Chapter 960: Encounter at the Banquet

On stage, the spotlight illuminated Doyle and Besse as they received thunderous applause. They stood at the forefront, bowing graciously. Their proximity to Oscar and Theodore was almost intimate.

"I never thought designers could be so handsome," Theodore whispered.

Oscar didn't reply, his gaze fixed on the woman on stage. He'd never seen her before, yet he couldn't look away. Her smile was captivating, stirring something within him, though he dismissed it as inconsequential. It wasn't about her, he told himself.

Their performance concluded with a final bow. As they turned, Oscar was stunned. Theodore noticed the immediate, palpable shift in Oscar's demeanor.

"Oscar?" Theodore asked softly, concerned by Oscar's tense shock. He hadn't seen Oscar like this before. Even in the face of adversity, Oscar usually maintained a composed solitude. Theodore wondered if Oscar had reached a point of letting go, a feeling amplified by the fact that Oscar had always efficiently solved problems, almost robotically, without apparent emotional investment. But this was different. Intense emotion was plainly visible.

Following Oscar's gaze, Theodore gasped at the sight of the woman's back. She looked remarkably like Hannah. The silhouette vividly recalled their last encounter in Kensbury City at Celina's product launch. Had he not seen her face earlier, he would have mistaken her for Hannah. No wonder Oscar reacted so strongly! The woman who held a place in his heart had reappeared, though obviously this was only someone with a similar appearance. Theodore's throat tightened as he texted, "Find all information on Karami's designer, Besse." "Got it!" came the immediate reply.

By the time Theodore finished texting, Besse had taken her final bow and exited. The fashion show concluded; lights brightened as staff ushered guests to the evening banquet. Everyone departed except Oscar, who remained seated, staring at the spot where Besse had stood. Her back remained imprinted in his mind.

"Oscar," Theodore finally said, after everyone else had left, "everyone's gone."

"Do you think she looked like her?" Oscar asked quietly.

Theodore hesitated, unsure how to respond without causing further pain. "Why don't we see for ourselves?" he suggested.

A glimmer of hope flickered in Oscar's eyes. "I've arranged to meet Doyle early," Theodore continued. "We might see Besse again."

Oscar nodded silently, his clenched fists betraying his eagerness. Theodore guided Oscar through Karami's banquet hall, escorted by staff.

The room buzzed with high-profile guests, though none could rival Oscar's prestige in Northfield. His arrival drew immediate attention; many approached, offering drinks and conversation, but Theodore politely declined, explaining they were Karami's guests and preferred privacy. The other guests respected their wishes, offering polite greetings as they passed.

Meanwhile, Susan, Salem, and Una observed Oscar and Theodore from afar. "I thought Oscar would just attend and leave," she murmured. "I can't believe he's staying for the banquet."

"He probably has official business," Manuel replied.

"With whom?" Susan asked, confused.

Manuel sighed. Hadn't he mentioned Karami's boss's identity?

"But I don't know the boss," Susan said, looking around for Queen Carol.

"Doyle," Manuel said, "He's the queen's son."

"What?!" Susan exclaimed, her voice loud enough to attract attention. Embarrassed, she cleared her throat. "So Doyle's a prince."

"Yes," Manuel replied calmly.

"No wonder he looks so different," Susan commented. "Many are handsome, but it's rare to find someone so handsome and with such an aristocratic aura."

"Auntie, is it okay to talk about other men like that in front of Uncle Manuel?" Salem interrupted.

Susan quickly said, "Of course I only love you; I only appreciate others' beauty."

Manuel ignored them as they ate cake.

"Jealous?" Susan teased.

"No," Manuel replied, expressionless.

"Come on, you are. Open your mouth, I'll feed you some cake!"

Manuel finally relented. They appeared a sweet couple, seemingly oblivious to their children.

"Sal, can we get more cake?" Una whispered, holding Salem's hand to avoid disturbing their parents.

Salem watched his godparents before leading Una towards another area with more cakes. Manuel noted their departure but wasn't worried, given their proximity and the security of the location. He allowed them space to explore.

They reached an area brimming with pastries.

"I want that pink one," Una pointed, struggling to reach it. Salem was taller but still couldn't reach.

"Is this what you want?" A sweet, gentle voice sounded beside them.