Chapter 915: Oscar's Low Point

Hannah's voice conveyed indifference. "Okay then," she said. "I won't disturb you anymore. See you."

"See you," Oscar replied, his voice trailing off as he hung up. He stared blankly at the phone, silent for a long time. Theodore, watching him, noted Oscar's detachment; he seemed utterly removed from reality. Worried, Theodore thought Oscar might simply give up if he continued brooding.

"Oscar," Theodore called.

Oscar blinked. "I need to go back to Kensbury."

"Now?!" Theodore exclaimed, incredulous. This was a crucial moment; leaving now could be disastrous.

Oscar nodded.

"Are you crazy? You've waited so long! Why now?! What if something happens while you're gone?" Theodore's anxiety was palpable. With Rowan's simmering anger, an explosion felt imminent. Yet Oscar wanted to return home, giving Rowan an opportunity.

"It's Sal's birthday today," Oscar explained.

Theodore, rarely attentive to dates, even his own son's, was taken aback. This explained Oscar's subdued demeanor that morning. Theodore felt helpless. He didn't want Oscar to leave, but the thought of Salem not seeing his father for half a year on his birthday was unbearable for both Oscar and Hannah.

"I don't know how much longer I can live," Oscar said.

"What are you talking about?" Theodore protested. There was nothing seriously wrong with Oscar; he was simply being dramatic.

"Regardless of whether we win or lose, I'm not confident," Oscar stated flatly.

Theodore insisted, "Rowan is no match for us."

"No one can guarantee there won't be unexpected events," Oscar countered, looking at Theodore.

Theodore pursed his lips. He knew nothing was 100% certain, but he believed Rowan posed little immediate threat. Oscar, however, was always more cautious, anticipating contingencies Theodore hadn't considered.

"I'm afraid I won't even get to see them one last time," Oscar said, a faint, self-mocking smile playing on his lips. Theodore couldn't bear to see him like this. They were childhood friends, and Theodore knew Oscar's strength. But since Cian's death, Oscar had changed profoundly.

Theodore sighed. "Then go. I'll stay here. Even if Rowan acts, I can respond from the Capital."

Oscar looked up. Theodore nodded. "Since birth, my father has sold my life to your family anyway."

Oscar remained emotional.

"I'll go to hell if you do!" Theodore joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Theodore," Oscar began.

"Don't say anything sentimental," Theodore interrupted. "I'll get goosebumps."

Oscar pursed his lips.

"I'll arrange a private jet," Theodore said, already planning. "Avoid the Collins family; hiding would be best. You should arrive around 7 PM, perfect for dinner."

Oscar nodded.

"Let me handle it," Theodore said, leaving immediately. Watching him go, Oscar considered Theodore a suitable successor.

It was past 5 PM. Susan, Manuel, and Justine arrived at Cooper Manor with gifts for Salem's first birthday. The one-year-old, though unsteady, toddled adorably, a smile playing on his face.

Susan picked him up. "Do you miss me?" she asked.

Salem smiled, four tiny teeth showing.

"Seeing Sal makes me want another baby," Susan said, holding him close. She longed for Salem to have siblings, to have more family, even without a father.

"Just hurry up then!" Justine interjected, trying to take Salem.

Salem, however, clung tightly to Susan, clearly preferring his mother. Justine's face soured with envy, while Susan felt a surge of happiness. Hannah admired Susan's resilience in the face of her mother-in-law's pressure.

"You've been with Manuel so long; where are your babies?" Justine taunted. "You said you were fertile; what happened?"

"My son knows better than anyone if I'm all talk or not," Susan replied confidently.

"What do you mean?!" Justine fumed.

"Manuel, tell her," Susan said, turning to a clearly embarrassed Manuel. Hannah chuckled silently, aware of the reason for their inability to conceive—a matter best left unsaid.

Changing the subject, Hannah asked about the gifts.

"Oh yeah! I skipped work to buy them," Susan exclaimed, forgetting their argument. Justine held back, knowing arguing with Susan was pointless.

Susan carried Salem to the gifts. "I skipped work, and Manuel gave me a dirty look," she said. Manuel remained silent, unhappy she hadn't included him in the shopping trip.

"I thought boys liked toy guns and cars," Susan said, placing Salem on the ground and picking up a toy car. "Do you like it, Sal?"

Salem, though his speech wasn't clear, smiled at the car.