Chapter 897: The Coming Banquet

A short while later, Hannah returned the baby to the crib. "Okay, I have to go," she told Oscar.

"Let me give you a ride," he offered.

"Are you sure?" Hannah asked, looking slightly worried, though she didn't refuse.

"Of course," Oscar replied.

Hannah nodded delightedly, "Okay, then."

Lillian watched, a surge of jealousy welling up inside her. Before leaving, Hannah said to her friend, "Lillian, take care during your recovery."

"Thank you," Lillian smiled.

Beneath the surface of their amicable farewell, however, plots and conspiracies simmered. Hannah departed, Oscar following close behind.

"What happened to Una last night? Why was she crying?" Hannah asked, initiating conversation to prevent awkward silence.

"They just didn't notice Una's top was on inside out, and her back was severely scratched," Oscar explained.

Hannah nodded. "Okay. But usually, a baby doesn't cry for no reason."

"Yeah," Oscar agreed.

"But I didn't expect you to be such an excellent father," Hannah smiled.

Oscar felt a pang of guilt, realizing he hadn't spent much time with their son.

"Don't get me wrong," Hannah clarified. "It's part of your duty to care for Una."

"I'll be back when I have time," he promised.

"Don't worry about me," Hannah said. "Lillian's still recovering. You need to spend more time with her; she's vulnerable, especially after Cian's death. She's likely to be sentimental and sensitive. You need to keep an eye on her for safety reasons."

"Mhm," Oscar murmured in agreement.

"You didn't come home last night. Was it because of her?" Hannah asked.

"Yeah," Oscar admitted.

"Well, I expected that," Hannah said, "but I was exhausted and fell asleep immediately. I might not even have known you'd returned." She added this to alleviate his worry, wanting him to know she wasn't angry.

"Hannah," Oscar took her hand.

Hannah looked surprised. "What?"

"How long will you be waiting for me?" he asked, his question hinting at a deeper understanding. Hannah hesitated, wondering if he suspected her plans, but feigned confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Oscar held her gaze, but withheld his words. "Nothing. Just take care of yourself and Sal."

"Don't worry, I will," Hannah smiled, the assurance genuine. It had been a long time since she relied solely on herself, and she no longer held any expectations of Oscar.

They arrived at the airport. Hannah entered with Theodore; Oscar remained in the car, watching her leave. Each departure felt like it could be their last.

After returning to Kensbury, Hannah called Oscar to let him know she’d arrived. Though busy, he made time to speak with her daily, exchanging updates on Una and Sal. It was a conversation about their children, even though they didn't live together.

Three months later, a banquet celebrated Una Wells's birth. As the chief commander's daughter, it became a national event. The nation offered its well wishes, many marveling at her fortunate birth. Una, at one hundred days old, was adorable, looking increasingly like Cian, and therefore like Oscar.

Hannah received a call from Susan, her voice huffing, "Both Una and Salem are Oscar's kids. Why does she get all the best wishes, while Salem's treated like a stranger? Hardly anyone even knows about Salem's birth!"

Hannah replied calmly, "But I'd rather my son live a normal life."

Susan retorted, "But it's unfair! Where was Oscar when Salem was the same age? He took pictures with Una today. Goddamn it! That girl looks so much like him! She's adorable! I'm jealous!"

"Okay, okay," Hannah chuckled.

"But Salem is much more adorable!" Susan insisted.

Hannah smiled. Susan always knew how to lift her spirits.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm not attending the banquet!" Susan declared firmly.

Hannah frowned. "Why not? Go with Manuel. Now that you're back together, why don't you go with him?"

"No! I'll fight Lillian the second I see that bitch! Even if I can't win, she'll ruin things with Manuel. You know how hard I worked to get him back. If he dumps me again because of her, it'll kill me."

"I bet you won't. Manuel will stop you," Hannah reassured her.

"No, I'm not going. I mean it. I've fixed things with him, the cousin of the bastard who hurt you most. I'm not compromising our friendship to fawn over them! Never!"

Hannah was touched by Susan's loyalty. "Okay then. It's up to you."

"Yeah, I've made up my mind and told Manuel. He agreed," Susan said. Hannah suspected Manuel feared Susan might disrupt the banquet.

"Alright, I have work tomorrow. I'll see you when I'm finished." Susan knew the banquet was tomorrow, and worried Hannah would be upset.

"Okay," Hannah replied, admitting she missed Susan, their meetings infrequent due to Susan's busy schedule.

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

"See you then," Susan said, quickly hanging up, thrilled to be off work. Manuel and Justine were leaving for the capital tomorrow morning, meaning Manuel would be staying tonight. She was determined to sleep with him, no matter what it took, and wouldn't let him leave until she did. Three months had passed since the doctor cleared him for sex, but he'd been refusing her, frustrating her greatly. Tonight, however, her spirits were high. To ensure privacy, she booked a spa appointment for Justine that would last until midnight, plenty of time to carry out her plan. Tonight, she would wear him out.