Chapter 917: Turmoil Arises, Susan's Fury
Oscar's presence subtly affected the mood of Salem's birthday party. His absence seemed to improve the atmosphere, a fact Oscar acknowledged but ignored.
"Blow out the candles," Hannah smiled. "Let's all do it together."
Everyone gathered to help Salem extinguish his birthday candles. "Happy birthday, Salem!" they chorused warmly.
Salem, beaming and adorable, reveled in the happiness. Oscar watched silently.
He'd spoken to Hannah by phone and video-chatted with his son, but seeing Salem in person made the reality profoundly different. He reached for a hug, hesitated, fearing Salem wouldn't recognize him or might cry.
Hannah noticed his hesitation but said nothing.
After the candles, Hannah cut the first slice of cake, a servant later distributing the rest. Everyone returned to their seats for dinner. Since Oscar hadn't been seated beforehand, Hannah had a chair added beside Salem, taking a seat on the other side. Salem sat in a child-sized chair.
"Let's raise our glasses! Happy birthday, our dear boy!"
Susan felt Oscar's presence shouldn't overshadow the celebration or punish innocent Salem. She wouldn't allow anyone to take out their anger on her adorable godson.
"Happy Birthday!" Everyone raised their glasses, even Oscar. The toast seemed to restore the convivial atmosphere.
Salem, having eaten earlier, happily devoured his cake, creating a charming mess. Oscar, smiling slightly at his son's cuteness, wiped cream from Salem's face. Salem immediately burst into tears.
The cheerful atmosphere shattered. "What's wrong?" Michelle exclaimed.
Embarrassed, Oscar explained, "I wiped cream from his face. I didn't mean to upset him."
Michelle frowned.
Hannah scooped up Salem, who clung to her as if deeply distressed. "It's nothing. He's probably shy. I'll comfort him," she said, her words causing Oscar a sharp pang of pain. He felt utterly excluded.
Hannah soothed Salem until he calmed, but he refused to return to his highchair, kicking his legs and remaining in her arms. Hannah, unable to feed herself, held him on her lap.
Oscar observed, unable to intervene; his feelings were too complex.
Manuel, noticing Oscar's change in mood, politely asked, "Oscar, can we have a drink?"
Oscar nodded. "Let's get a drink," Manuel said.
The others continued their meal and conversation, but Oscar kept glancing at Hannah, holding Salem protectively, eating little herself.
Michelle approached. "Have some food; let me hold Sal."
"No, thanks, Mom. I'm not hungry. Enjoy yourself," Hannah replied. Michelle then took Salem, leaving the garden with him. Hannah resumed eating, unsure of Michelle's intentions.
Susan raised her glass. "Hannah, let's have a drink."
Watching Manuel and Oscar drink animatedly, Susan felt sullen. Hannah joined them.
After two drinks, Hannah poured another, toasting Manuel. "Manuel, here's to you. If it weren't for you a year ago, Salem and I wouldn't be here."
Manuel smiled, minimizing his contribution. His kindness, however, was undeniable.
Oscar also raised his glass. "Thank you, Manuel," he said solemnly, acknowledging Manuel's life-saving actions.
Manuel, embarrassed by the attention, quickly drank more wine.
Susan, with an ambiguous expression, interjected, "What are you thanking him for? He didn't save your life."
She continued, pointedly provocative, "And what good is your gratitude? When danger arises, you don't know where he is! You can't even protect your wife and child! What's so great about being commander-in-chief? Oscar, let Hannah go. Give her freedom! Isn't it despicable to control her?"
Manuel, unable to bear it, tried to stop her, but Susan, resolute, pushed him away. "Even if I'm beheaded, I have to say it! How dare Oscar treat Hannah like this?!"