Chapter 903 “Papa”

Lillian panicked at Rowan’s remark. If Oscar harbored such intentions, his kindness towards her and Una was merely a calculated disguise to further his ambition.

“What should we do? Are we a match for him?” Lillian asked, agitated.

“It’s hard to say,” Rowan replied, shaking his head. He wouldn’t, however, ignore Matthew’s plight. Oscar had broken Matthew Collins’s leg, confining him to the house.

Rowan doubted Oscar had a plan beyond manipulating Lillian and the Collins family; he hadn’t targeted Rowan directly, as he’d claimed. His instruction to Lillian was simple: drive a wedge between her and Oscar, leading her to help overthrow him.

Rowan observed Lillian’s evident affection for Oscar, noting her apparent disregard for their family's mission. He intended to curb her attachment. If Lillian bore a son, the destined heir of the Wells family, he might permit the relationship. But if Hannah’s son inherited, he would fight to the death, even if it meant the Collins family’s ruin. His ultimate desire, of course, was to seize the throne himself. Cruelty now consumed him; he yearned to kill Oscar, reclaim his position as commander-in-chief, and avenge his son.

Lillian felt apprehensive.

“There’s only one way I can think of,” Rowan said decisively.

“What?”

“If Oscar desires you, I’ll support your union. If you bear another son, and he becomes the heir, I’ll reconcile with Oscar. But currently, Oscar lacks the inclination to start a family with you.”

Lillian’s face fell.

“Then, Lillian, we shouldn't rely on winning Oscar’s heart; the odds are stacked against us. Our only true defense against Oscar is to secure Una.”

“You mean…?” Lillian’s heart pounded.

Rowan nodded. “Oscar’s constant presence with Una suggests fear that we might take her, using her as leverage. Since he values Una so highly, we should exploit that.”

“But how do we get Una away from him?”

The question brought a flush of anger to Lillian’s cheeks. She’d initially believed Oscar’s protective measures towards Una were acts of genuine concern, only now realizing he was manipulating her and her daughter.

“I haven’t a better plan yet,” Rowan admitted. “I simply want to clarify the situation. You’ve always been intelligent, Lillian. We can’t rush this. I’ll devise a plan to take Una. Don’t alert him. If Oscar suspects our intentions, we’ll be in danger.”

“I understand,” Lillian nodded.

Lillian wasn't foolish, but her feelings had blinded her, nearly ensnaring her in Oscar’s trap. Her father’s timely warning had saved her. A chilling thought struck her: controlling Oscar would allow her to dictate his actions, instead of enduring his dominance. For now, she must play along. A sinister glint appeared in her eyes, mirrored by an evil smile on Rowan’s face.

In Kensbury City, Hannah played with Salem on the lawn.

Eight-month-old Salem, chubby and recently mobile, happily practiced crawling on a soft mat.

Michelle, also playing with Salem, sighed heavily.

Hannah understood her lament but remained silent, continuing to play with her son.

“I saw Una’s birth party photos today. I feel so sorry for Sal; he’s hidden away while Una receives national attention.”

“Sal’s too young to understand; he’s not as sentimental as you, Mom,” Hannah replied.

“That’s why I feel sorry for him! How can Oscar be so heartless?” Michelle exclaimed. “Since Una’s birth, Oscar hasn’t visited Sal once. And Sal’s first word was ‘Papa’!”

Salem had spoken “Papa” at seven months old, not intentionally taught, but prompted by Hannah during Oscar’s video calls. She hadn’t told Oscar, deeming it insignificant and attributing it to the word's simple pronunciation rather than affection.

“Don’t you dislike Oscar? Wouldn’t it be better if he stayed away?” Hannah offered comfort.

“True, but he’s Sal’s father. How can a father’s love be absent?” Michelle protested.

“Children are stronger than we think. The world allows people to live without others,” Hannah said flatly.

“Hannah,” Michelle began, but Hannah’s phone rang.

“I’ll take this,” Hannah said, glancing at the screen, relieved to escape the conversation. Secretly, she didn't want Oscar to return. While not personal, she knew his absence signaled strategic maneuvers. She understood Oscar remained with Una to control the Collins family. She could be a passive observer or an active participant.