Chapter 234: Oscar's Jealousy

Hannah left Manuel's lounge, heading for the lobby to find Oscar. Suddenly, someone grabbed her, forcing her into the resort's back garden. She struggled, but unable to break free, was about to scream when a hand covered her mouth. Gnashing her teeth, she glared at the man—Charles.

Susan's wedding had a small guest list, but all four of Kensbury City's most influential families were present. It was local custom; whenever the four families were involved in a significant event, they united.

"Are you so sick of me?" Charles's eyes burned with hatred. He cupped her face, obscuring it except for her angry eyes. "How long has it been, Hannah? You've changed your mind—" He abruptly withdrew his hand. Hannah had bitten him hard.

Charles's face contorted with pain, but Hannah remained silent, turning to leave. Charles again seized her, pinning her against a wall. Usually, Jimmy was at her side, but with the small wedding, she'd deemed it unnecessary to have him constantly attend. The social scene was rife with gossip, and she'd asked Jimmy to wait outside. Yet, with Charles, vigilance was paramount.

"Charles, what do you want?" she asked coldly.

"Nothing... I just don't like seeing you and Oscar so close!"

The mask of civility was gone. He likely realized he could no longer deceive her.

"So? Are you jealous?" Hannah raised an eyebrow provocatively.

"You think I'm jealous?" Charles laughed, as if amused by a joke. "Hannah, you take yourself too seriously! Did I ever like you? From the first time I saw you, I've been disinterested. For years, I've only pretended, for the elders' contract, for the sake of family. That's all."

"Really?" Hannah smiled faintly. "Charles, forcing me alone with you is simply to confess your lack of love, your pretense, and my supposed arrogance?"

"I'm glad you finally understand!"

"Fine. We're even then," Hannah said calmly.

Charles frowned.

Hannah continued slowly, mimicking his words, "Just like you, I don't love you either. My involvement was solely for the elders' contract, for the family. After years of pretense, I can finally shed this charade and be with my true love without guilt."

"You think I'd believe that?" Charles's self-esteem recoiled at the implication that she hadn't loved him. "Believe it or not, I feel perfectly content with Oscar, as you can see." Hannah dismissed him. "We're done here. Let me go."

"It's not easy catching you. Do you think I'll let you go easily?"

"Didn't you say you don't love me? Act accordingly, Charles, or suspicion will arise."

"Must possessing someone equate to loving them? Do you know what's most important to a man? Money? Fortune? No, it's dignity! I've lost so much dignity because of you, how can I easily let this go?"

"SO WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Hannah's patience snapped. The sight of Charles's face always enraged her.

"If you continue this, I'll scream for help!"

"Scream then. Tomorrow's gossip will claim Hannah is having an affair with her ex-boyfriend, Hannah is back with her ex-boyfriend..."

"Charles, you're so clever!" Hannah gritted her teeth, acknowledging his despicable tactics.

"Didn't I learn it from you?" Charles countered. "Guess how I'll recover my dignity?"

Hannah stared coldly.

"Submit your body to me..." Charles uttered the repulsive words.

"Is this ancient method your only recourse?"

"Of course not. But you'd object to anything more refined, wouldn't you?"

"Vulgar."

"You don't deserve my more sophisticated methods!" Charles retorted coldly. He leaned in to kiss her, forcing Hannah to make a desperate choice. If he forced himself on her, she would scream, though the resulting humiliation might be mutual. The thought of Charles's touch filled her with unbearable revulsion. She was about to scream when she heard a familiar voice. "Don't you dare kiss her."

Charles stiffened, his expression souring. Earlier, while with Martina Sawyer searching for Manuel, he'd unexpectedly seen Hannah with Oscar—dazzlingly, uncomfortably so. The sight sparked his actions, dragging Hannah to this secluded corner. He was weary of her neglect; today, he'd spent countless moments observing her, unacknowledged. Her disregard seemed genuine; she was truly in love with another man. This realization enraged him.

At the sound of the voice, Charles ceased his attempt to kiss Hannah, though he still held her captive. "You haven't learned enough from last time, have you?"

Oscar's face was impassive, making it hard to gauge his anger. He spoke directly. Charles remained unmoved.

"I'll count to three!" Oscar's patience was thin.

"One!"

"Two!"

"Three..."

Before he finished, Oscar lunged, his punch flooring Charles.

Hannah stared, shocked by the sheer force of Oscar's blow. His strength seemed superhuman.