Chapter 948 Oscar's Choice (2)

Oscar's words resonated across the water, firm and resolute. He seemed ready to die with them. Lillian believed he would, choosing to perish alongside them. She wasn't sure she wanted this. Hannah's presence had altered her desires; Hannah's words suggested revenge against Oscar while ensuring Una's well-being.

Lillian trembled at Oscar's unwavering determination, momentarily confused. The detonator rested in her hand. A light press would obliterate everyone aboard.

Hannah, witnessing Lillian's distress, turned and shouted at Oscar, "Una is innocent!"

A pang of pain pierced Oscar's heart. He didn't need persuasion or threats; he simply wished to die, to escape this world.

"She's only one year old! Cian's daughter. She shouldn't bear our grudges!" Hannah glared fiercely. "Don't be so selfish, Oscar!"

He looked at her, eyes red, shaking his head, trying to silence her.

"You've taken responsibility for your family's actions. You must act as a Wells, upholding the family's legacy. Generations sacrificed for this dynasty! After so much bloodshed, will you abandon everything? Can you justify this to them? To your brother?" Hannah demanded.

"Stop," Oscar rasped, his voice low. He'd endured enough of these righteous pronouncements, a source of childhood torment.

"Oscar, you can't be selfish!"

Tears blurred his vision as he stared at Hannah.

"Make a good choice," Hannah said. Her words chipped away at his resolve. He didn't want to choose.

Lillian observed coldly. She now saw Oscar's capacity for feeling, a feeling absent in his relationship with her, but ever-present with Hannah.

A bitter smile touched Lillian's lips. Choosing Hannah meant their mutual demise; choosing Una meant the agony of losing Hannah. Lillian preferred the latter.

Hannah understood Oscar, and Lillian herself. Under different circumstances, they might have been friends.

Lillian's cold voice cut through the air. "For Hannah's sake, I'll give you another chance. I'll count to ten. If you don't choose, I press the button!"

Oscar's throat worked. The suppressed emotions were almost unbearable.

"Ten!"

"Nine!"

"Eight!"

"..."

"Three!" Lillian's voice rose, pausing.

As she reached for "Two," Una cried – her first loud cry since Lillian's escape. The intensity of her wail momentarily weakened Lillian, affecting the others as well.

Hannah saw Oscar's inner turmoil. "You involved Una; it's your responsibility to save her."

Oscar choked back words. Lillian's indifference returned.

"Two!"

Hannah watched, desperate for his decision.

"One..."

"Una," Oscar finally whispered. His choice was clear—Una Wells. He'd forsaken Hannah at the last moment. It was the answer Hannah expected, yet pain pierced her. She knew he would choose Una, not her. This understanding fueled her desire to leave him. She wouldn't compromise, but she wouldn't burden him further. Their relationship ended. She no longer owed Cian Wells anything. Yet, she remained outwardly composed.

Oscar couldn't bear to look at her.

"Are you sure?" Lillian asked, relieved. She intended further torment.

"You chose Una; Hannah dies with me!"

Oscar bit himself, swallowing the blood.

"Hmm," he responded.

Hannah remained calm.

"Hannah, any last words?" Lillian asked, her face oddly kind.

Hannah met Oscar's gaze. "Oscar, we're even."

"I repay your family's debt," she continued.

Oscar wanted to tell her it wasn't her debt, it was his life to forfeit.

"Salem..." Her voice choked on her son's name. He saw her helplessness, feeling his own profound inadequacy.

"Take care of him for me," she whispered, tears finally falling.