Chapter 924 Destined

"Are you sure it was my cousin who suggested this?" Manuel asked, his brows furrowed with concern.

"Do you think I'd lie?" Hannah retorted.

"I just find it hard to believe," Manuel said thoughtfully. He suspected a hidden motive behind Oscar's decision, perhaps an impending move against the Collines, a move that would undoubtedly be dangerous. Ensuring Hannah's safety meant taking her somewhere secure, away from the danger.

However, he knew Oscar wouldn't reveal his reasons. Telling Hannah the truth wouldn't change anything, only adding to his own burden; yet, offering false hope was equally unacceptable, even if Oscar won, unforeseen circumstances could still arise. Until the situation resolved, Oscar would remain silent.

"Manuel," Hannah said, sensing his silence.

"Hmm?" He refocused. Since Oscar remained silent, he would respect his decision.

"Oscar wants me overseas," Hannah stated. Considering everything, his actions weren't surprising. "When are you leaving?" he asked.

"Next Wednesday."

"So soon?" Manuel exclaimed, his mind racing. Was his cousin really going after the Collines so quickly? Years ago, during their internal power struggle, Oscar had hesitated because Lillian was pregnant. Even if they'd had a chance to defeat the Collines then, their inaction allowed the threat to fester. The Collines' activities during this time were unknown. Now, this sudden action seemed rash.

But Oscar, he believed, never acted rashly. He must have prepared for everything.

"I won't tell Susan I'm leaving Northfield," Hannah said with a smile. "She wouldn't accept it, and might confront Oscar."

Despite the smile, her heart felt uneasy. She knew Susan wouldn't easily accept her departure.

"That's possible," Manuel agreed. "I won't tell her." Perhaps she would return soon.

"Susan is in your hands," Hannah said solemnly.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of her."

"I trust you completely," Hannah said. "You're the only person who makes me feel at ease."

Manuel blushed, easily embarrassed since childhood.

"Well then, I won't disturb you," Hannah said, fearing prolonged conversation would only intensify their emotions.

"Hannah," Manuel called before she disconnected.

"Yes?"

"Don't be too disappointed with my cousin."

"I won't," Hannah replied calmly. "When there are no expectations, there is no disappointment."

Manuel was surprised by her detached perspective, finding it more unsettling than disappointment.

"Alright then," Manuel said after a silence. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Hannah remained silent for a long time after the call, allowing herself to process her emotions.

A week later, Theodore saw them off. After that, Oscar vanished from Hannah's life. No calls, texts, or meetings. Hannah wasn't surprised to see Theodore; Oscar's sending his most trusted person was a thoughtful gesture.

"Is everything packed?" Theodore asked.

"Yes. We took what we could; Manuel and Susan will mail the rest," Hannah replied.

"Alright. Let's go."

Hannah held Salem as they entered a car, Lorie, Miguel, and Michelle following in another. Theodore sat beside Hannah, a quiet journey. Salem, unaccustomed to outings beyond their garden, was fascinated by the world outside. Theodore observed Salem's delighted waving in the rearview mirror.

"Salem has grown so big," Theodore began.

"Hmm," Hannah murmured, aware of the time passed since Oscar last saw Salem.

"Time flies," Theodore sighed.

"Yeah." Time, indeed, diluted emotions.

"Salem looks like Oscar," Theodore added.

Hannah remained silent, unwilling to pursue the topic. Theodore sensed her shift in mood and fell silent.

They arrived at a secure private airport, befitting their secretive departure. As they prepared to board, Theodore hesitated.

"Hannah..."

"Yes?"

He was silent.

"Something you want to talk about privately?" she asked.

He nodded slowly. Hannah passed Salem to Michelle. "I'll catch up soon, okay?"

Michelle, despite her dislike for Oscar and his associates, couldn't refuse her daughter and departed with a parting remark, "Don't take too long; Salem will cry."

"Okay."

Michelle and the others boarded first. Hannah joined Theodore aside. Their conversation was brief; Theodore wasn't a talkative person.

"Hannah, take care of yourself," he finally said.

Hannah pursed her lips. "Take good care of Oscar."

Theodore looked at her.

"This is the only kindness I can give him," Hannah said frankly. Theodore nodded, acknowledging the enduring wounds.

"Take care!"

Hannah turned and left, tears welling up at that moment of departure. But much was Oscar's own choice. She respected him, and she let him go.

Theodore watched them board the plane. He sent Oscar a message: "Hannah has gone," along with a picture of the plane in the sky.

Oscar, in his spacious office, gazed out at the endless sky. In the end, he and Hannah had parted ways.