Chapter 933: Lillian's Escape (2) Hatred

Inside the warehouse, as Oscar pretended to leave, he noticed a mark on the floor near his foot. He switched on his phone's flashlight, illuminating the ground. Scrawled there, in blood, were the words: "Theodore!"

Theodore, alerted by Oscar's voice, rushed in, his concern for Lillian paramount. He feared she might intend to die with Oscar.

"Oscar!"

Oscar, remarkably calm, said, "Look at this."

Theodore saw a locator, previously attached to Una, which had led them here. Beside it, the chilling message: "OSCAR, I HATE YOU!"

"She found it!" Theodore exclaimed, realizing Lillian had deliberately lured them while escaping. "Search the place!"

The guards swarmed in, but soon reported, "Commander, Captain, no sign of her."

Lillian's escape, though anticipated, was a setback. Oscar remained silent, his distress palpable. Una's disappearance was now a desperate search for a needle in a haystack.

Theodore ordered, "Fan out across the neighborhood. Check all ferries and watercraft departing since 3 PM. Issue an all-points bulletin for Lillian. Report immediately; avoid alerting her."

"Yes, sir!"

Theodore studied the blood-soaked message. What depth of hatred could inspire such a gruesome act? He turned to Oscar, worried he might relapse into his destructive past, and concerned for Una's safety.

Oscar, his lips pursed, said, "Una needs milk. We need to check all baby formula retailers."

Theodore, surprised by Oscar's clarity, replied, "I'll arrange it immediately."

"Theodore," Oscar continued, "Post Una's disappearance on all major media, offering a large reward. Now!"

"But won't Lillian find out? Won't she do something extreme?" Theodore worried.

"That's the point," Oscar said firmly. "I want her threatened by Una's importance to me. I want her to use Una as leverage."

Theodore understood. Direct contact was preferable to a blind search. However, the potential consequences—Oscar's willingness to sacrifice himself—weighed heavily on him.

News of Una's disappearance spread rapidly, creating a national uproar, even reaching Hannah overseas. She had settled safely after leaving Northfield, aware that the Collins family’s demise meant little unless something drastic changed. Una had become the victim.

On the day Hannah left, Theodore had explained their pursuit of the Collins family and their reason for sending her away. Watching the news, Hannah's concern for Una, and Oscar's vulnerability, overwhelmed her. Cian's death had been a devastating blow, but this time, Oscar had put Una at risk.

Tears welled, as she thought of Cian's daughter.

"Hannah," Michelle called, bringing her back to reality.

Her mother said, "Your father saw the news about the Collins family. They say Una Wells is missing… Do you know anything?"

Michelle’s realization dawned: "Did Oscar send us away for revenge? Is he protecting us? Is he trying to start over with you?"

Hannah spoke slowly, "If something happens to Una, Oscar and I will never have another chance."