Chapter 902: A Father-Daughter Conspiracy

From Justine's perspective, Hannah, not Lillian, was Oscar's wife; Lillian was Cian's. However, both were her nephews' wives, so she wasn't overly repulsed by Lillian. Their relationship was expected to be cordial, given their infrequent meetings. Therefore, Justine felt comfortable asking, "Is it usually hard to care for Una?"

"Not really," Lillian replied. "I'm not working, so I'm home with Una full-time. We have plenty of help—servants and nannies. But more importantly, Oscar takes care of Una when he gets home. She adores him; as long as he's around, she only wants him."

Her words held a noticeable pride, even boasting, but Justine didn't comment. Neither did Theodore and Manuel. Theodore subtly signaled Manuel to leave the nursery. They went to the smoking area.

"What do you think of Lillian?" Theodore asked, puffing on his cigarette.

"What do you think?" Manuel countered.

"I used to think she was innocent."

Manuel chuckled. "I never did," he said.

Theodore, regarding Manuel with respect, considered him a clear-thinking man. "What's Oscar's plan?" Manuel asked bluntly.

Theodore shook his head. "I don't know. He never tells me, and his plans are impossible to guess."

"But she's Una's mother; perhaps he'll show mercy."

Manuel nodded. "Maybe. It depends how far Lillian is willing to go."

They chatted while smoking. Theodore then noticed a partially concealed hickey on Manuel's neck.

"Did you sleep with her?"

Manuel froze, then understood. He answered, somewhat awkwardly.

"Finally, she got you," Theodore laughed.

Manuel remained silent. Their sexual dynamics were private.

"That's all I need to know about you," Theodore said, a rare note of sentimentality in his voice. "Now I'm worried about Oscar."

Manuel agreed. "I thought Hannah's apparent generosity and peacefulness beside Oscar was what he wanted most—to protect Cian's daughter and find happiness. But it's different now. Lillian's ambition is showing, and Oscar's become more reserved. I worry this will depress him."

Manuel didn't believe he was exaggerating; he understood Oscar's suppressed emotions.

"Alright, we'll see," Theodore conceded. He stubbed out his cigarette and rejoined Manuel in the room.

Oscar had put Una to bed; Justine was watching with him. Soon, everyone except Rowan and Lillian left the nursery.

Lillian was in high spirits. She hadn't expected such a lavish celebration for Una's christening. The thought of Hannah's son, whose existence might remain unknown, filled her with a sense of triumph. She no longer worried about the genders of her child and Hannah's. Una Wells, Cian's only child, would receive all of Oscar's love and become the sole heir of the Wells family. As Una's mother, Lillian believed she held the greatest advantage.

"Lillian," Rowan said. With the others gone, he spoke privately. Lillian knew he had something to say and dismissed the nannies. Only she and Una remained.

"Father, is something wrong?"

"How are things with Oscar?" Rowan asked.

Lillian had lived with Oscar since Una's birth. "He's kind. But…" she hesitated.

"Haven't had sex yet?" Rowan observed.

Lillian murmured in agreement.

"I've been anxious lately, but since you've just had a baby, I didn't want to pressure you," Rowan sighed.

"What's wrong?" Lillian asked quickly.

"Oscar is too powerful now. He makes all the decisions, rejecting my suggestions without discussion," Rowan worried.

Lillian frowned. "We feared he'd do something after the baby's birth. You said he's kind to you, so I didn't think so. But seeing how good he was to Una today… I have a bad feeling."

"He's good to Una. Doesn't that mean he loves her and will compromise for her?" Lillian was agitated, unwilling to dismiss her own thoughts. She even boldly considered that Oscar might abandon Hannah and his son for Una, given his unwavering devotion to Una since her birth and his refusal to allow Hannah to move to the capital or return to Kensbury.

Rowan shook his head. "I worry his kindness will make Una dependent on him. Then, as long as she has Oscar, she'll be fine without you. Do you see where this is going?"

Lillian was shocked. Her father meant Oscar was deliberately fostering Una's dependence to keep her away from her daughter.

Lillian stared at her father in horror. "You mean, Oscar is planning something for himself?"

"Yes," Rowan nodded. "You're living with him. I fear you and Una will be completely under his control if anything happens. If we fail, we won't survive without Una."