Chapter 992 Daddy Likes You So Much!

Susan finally understood Oscar's intentions. She looked at him and said bluntly, "Oscar, Besse is not Hannah. I've asked her. Don't be delusional."

Oscar ignored her. He had his own answer.

"I'm not joking," Susan insisted. "I wish Besse were Hannah, but she isn't. You're being stubborn." She didn't much like Oscar anymore, not after seeing his decline these past few years. Besides, he hadn't killed Hannah.

People are forgetful and easily swayed. Susan even berated herself for her misplaced belief.

"Hannah was a designer," she argued. "She wouldn't have been indifferent to stolen designs. She would have fought for her rights."

"Assuming Hannah is willing to expose herself as a designer," Oscar retorted, silencing her.

At the time, Susan didn't know Hannah was a designer, capable of creating such beautiful dresses. She wanted to refute Oscar's claim; Besse had explicitly denied being Hannah, and Susan believed her.

Manuel interjected, "We'll handle this."

"Manuel?" Susan was stunned. He'd firmly insisted Besse wasn't Hannah. Why the sudden change in front of Oscar? It seemed like a completely different person.

"We'll investigate," Manuel explained to Susan. "Anything's possible."

"So you denied me earlier because I'm easily dismissed?!" Susan's anger flared at Manuel's previous dismissal.

Manuel chuckled, "I didn't think it through. Now I realize, miracles happen."

Susan rolled her eyes. Hadn't he always accused her of fantasizing?

"Let me know if you find anything," Oscar instructed Manuel solemnly before they left, hand in hand.

"Okay," Manuel readily agreed. "Let's go."

After they left, Susan asked if they should say goodbye to Besse.

"Aren't you embarrassed?" Manuel retorted sarcastically, leaving Susan breathless.

Dejected, she followed him.

Oscar went to Besse's room. He took a deep breath before knocking. The door opened.

"Do you need something?" Besse asked.

"It's time to eat," Oscar replied.

Besse checked her watch. It was 3:30 PM; they'd missed lunch and dinner was later.

Oscar explained, "We haven't had lunch, so we'll have dinner now."

Besse realized she hadn't eaten since their flight but lacked an appetite due to the day's events. She nodded.

Oscar turned and walked toward the dining table, keeping his distance from Besse. Was he afraid of offending her?

Besse calmly followed him. Salem was already seated, food displayed before him. She was impressed by the Commander's cuisine compared to what she was used to.

"Dad, so many dishes?" Salem asked Oscar curiously.

"We have guests," Oscar replied simply.

As Besse picked up her utensils, she paused. This meal was clearly prepared for her.

"Thank you," she said politely.

"I hope you enjoy it," Oscar said.

Besse smiled and asked, "Could I have a knife and fork?" People in Jolencami used knives and forks.

"Northfield cuisine is better suited to spoons, but if you prefer, use your spoon," Oscar suggested.

Besse decided to respect local customs. To her surprise, she was comfortable using a spoon.

"Is it alright?" Oscar asked.

"Fine," Besse replied, nodding confidently. Despite his welcome, she sensed distance between them.

However, she didn't dwell on it. Contacting "Phantom" tomorrow morning before leaving Northfield would bring new opportunities.

She lowered her head to eat the braised pork. A familiar taste stopped her; it triggered a strange sense of familiarity, even bringing tears to her eyes, though she couldn't explain why.

"Is it spicy?" Salem asked, noticing Besse's expression.

She regained her composure. "No, it's delicious."

"Max's cooking is the best," Salem declared generously. "This is your first time, Miss Besse. Eat more!"

Salem, usually wary of strangers, had relaxed around Besse. He even seemed eager to get closer.

"Okay," Besse smiled faintly.

She couldn't hide her fondness for Salem.

Oscar silently observed their interaction, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

After dinner, Una woke from her nap. She sleepily entered the living room, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Miss Besse?!"

Besse smiled gently at Una's sleepy appearance. "Happy to see me?"

"Yes!" Una exclaimed, rubbing her eyes. "Daddy will be even happier!"

"Daddy likes you so much! I saw him looking at your pictures every day! You're so pretty!"