Chapter 997: Another Storm is Brewing

"Whether it's plagiarism or not, you should know better than anyone," Oscar said casually.

"Maybe I forgot," Besse replied, concealing her amnesia.

"If you forgot, don't you want to try and remember?"

"Sometimes," Besse admitted. "In situations like this, I wish I could remember, so things wouldn't be so passive. But most of the time, if I forgot, I figure it wasn't worth remembering. Why agonize over painful memories if I don't want to recall them?"

Oscar's throat tightened. Why should she agonize? He nodded silently, agreeing with her. Besse remained quiet, sensing he somehow knew about her amnesia. Whether he did or not was irrelevant; she was simply sharing her thoughts.

After breakfast, Besse lingered, checking the time, seemingly waiting for someone. Oscar couldn't urge her; they sat on separate couches, some distance apart. A commotion in the lobby announced Salem and Una waking. Una, seeing Besse, excitedly ran towards her. "Miss Besse!"

Besse hugged Una, lifting her into her arms. Salem watched, a little envious; he longed for the warmth of her embrace.

"Will you stay at our house forever?" Una asked innocently.

Besse shook her head. "Nope! I have to leave soon." She had been waiting for Salem to wake; she felt she needed to say goodbye to him before leaving.

"Why do you have to go?" Una asked.

Salem, less expressive than his sister, silently shared her reluctance.

"Because this isn't my home," Besse explained patiently. "I need to go back home."

"Why can't it be your home too?"

"Home isn't just a place," Besse said gently. "Home is where loved ones are."

"What are loved ones?"

"Like your dad and brother—family."

"Oh," Una seemed to grasp it partially. "So, are you going back to your parents?"

Besse's throat tightened. She didn't have parents; they died in an accident when she was young. The news, however, hadn't felt inherently sad; it was as if it had happened to someone else.

"It's kind of like that," she replied vaguely.

"Can you stay a few more days? I want to play with you," Una pleaded.

"Maybe next time…" Besse's voice trailed off. There might not be a next time, and she didn't want to deceive the child.

"No! Why can't you stay? Don't you like me?" Tears welled in Una's eyes.

"There are things adults understand that children don't. You'll know when you grow up," Besse said, unable to fully explain, evading the question.

Una remained upset despite Besse's gentle pats. While comforting her, Besse noticed Salem standing silently, his lips pursed, unlike his usual obedient self. His reluctance tugged at her heart; their connection felt different.

She smiled at Salem. "Salem, I have to go."

Though Una was sweet and lively, Salem's quiet reluctance made Besse feel guilty and heartbroken.

"I hope you become a great man like your dad," she said, blessing him before turning to Oscar. "Thank you, Mr. Commander." This was a request for transportation, as taxis were unavailable.

Oscar nodded, rising from the sofa and escorting Besse out, leaving behind two longing children, especially Salem, whose desire was plain in his eyes. Besse glanced back at him before reluctantly following Oscar.

A black car waited outside the castle. A guard opened the door.

"Thank you," Besse said.

In the car, she turned to Oscar, who was also looking at her. "Thank you," she repeated.

Oscar didn't respond, seemingly unwilling to accept her thanks. Besse pursed her lips; sometimes, adults needed few words.

She got in the car. Oscar watched as the door slammed shut. The car started, slowly pulling away. He remained standing until it vanished from sight, wondering if she felt any reluctance leaving. When the car disappeared, a tear fell, unnoticed.

His phone, ringing incessantly, demanded his attention. "Manuel," he answered, his voice regaining its composure.

"The evidence is ready. Phantom did plagiarize Hannah's work," Manuel stated.

"Talk to Phantom privately. Have her suppress this with minimal harm to Bess," Oscar instructed.

"Don't you want… to talk with Besse?" Manuel asked, surprised. Shouldn't Oscar take advantage of this opportunity?

"She has her own life," Oscar replied calmly. If there were another life, he wouldn't disturb her. Her happiness was enough. This was a new lifetime for her, and he couldn't get closer.

"Oscar,"

"That's all," Oscar hung up, fearing he'd change his mind.

As he prepared to return home, another call came.

"Oscar! Phantom's holding a press conference, accusing Besse of plagiarism! She's threatening legal action!"