Chapter 926 The Outbreak of War (2)

“Oscar?” Lillian gasped, clutching the phone. His call sent her heart racing. She had no idea why he was calling, a mixture of anticipation and dread churning within her. It felt like torture.

“Is Una awake?” Oscar asked, his voice laced with worry. His concern for her daughter, whether genuine or feigned, touched Lillian. He had clearly devoted himself to Una, even sacrificing Hannah and his own son—perhaps for Cian, but still. Yet, she was conspiring to murder him. Tears welled in her eyes; unspoken words choked her.

“Lillian?” Oscar’s soft voice broke through her turmoil.

“She hasn’t woken up yet,” Lillian managed, calming herself. “Still sleeping. Una’s a little sleepyhead.”

A chuckle, gentle and indulgent, came from the other end. “Children who sleep well grow well.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Lillian, are you crying?” Oscar’s voice held a note of concern, detecting her stifled sobs.

Lillian bit her lip, terrified that any movement might arouse his suspicion.

“I’ll be back soon,” Oscar murmured, his low, magnetic voice unusually tender. “I’m having someone send you a gift. I’m not very good at being romantic,” he added with a hint of self-deprecation. “I’ll improve.” His words, along with the promised flowers, made Lillian’s hand tremble. She’d never expected a gift from him after leaving Northfield.

“I’m almost at the airport now. I’ll contact you when I arrive. Take care of yourself and Una.”

“Okay.”

Lillian remained silent, her choice made. She had chosen her father.

After hanging up, she wept uncontrollably. Looking at Una, sleeping soundly, Lillian replayed every moment with Oscar. Sorry, Oscar, she thought. Fate has cruelly separated us.

Her eyes hardened, then softened for a fleeting second as she remembered his promised flowers—the first and last gift he would ever give her. Reluctantly, she placed Una back in the bed, wanting to wait for his gift. Oscar had left Northfield; he was no longer a threat.

In the car, Theodore observed Oscar’s icy expression. He understood why Oscar had sent Hannah away, why he’d ended their relationship. Oscar couldn’t accept his own tenderness towards another woman, especially not after Hannah.

They arrived at the airport. Collins family members, monitoring Oscar’s every move, mingled with his entourage.

Oscar boarded the plane with Theodore and his bodyguards. A silent exchange of glances passed between Oscar and Theodore. Theodore, ostensibly heading to the bathroom, swiftly produced a weapon and eliminated a bodyguard. A coordinated attack ensued, eliminating most of the bodyguards. There might be innocent casualties, but Oscar tolerated no weakness.

Oscar and Theodore quickly changed clothes and slipped away before takeoff, escaping to a waiting car. The remaining bodyguards departed on the plane, while Oscar and Theodore prepared their own ambush for Rowan.

Back at the castle, Lillian waited anxiously for the flowers, unable to decide whether to leave. Each moment felt agonizing.

A phone call startled her. She bit her lip before answering, “Father.”

“Why haven’t you come out yet?” Rowan demanded, his voice edged with irritation.

“Lillian,” he interrupted coldly, “Don’t disappoint me. I’m acting now. We have no other options. Don’t become our family’s eternal sinner!”

“I know… I just…”

“Oscar’s gone. You must come out now! If you don’t, I’ll force my way in. If you or Una are harmed, I won’t be responsible!”

“I’ll bring Una out immediately,” Lillian replied hesitantly.

“Don’t be soft-hearted. After this, you’ll live better than anyone!” Rowan’s tone softened.

“Okay.”

Lillian hung up, taking a deep breath. She picked up Una, pinching her hard. Una’s cry filled the room. Lillian felt remorse, but the goal demanded this cruelty.

“Come on! We need to go to the hospital!” Lillian cried, her anxiety fueling her voice.

The castle guard captain approached. “Madam.”

“Send a car to the hospital!”

“But the Commander’s orders…” he hesitated.

“If anything happens to Una under your watch, will you take responsibility?!” Lillian’s voice was sharp.

The captain dared not refuse.

“Prepare a car!” Lillian insisted, her face grim.

The captain reluctantly complied.

As Lillian was escorted towards the hospital, she glanced back at the castle, tears streaming down her face. Leaving meant a final farewell.