Chapter 946: Finally Reunited

On the sea's surface, Oscar's familiar voice rang out. Lillian laughed sarcastically, while Hannah remained calm. Oscar's arrival was no surprise; her primary concern was Lillian's volatile state.

"Lillian," Oscar began, "I admit I used you, but I had no choice. My death was the alternative. Our families are simply competing; the outcome won't affect your safety. Win or lose, you remain the Collins family's princess. If I win, you'll still be Una's mother, and I promise to harm you not!"

Avoiding casualties was his ideal outcome.

Lillian laughed wildly, turning to Hannah. "Do you believe him?"

"What Oscar says is true," Hannah replied.

"You're still helping him," Lillian retorted.

"I'm stating my opinion. Belief is your choice," Hannah said.

"I don't believe him," Lillian declared.

Oscar continued his plea, though the yacht's occupants no longer listened. Hannah patiently awaited Lillian's next move—a long wait.

"Lillian, with my life as collateral, I swear I'll never kill you! Return Una, and aside from our marriage, all else is negotiable!"

Lillian sneered. "What if I want you dead?!" That was her condition.

"Okay," he agreed instantly.

The ease of his agreement fueled Lillian's distrust, but Hannah knew it was genuine; Oscar had prepared meticulously, otherwise, he wouldn't have come personally.

"Oscar, do you think I trust you?" Lillian mocked.

"How can I earn your trust?" he asked.

"You claim to disregard your life for Una. Come alone onto my yacht."

"All right." Another immediate answer.

"Alone!" Lillian insisted.

"Okay!"

"Five minutes!"

Lillian lowered the megaphone, a cold smile directed at Hannah. "Do you think Oscar will try anything?"

"If he didn't care, we'd be dead. But since he does care, we're safe," Hannah stated frankly.

Lillian's hatred burned. She resented Hannah's understanding of and trust in Oscar.

In the darkness, a speedboat detached from a ship. It was Oscar, alone. The dim light obscured his face, yet they recognized him instantly.

The speedboat swiftly docked. As Oscar prepared to board, Winston appeared, gun aimed at his head. Oscar froze. Hannah and Lillian observed from the yacht's upper deck.

"Drop your weapon," Winston commanded.

Oscar removed his shirt, tossing it overboard to prove his innocence, then emptied his pockets, shaking himself to display his lack of weapons. He looked to Lillian for instruction.

"Let him aboard," Lillian instructed.

Winston allowed Oscar onto the yacht, searching him again before escorting him, gun still pointed, to the top deck. They joined Hannah and Lillian.

Oscar stood before them, a few feet away from Hannah, Lillian, and Una. His Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed emotion, his gaze fixed on Lillian while stealing glances at the impassive Hannah.

He wished Hannah weren't there; wished it was a cruel game orchestrated by Lillian.

Hannah's return had saved Una. Oscar fought his emotions as Lillian scrutinized him. "Aren't you going to look at Hannah?" she asked, noting his gaze.

"My priority is Una," he said, his voice strained.

Lillian laughed hysterically, turning to Hannah. "Aren't you angry?"

Hannah replied calmly, "No."

"No? You lived for him, sacrificed for him! And Una is his first concern? Aren't you heartbroken?" Lillian reveled in Oscar's hurt of Hannah, a woman she secretly compared herself to. Now their fates seemed intertwined.

"I anticipated it," Hannah said calmly. "Understanding someone reveals their actions and choices. I'm unsurprised Oscar chose Una. Knowing Una was Cian's child and your relationship temporary, I still intended to leave; I knew he'd always prioritize Una, even if it meant self-sacrifice and abandoning me forever."

Oscar felt a pang of guilt at Hannah's words.

Hannah's understanding had eliminated her expectations.

"Then why return? Why help him die? You're foolish!" Lillian exclaimed.

"I owe Cian my life. Trading it for Una's feels fair. Since death awaits, let another live instead," Hannah explained.