Chapter 962: Searching for Besse
Doyle held Besse in his arms, reluctant to comply with Oscar's request. His aversion to Oscar was palpable.
"I visited your country last time for an interview; Queen Carol graciously received me and showed me many of its famous attractions. This time, with Prince Doyle's visit, I'd like to reciprocate her kindness," Oscar explained.
"I won't be staying in Northfield long," Doyle replied.
"The itinerary will naturally center around you, Prince Doyle."
"I'll prioritize my work. If time allows, I'll contact you later."
Doyle felt threatened by Oscar, sensing a rejection he found unsettling.
"Very well, I'll await your word," Oscar nodded, watching Doyle carry Besse away.
Oscar followed them with his gaze until they disappeared. Theodore, beside him, spoke quietly, "She's not Hannah."
Theodore, after years of observing Oscar, knew he’d mistaken Besse for Hannah but hesitated to contradict him.
"I had someone investigate Besse at the fashion show. She's 26, born in Jolencami, daughter of a royal minister who, with his wife, perished in an overseas air crash. Besse became an orphan but was raised by Queen Carol. She and Doyle grew up together, becoming close friends and, at 18, lovers, with the full support of their royal family. They planned to marry at 22."
"However, a week before the wedding, she was in a serious car accident, falling into a coma for a year before miraculously recovering."
Oscar listened, sipping champagne. Theodore produced his phone, displaying photos of Besse from childhood to adulthood.
Oscar reviewed the information and photographs.
"Besse and Doyle share a deep passion for design, fostered by Queen Carol. With the Queen stepping back, they now lead the brand, achieving global recognition," Theodore stated confidently, certain Besse was not Hannah.
The explosion had been devastating; there were likely no survivors. Though Hannah and Lillian's bodies were never recovered—a consequence of the difficult salvage operation in rough waters—Oscar had given up the search. He'd been responsible for finding them while in the hospital himself, fearing more the impact on Oscar than the difficulty of the task. After a day and night of searching, he'd concluded that leaving room for imagination might provide greater solace for the living. Now, he regretted his decision. Short-term pain would have been preferable to this lingering uncertainty. Seeing Hannah's remains would have brought finality.
His concern wasn't about Oscar potentially stealing the Prince of Jolencami's fiancée; it was about Oscar suffering another devastating loss. He couldn't bear to see him endure further blows.
"Can you verify if Doyle visited the capital four years ago?" Oscar asked calmly, handing back the phone.
Theodore slapped his forehead in frustration. "Oscar, you're going to be disappointed."
"Hmm."
Oscar offered little response, watching Besse and Doyle, their happiness a stark contrast to his own discomfort.
"Oscar, it's late. Shall we leave?" Theodore observed Oscar's unwavering gaze.
"You don't need to accompany me," Oscar dismissed him.
Theodore was perplexed. Then, a passing figure caught his eye—the opening model. A mischievous smile spread across his face. He mistakenly believed Oscar was granting him some private time.
"I'll take a walk. Call if needed," he said.
Oscar nodded, his gaze fixed on the figure in the hall, seemingly oblivious to everything else.
Theodore left, straightening his clothes and taking a glass of red wine as he approached the woman.
Little Bunny was chatting with other guests. The banquet was full of wealthy and influential individuals; she needed to network. She was laughing when Theodore approached. Her lips tightened slightly. It had been a long time. This encounter, unexpected, felt awkward. She'd assumed he didn't recognize her. His approach made her nervous. Though her feelings for him were gone, they remained married. They were strangers, their encounters tense.
"May I have the honor of a drink?" Theodore initiated.
Little Bunny was unsure how to respond. Fortunately, the others offered Theodore wine. Aware of the situation between Little Bunny and Theodore, they soon excused themselves, leaving the two alone, amplifying the awkwardness.
"What? You're going to refuse me?" Theodore asked.
Little Bunny suspected mockery. Regardless of their past, her presence there might be embarrassing to him.
Raising her glass, she said, "I'll drink first."
She wanted no further entanglement. If Theodore wanted to address their situation, it should be private. Divorce, she decided, was the best option.