Chapter 920 "Goodbye, Oscar"

He watched Salem cling protectively to Hannah, as if fearing a permanent separation. It was clear Salem disliked him and rejected his attempts at bonding. Oscar wanted to hold Salem a little longer, despite the crying, unsure when—or if—he'd have another chance. But he knew forcing himself on them would only worsen his relationship with Hannah. He didn't want to leave a worse impression than he already had.

Michelle noticed Salem had returned to Hannah's arms and went to prepare formula. Oscar remained, watching silently. Hannah considered speaking several times but waited until Oscar left of his own accord. He was reasonable; when it was time to leave, he would.

As Michelle gave Hannah the bottle, and she began feeding Salem, Oscar continued to stare intently at the mother and child. He knew what he should do but found himself unable, strongly attached as he was. Though he'd prepared for this, the pain was unacceptable. His throat tightened. He stared at his son, a miniature version of himself, happily sucking on his bottle. He also looked at Hannah, her full attention on Salem, her face radiating a beautiful, warm maternal love. He carefully noted every detail, etching it into his memory.

"Are you staying tonight?" Michelle suddenly asked. A flutter went through Oscar's chest. He wanted to say yes, but it wasn't possible. Before he could speak, Hannah said, "He's leaving soon, Mom. You can go."

Michelle left. Hannah focused on Salem. He'd been unusually excited today—perhaps knowing it was his birthday—and hadn't slept much. Though it wasn't late, he'd already fallen asleep nursing.

Hannah put down the bottle and picked up Salem, Oscar still lingering. She looked up at him and asked if he wanted to hold Salem now that he was asleep. She thought he might. Sometimes blood ties were hard to sever; she couldn't imagine leaving Salem.

But Oscar shook his head. Initially, he'd wanted to, but changed his mind, fearing it would make leaving even harder, especially as this couldn't be delayed.

Hannah furrowed her brow. What did this mean? Why didn't he leave?

"I'll take Salem upstairs," she said, preparing to leave. Whatever happened with Oscar no longer concerned her.

"Do you hate me?" Oscar asked unexpectedly.

Her body stiffened slightly before she answered honestly, "I used to." She'd also once loved him, but those feelings were past.

Oscar nodded silently.

"Leave," Hannah urged. "Since you've made your choice, take responsibility for your family."

Oscar's throat worked.

"Goodbye, Oscar."

"...Goodbye," Oscar murmured.

Hannah took Salem upstairs. Oscar left. His steps were heavy, as if burdened. Hannah watched him from the second-floor balcony, a lone figure in the darkness. His tall frame seemed inexplicably lonely. Even without seeing his face clearly, she sensed he was like a walking corpse. Finally, tears streamed down her face—relief or sorrow, she couldn't say. The experience was etched in her memory; it was enough to make her cry.

Oscar returned to the capital late that night. He didn't leave the car upon arrival. Since leaving Hannah, he hadn't spoken, smoking silently, his bodyguard standing respectfully outside, unwilling to disturb him.

After a while, his phone rang. It was Theodore.

"Theodore."

His voice was low and hoarse, as if from the depths of an abyss. Theodore sensed his despair.

"Are you back?" Theodore asked, surprised. He'd been tracking Oscar and found his quick return strange; he'd expected him to spend more time with Hannah and Salem. Was he becoming more rational? They had little time before Rowan discovered Oscar's return to Kensbury. Clearly, Rowan was still unaware.

Theodore suspected a quarrel with Hannah. Otherwise, why return so soon?

"I need you to prepare something; I'm sending Hannah abroad," Oscar said bluntly.

Theodore was taken aback. "What did you say?"

"Send Hannah and Salem abroad," Oscar repeated, "secretly, to a safe country."

"Why?"

"I don't want them to take risks because of me."

"But..." Theodore understood, but sending Hannah away might anger her. She'd suffered so much leaving him before, and now, just as she'd settled, he was sending her away.

"Well, for both Hannah and Salem, I've already been the worst," Oscar said.

"Do we really have to go this far? How strong is Rowan, really?!" Theodore felt they could defeat Rowan.