Chapter 991: The Worst Teammate

In the lobby, Oscar watched Besse intently, observing the unfolding scene. The world seemed to quiet, everything exceptionally beautiful, until Susan's voice interrupted.

"Oscar, don't tell me you concocted this sneaky plan just to keep Besse here…" Susan's words trailed off as she saw Besse sitting in the lobby. Embarrassment flooded her face; her mouth hung open in surprise.

Oscar glared at Susan, deeming her the worst teammate imaginable. They remained motionless until Max emerged from a room and approached Besse.

"Miss Besse, your room is ready. Would you like to see it?" Max asked kindly.

Besse, awkward after Susan's outburst, released Salem's leash and offered Max a faint smile before leaving with him.

Susan watched them go, then turned back to Oscar, her eyes fixed on him. "Wow, you went all out for this," she said sarcastically, gripping Manuel's hand. "Hubby, I want to go home."

Manuel was at a loss. They had planned to leave soon, but after hearing about Besse's plagiarism scandal on the news, Susan suspected Oscar's involvement, believing his feelings for Besse were evident. Driven by curiosity, she convinced Manuel to come, hoping to uncover the truth. Now, seeing Besse already living in Oscar's house, she was incredulous. He certainly knew how to charm women.

She recalled Hannah, another who'd fallen for his indifferent playboy act, but now… for reasons she couldn't quite articulate, she didn't mind seeing Oscar and Besse together; perhaps because their resemblance subconsciously reminded her of Hannah.

"Wait," Oscar called out as he saw Susan hurrying Manuel away.

Susan was startled. Staring at him wide-eyed, she exclaimed, "You're not thinking of killing someone, are you? I'm pregnant! The baby carries your family's bloodline! Aunt Justine—Justine Wells—said we'll change the surname to Wells after the birth. You can't do something so extreme!"

Oscar was speechless, as was Manuel. Then, Oscar said, "Come to my study," before turning and swiftly departing.

"Hubby, I don't want to go…" Susan watched his back, hesitant to confront him after her outburst.

"He's not that crazy," Manuel sighed. "Besides, even if you refuse, and he wants to retaliate… you won't escape."

"Manuel," Susan whispered, "Was this guy trying to scare me?"

"Let's go." Manuel took her hand and followed Oscar to his study.

The door locked behind them, sending a shiver down Susan's spine. Manuel embraced her, understanding her apprehension.

"Phantom," Oscar began, "Find out what connection this designer has with Hannah."

"Are you insane?!" Susan retorted sarcastically. "Everyone seems like Hannah now!"

Oscar glanced at Susan, then addressed Manuel. "I asked Theodore to investigate Phantom's background. This designer has been releasing works for years; it's not a pseudonym Hannah previously used. Theodore identified Phantom: a small designer from Kensbury."

He handed Phantom's file to Susan and Manuel. Susan's interest piqued; she quickly scanned the file. As soon as she saw Minerva Bird's information:

29 years old Born in Kensbury Attended Lancy Nursery School, Kensbury Elementary School, and Kensbury Chingho High School…

"Isn't this our classmate?" Susan asked. She had a sharp memory for faces and names.

Manuel, after his wife's reminder, recalled Minerva Bird—indeed, a classmate at Chingho High.

Oscar nodded. "Yes, she was Hannah's classmate for three years. But when 'Phantom' released this design, she was 21 and in college. There seems to be no connection to Hannah."

"If there's no connection, why investigate?" Susan asked.

"I've examined all of Phantom's work. Except for the Angel series, they're ordinary and unlike the 'Angel' designs. If not for the sudden inspiration of the Angels, the designs have nothing to do with 'Phantom'," Oscar explained.

"Could 'Angel's' poor initial reception have prompted a shift in style?" Susan guessed.

"Angel wasn't her first design. Before that series, she participated in competitions and had designs published. Her earlier work resembled her current style," Oscar replied.

"So you're convinced the Angel series isn't hers," Susan concluded.

But if 'Phantom' didn't design the "Angel" series, neither did Besse, who'd been abroad. How could she have released a draft here unless she was part of Northfield?

Susan looked directly at Oscar. "Do you still think Besse is Hannah?!"

Oscar's implication was clear: Phantom used Hannah's designs; Besse used Phantom's—therefore, Besse used Hannah's designs. Besse was Hannah; the "Angel" series was Besse's design. Susan was impressed with her own deduction.

Oscar didn't answer, saying instead, "Hannah must have left behind drafts. I can't go to Kensbury. You grew up with Hannah; you know where she kept things. Please find anything related to the 'Angel' series design."