Chapter 922: Lillian's Doubts

Lillian felt a sudden flutter in her chest as she pondered Oscar's words. Her heart raced uncontrollably as she gazed at him intently, unsure if she'd misunderstood. Did he believe he was hurting her? She couldn't fathom why he'd suddenly think so. Had he discovered something? Or had he developed feelings for her, too?

Lillian bit her lip, fearing wishful thinking. She'd long given up on any romantic prospects with Oscar, a surrender born more of reluctance than acceptance. She couldn't deny lingering feelings.

"I know you like me," Oscar declared unexpectedly.

Lillian's body jolted. She stared at him, wide-eyed and silent, biting her lip harder.

"I'll try to like you back in the future," he continued.

Tears welled in her eyes as doubts resurfaced. Was this another lie? Despite her uncertainty, his words struck her hard. She'd never imagined someone like Oscar expressing such sentiments. She'd accepted his love for Hannah as immutable, resigned to manipulating him through deprivation. This was unexpected.

"Is what you said true?" she asked, her voice choked with emotion.

Oscar affirmed it.

"But why didn't you leave me and Una for Hannah?"

"I can never let go of Una," he emphasized.

Lillian didn't doubt that. Between Una and Hannah, Oscar would undoubtedly choose Una—a debt to Cian. Yet, she still couldn't believe he'd forsake Hannah for Una. Could he truly do it?

"I may not have fallen for you as quickly as you did for me, but I'll adjust my feelings and try to forget Hannah soon," Oscar said. "Just give me some time."

"As long as you need!" Lillian exclaimed, her emotions overwhelming her. If Oscar wanted to be with her, they could build a good life together.

"I never thought about liking you before," Lillian continued, calming slightly. "I always thought I liked Cian—well, actually I still do, but thinking of him now only hurts. That feeling isn't love anymore; it's regret. But seeing how attentive and caring you are towards Una has touched me. It makes me imagine a real family with you, giving Una a real home."

Oscar nodded calmly, as if anticipating her words.

"I feel so selfish," Lillian confessed, tears streaming down her face. "You should have been with Hannah, but because of me…" She choked back emotion. "Oscar, after losing Cian, I'm so grateful I met you."

Oscar hadn't intended to use Lillian, but Una's safety necessitated actions against his conscience. Even while deceiving Lillian, he didn't want to further hurt Hannah or be in a relationship while betraying her.

He hugged her gently. For the first time, Lillian felt Oscar truly by her side, no longer distant.

"Go to bed early," he said softly.

"You too."

Oscar released her. He only wanted to comfort her, with no intention of going further. Lillian, of course, never expected this. She was willing to give him time.

She watched him leave, feeling unreal. Her anxieties lingered, yet Oscar's kindness lessened her guard. She liked him too much; his smallest kindnesses completely disarmed her.

Suddenly, the phone rang. A shadow fell over Lillian's face as she answered. "Father,"

"Is Oscar there?" Rowan asked.

"Yes," Lillian replied.

"Yes?" Rowan sounded surprised.

"He left the capital for a few hours, but he's back."

"Oscar isn't as easy as we thought!" Rowan exclaimed angrily. He was unpredictable and powerful.

"But it doesn't matter," Rowan continued. "In ten days, I've arranged an overseas interview for him. He'll have no choice but to leave."

Lillian bit her lip.

"Then we'll follow our plan," Rowan said viciously.

Lillian remained silent, seemingly distracted.

"Lillian?" Rowan asked, suspicious.

"Uh-huh?" she hastened to explain. "Are we confident in taking him down? He's not easy. If we fail, we're all doomed."

"Don't worry. I'm confident."

"But…"

"What's wrong tonight?" Rowan's tone was displeased.

"It's nothing… I'm just afraid something unexpected might happen."

"Don't worry, even if we fail, we have an ace up our sleeve. Oscar will fall into our hands!"

"Okay," Lillian agreed.

"Lillian, any concerns?" Rowan sensed her reluctance.

"No," Lillian quickly denied.

"Don't let Oscar deceive you. Only family will never betray you. Someone like Oscar, not on our side, can never truly be good to you!"

Lillian nodded. A hint of cruelty flickered in her eyes. Her father was right. She couldn't trust Oscar so easily. He might be deceiving her.