Chapter 998: Despicable

"Has the press conference started?" Oscar asked.

"The Twitter trends indicate it's live-streamed," Theodore replied.

"Give me the location."

"You're not going, are you? Commander, it's risky to appear publicly like this. Reconsider!" Theodore exclaimed.

"You're unbelievably foolish," Oscar retorted, hanging up.

Theodore was speechless. He'd done nothing wrong, yet Oscar treated him so shabbily. He quickly sent Oscar the address.

Oscar called Manuel. "Forget Phantom; you're too late."

"Phantom's suing Besse," Manuel said.

"Bring your evidence to the Capitol; meet me at the press conference," Oscar instructed.

"You're planning to..." Manuel trailed off, understanding Oscar's intentions.

"Yes," Oscar confirmed.

"Okay," Manuel agreed.

"Bring Susan; it'll be easier to collaborate."

"Alright."

Oscar hesitated before calling Besse. She was in her car when Doyle informed her of Phantom's lawsuit. She'd hoped for a private resolution. While reviewing news reports, she received a call from Oscar.

"Mr. Commander?" She answered hesitantly.

"Wait there; I'll pick you up."

"What's this about?"

"Phantom's suing you."

"I know," Besse replied indifferently, masking her stress. "I'll handle it."

"I doubt you can manage this alone," he countered confidently, infuriating her.

"You admitted plagiarism! How will you handle it?"

"At least I'll take responsibility," Besse retorted angrily.

"It's not your fault."

"I don't need your help!"

"I'll be there soon."

Oscar hung up. Besse seethed, furious at his high-handedness. She noticed their driver had pulled over. The car doors were locked.

"I need to get out!" she demanded.

"Miss Besse, the Commander will see you shortly."

"I need to get out!" Besse insisted.

"I'm sorry, Miss Besse, please don't embarrass me," the driver replied respectfully. She couldn't defy Oscar's orders.

Ten minutes later, a black sedan arrived. A man opened Besse's car door. "Miss Besse, please…"

Besse suppressed her anger and entered the sedan, where Oscar waited.

Before she could react, Oscar said, "I'll take you to the press conference." She was stunned.

"Speak frankly," he added.

"You're planning to humiliate me publicly?!" Besse exclaimed, assuming he wanted her to apologize.

"I said, it's not your fault," Oscar insisted.

"I dislike you."

"I know."

He knew she hated him; he was beginning to hate himself, too. Silence hung heavy in the car.

They arrived at a luxurious hotel. As Besse reached for the door, Oscar grasped her hand.

Besse frowned.

"Not yet. We'll go in later," Oscar said.

"Why should I listen to you?"

"Because… you can't resist," Oscar said, looking at her.

Besse sneered. "Oscar, you're unbelievable." Her anger prevented polite address.

"Did you pretend to be gentle?" she asked.

Oscar remained silent.

"What's your purpose?" she demanded.

He hesitated. Would she believe he wanted to protect her, to improve her life? Probably not.

"Do you like me?" Besse asked unexpectedly. He'd thought his feelings were concealed.

"So, Susan's claim was true? You exposed the plagiarism, forcing me to stay in Northfield."

Oscar looked surprised. He hadn't countered Susan because he assumed Besse wouldn't believe him.

"Now I'm leaving, letting Phantom sue me, forcing me to stay until the case ends," Besse continued coldly. "What excuse will you use then?"

"Do you think I'm despicable?" Oscar asked, his voice low, angry, and strained.

"Oscar, we're not close. All I know is you're pursuing me despite my boyfriend. Can someone with such morals be trusted? I can't trust you." Besse wrenched her hand free, wiping it as if soiled.

She tried to open the door, but it was locked. She pulled angrily.

"Open it," Oscar said, his voice low, controlled. The driver unlocked the door. Besse stormed out, leaving Oscar heartbroken.

"Follow her," Oscar commanded coldly.

"Yes, sir."

"Don't let her know."

"Yes, sir."

Even watching from afar might soon be impossible.