Chapter 138: Oscar and Hannah Slayed Everyone

"If you like it, I like it." Oscar's smile was radiant. It was the sincere, pure smile of a man in first love, validated by his beloved.

Hannah mused that if Oscar's past dating history hadn't been public knowledge, she might almost believe he truly liked only her. She walked to his side.

Before she could fully savor the moment, the shop assistant launched into effusive praise. "Oh, gosh, you're both fabulous! A perfect match! You look incredible together; the most beautiful couple in the world!"

Hannah blushed, wondering if their admiration was the reason this expensive dress sold so well. She studied her reflection in the full-length mirror. She'd chosen a silver-gray, form-fitting, long-tailed gown—elegant and unexpectedly complementary to Oscar's suit, though she'd selected it simply because she favored gray lately. Looking at herself, she felt a flicker of self-consciousness; a sense of something almost…scheming. Janet, she knew, would perceive a danger in Hannah's aura.

"I love it," Oscar said suddenly.

Hannah hesitated, unsure if "it" referred to his suit, her dress, or her. The thought made her cheeks flush.

She followed the shop assistant back to the dressing room. Oscar, Theodore, and Thomas waited outside.

By 6:30 pm, the girls' makeup complete, they departed for the banquet. Hannah, Oscar, and Theodore shared a car, driven by Jimmy. Oscar held Hannah's hand tightly, from the dressing room to the car. Her palm was damp with perspiration, yet she couldn't pull away. Theodore, observing their intimacy through the rearview mirror, decided he needed to find someone to love; he couldn't bear to be left feeling so inadequate.

They arrived. Jimmy exited first, opening the door for Oscar. As Oscar stepped out, he offered Hannah his hand. A throng of reporters surrounded the entrance. Hannah and Oscar bypassed them, walking directly inside. Theodore followed, shortly joined by Thomas and Janet.

But as Janet alighted, she announced, "Thomas, I think we should keep our distance going forward."

Thomas's expression shifted. "We broke up."

"Yes, we broke up. So why are you even here?" His tone was emphatic.

"You know I'm here for Oscar."

Thomas' gaze was cold. "I dated you to make Oscar jealous. But it didn't work; it just gave other women opportunities. So, we're done. Let's keep our distance. Avoid trouble. I suggest you leave after I go in."

Janet departed without a word. As she opened the door, Thomas stated plainly, "Oscar doesn't like you. He's liked Hannah for years."

"You think I believe that?" Janet snapped, turning fiercely. "Do you think I'd give up Oscar for you? Keep dreaming!" She slammed the door.

Thomas watched her go, feeling the weight of their years together.

Inside the banquet hall, Oscar and Hannah's arrival created a sensation. All eyes were on them. This was their first public appearance as a married couple, a high-profile debut that astonished everyone.

While Oscar's presence wasn't surprising—he frequently attended such events, deliberately courting publicity—Hannah’s was. She’d maintained a low profile, attending few banquets. Her previous appearances—a charity auction where she bid on sapphires for her mother and, of course, her wedding—had been highly publicized, making continued anonymity difficult. Her presence now sparked speculation: was she there for Oscar? Regardless, their striking appearance made them the event's focal point. Some were enthralled, others, like Charles, were filled with envy.

Charles, mingling with dignitaries, witnessed the commotion, his gaze drawn to the couple. He tried, and failed, to ignore their radiance. He turned away, resuming his conversation, feigning composure.

Unfazed by the attention, Oscar and Hannah approached Miguel, who was conversing with Edward Phillips.

"Hannah, Oscar," Miguel greeted his daughter and son-in-law warmly.

Hannah, who'd initially planned to attend with her father, had changed her mind to avoid unwanted attention, instead arranging to meet him at the banquet. Thus, she greeted him immediately.

"Dad, Mr. Phillips."

Oscar echoed politely, "Dad, Mr. Phillips."

Hannah winced at Oscar's familiarity. Who could have predicted their current relationship, considering their past animosity?

"What a lovely daughter you are, Hannah," Edward remarked, smiling. "I wish Susan possessed half your grace."

Though Susan was often troublesome, Hannah wouldn't allow anyone to disparage her. "Mr. Phillips, don't worry. Susan will come around. She's still young."

"I hope so," Edward replied, though his hope was faint.

"Where's Susan?" Hannah asked, looking around. It was her family's party, after all. She should be there.