expecting Oscar to detain her.
"Lillian," Oscar called.
Lillian didn't turn, a smug look on her face. She was adept at handling men.
"I'll take you to the airport," Oscar offered.
"I don't want to trouble you," Lillian said, appearing worried. "It's fine. I'll ask Father to quell the gossip."
"That could backfire. Maintaining appearances is better," Oscar stated bluntly.
"Very well," Lillian agreed reluctantly. She should have anticipated his pragmatic approach.
"My car's waiting. I'm going to the ward first," Lillian said.
"I'll join you in ten minutes."
"Okay, but you go ahead," Lillian replied softly.
Oscar nodded curtly and left at a brisk pace.
It irked Lillian that Oscar always rushed to see Hannah. Hannah was preparing to leave with her parents when Oscar arrived. She hadn't expected him. Seeing him, she offered a faint smile, saying nothing.
"I'll first take Lillian to the airport," Oscar began.
Hannah gave a contemptuous smile. Before she could speak, Michelle interjected sharply, "What does that concern us? There's no need to tell Hannah about your companions." Michelle's dislike for Oscar was evident.
Hannah remained silent.
Oscar bit his lip, then said, "I'll be back after taking her to the airport. Go home first; I'll have Max wait for you."
"Don't bother. Hannah's coming with us to Cooper Manor. She's just given birth. We need to take her home," Michelle insisted, clearly wanting to keep Hannah away from Oscar.
Oscar looked at Hannah expectantly.
Hannah nodded. "I have no experience with babies, so I need to stay with my parents for a few days. I'll return when the baby's older." She added, almost tentatively, "Is that alright?"
Michelle, impatient, said firmly, "Where she goes is none of your business!"
"It's her decision," Oscar conceded.
Hannah turned to Oscar. "I'd like to speak with you privately."
Oscar was taken aback.
Michelle, displeased, reproached, "Hannah, you have nothing to say to him. This man nearly killed you and your baby. And Manuel is still in the hospital."
"Mom," Michelle checked her temper, not wanting to pressure Hannah.
Hannah placed her baby in Michelle's arms and took Oscar to another room. They exchanged a few seconds of silence.
"Are you taking Lillian to the Capital?" Hannah asked.
"No, just to the airport. Theodore will take her to the Capital," Oscar replied.
"I want you to take her to the Capital," Hannah said earnestly.
Oscar stared, astonished.
"It's not that I don't want to see you. When you return, you can live with me at Cooper Manor. I'll handle my parents. I want you to take Lillian to ensure you fulfill your promises," Hannah explained, referring to Matthew. Oscar had been in Kensbury City; Matthew, confined by Rowan, remained unpunished. This was why Hannah wanted Lillian sent to the Capital.
Oscar nodded, understanding her implied request.
"I expect your news," Hannah smiled. The relationship between Oscar and the Collins family was transactional; Hannah aimed to break it. She was ruthlessly pragmatic in her pursuits.
"Okay," Oscar readily agreed.
"Come see me if I'm still at Cooper Manor when you return. We can live in our own home then," Hannah proposed.
Oscar nodded.
"Take care."
"You too."
Hannah smiled sweetly, passing him without pause. Oscar watched her leave the hospital with her parents and baby.
Moments later, his phone rang.
"Hey, Theodore."
"Where are you? Lillian said you'd take her to the airport," Theodore asked urgently.
"I'm coming."
"I thought you'd be with Hannah," Theodore said, skeptical of Lillian's account.
Oscar hung up without reply, taking a deep, slow breath. He understood Hannah's actions as calculated maneuvers under the guise of friendship and concern, until the situation was fully resolved.
At Cooper Manor, Hannah lay in bed, her baby sleeping nearby. She watched her child, then checked her phone. A news item about Oscar and Lillian appeared, a piece designed to refute rumors about their wedding. The photo showed Oscar intimately assisting Lillian onto a plane.