Chapter 895: Stay Out All Night Long

Lillian felt a surge of anger. It was clearly a provocation from Hannah, she believed. Hannah must have anticipated Oscar's hospital visit; the conspicuous love bite on his neck was a deliberate display.

Despite Oscar and Theodore's presence, Lillian suppressed her rage, maintaining a composed exterior. Inside, however, jealousy raged.

As Oscar returned the baby to the crib, he prepared to leave. "Oscar," Lillian called.

He turned. "I feel like I'm good for nothing," she confessed, appearing self-reproachful.

Though impatient, Oscar refrained from anger. "It's your first time as a mother. You'll learn."

"I believe I will," Lillian said confidently.

Oscar nodded. "Alright, it's time for bed."

"Are you leaving?" Lillian asked.

"Mhm."

"Okay, sorry to interrupt you and Hannah. I know she rarely gets to the Capital." She offered a strained smile.

"Alright, goodnight," he said, his patience wearing thin—a fact Lillian noticed in his curt tone.

"Oscar… I'm a little scared to be alone…" she rushed on as he started to leave.

He turned back. "I know there are doctors, nurses, carers, and nannies here. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I feel insecure. When the baby cried, I panicked." Tears welled in her eyes. "I've always been proud, considered myself brilliant, but I never expected to be so helpless with the baby."

Oscar remained silent. Sobbing, she continued, "I looked forward to the baby's birth, imagining my baby with Cian. Maybe I'm so afraid of losing her that I'm scared and insecure." Tears streamed down her face.

Theodore, having lulled the baby to sleep, was about to drive Oscar home, feeling guilty about keeping him from Hannah. But witnessing Lillian's distress, he hesitated; leaving her like that felt cruel. He knew it was a difficult decision for Oscar as well.

"I'm sorry," Lillian said, wiping away tears. "I don't know why I'm being so sentimental. Just go home. Hannah's probably waiting." She forced a smile.

"Just go to bed. I'll stay until you fall asleep."

A secret smirk played on Lillian's lips. The more helpless she appeared, the more likely Oscar would stay. She knew the baby's importance to him, a leverage she intended to exploit. Yet, she feigned surprise. "No, you don't have to. Go home to Hannah. I don't want to damage your relationship. I feel guilty towards her… I'm afraid she'll hate me."

"No… She's not narrow-minded," Oscar said softly, trying to comfort her.

"But, Oscar…"

"Just go to bed," he urged.

Lillian obeyed, appearing intimidated despite orchestrating his stay. She climbed into bed as Oscar sat on the sofa beside it.

Theodore wasn't sure whether to leave.

"Theodore, you can go," Oscar said.

Theodore nodded, glancing at Lillian. "May I smoke with Oscar for a few minutes?"

"Sure," Lillian replied.

"Alright, let's go," Theodore said to Oscar.

They went to the smoking area.

"What about Hannah? Should I explain?" Theodore asked, worried about Oscar staying with Lillian and Hannah's potential reaction.

Oscar shook his head.

Theodore sensed Oscar's growing taciturnity since Cian's death, a habit of internalizing emotions. He found Oscar's silent suffering confusing.

"Theodore," Oscar said abruptly.

"Yes?"

"With all these professionals, are you sure none of them figured out why the baby was crying?" Oscar murmured.

Theodore was stunned. While Lillian's confusion was understandable, Oscar's realization—that the baby's outfit label was inside out—was equally telling. It was improbable that the nannies and nurses hadn't noticed. The truth was obvious.

Theodore looked at Oscar, who nodded. Their long friendship allowed them to understand each other with a glance.

"It's late. You should leave," Oscar said, stubbing out his cigarette.

"Why aren't you leaving?" Theodore asked, confused. Knowing it was Lillian's ploy, he saw no need for Oscar to stay.

"That's the trick I have to play."

Theodore shivered.

"Alright, time for you to leave," Oscar said, ending the conversation. He returned to the suite.

Theodore watched him go before finally leaving.

Initially, both Oscar and Theodore had shown some tolerance for Lillian's actions. But continued transgressions would have consequences.

The next morning, Hannah awoke alone. She knew Oscar wouldn't return; he'd broken his promise. She'd anticipated Lillian's maneuvers, hence the hickeys. The meaning was clear to Lillian.

How long could Lillian maintain her charade? Suspicion from Oscar or Theodore was inevitable. Lillian would eventually be exposed, and Oscar would see her true feelings. Then both Theodore and Oscar would re-evaluate her actions. Hannah's purpose was clear: to drive a wedge between Lillian and Oscar.