Chapter 278: Hannah's Promise

Hannah could no longer tolerate Oscar's provocative behavior. Pushing him away, she turned her face and sputtered, "Oscar, I have something to tell you."

"What?" Oscar's face remained inches from hers, his breath warm on her cheek. An undeniable chemistry crackled between them.

"Go away first," she insisted.

Oscar smiled faintly and kissed her cheek.

"Oscar!" Hannah's face flushed with tension.

"I can't help it," Oscar said, feigning innocence. "I can't control myself."

This was clearly a ploy.

Fortunately, he drew back slightly after the kiss, giving Hannah a moment to compose herself.

"Tomorrow is the Cooper Group anniversary celebration," she announced. "There will be many guests. Will you accompany me?"

"What do you think?" he countered.

"If you're free, accompany me. Otherwise, I'll ask someone else."

Oscar's face darkened. "Who?"

"Rose, my secretary," Hannah replied, her voice barely a whisper.

He instantly calmed down. "I'm free tomorrow."

"Then let's choose an evening gown tomorrow afternoon," Hannah said. "I've asked Celina's staff to prepare some high-end options."

"Fine," Oscar agreed.

Max announced that dinner was ready. The two ate quietly, Hannah with evident relish. Mid-meal, she frowned slightly.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, looking up at Oscar.

"You look pretty."

"Idiot," she murmured.

"Aren't you going to ask about my day?" Oscar inquired.

"What have you been doing?" Hannah asked casually.

"Preparing for a promotion," he replied. Hannah's expression shifted subtly.

"It's unprecedented for a newcomer. They're cultivating young leaders—a three-rank jump to a senior official at City Hall."

Hannah remained silent, lost in thought about her past life. In her previous life, Charles had risen rapidly through the City Hall ranks, almost achieving annual promotions. Whether he became a Minister, she didn't know. But she recalled Oscar's quiet ambition, his shadowing of Charles, ultimately becoming his only rival for the ministerial position. She suspected Oscar would narrowly lose, due to Charles's unscrupulous actions and advantageous marriage to Sarah Collins, whose family’s wealth significantly boosted his prospects.

In this life, however, she would prevent Charles's success.

"How's your preparation going?" she asked.

"Pretty good, but I might not get what I want," Oscar admitted. He knew Charles would play dirty.

"Of Northfield's two aristocratic families, which should you align with?" Hannah asked.

"What do you think?"

"The Balderston family," Hannah stated firmly.

Oscar was skeptical. "The Collins family seems stronger lately."

"The Collins family favors Charles," Hannah explained.

"You seem to know a lot," Oscar observed, his brow furrowed.

"For a promising political future, work with the Balderstons," Hannah advised.

Oscar stared at her, doubt etched on his face.

Hannah continued, "The families mutually benefit, yet compete secretly. Lately, the Collins family has outperformed the Balderstons, garnering loyalty from many influential Northfield figures. If this continues, the Balderstons risk being swallowed whole."

Oscar remained silent, perhaps questioning her unusual insight into these matters. Her business acumen was undeniable, but business and politics were distinct spheres. Even major players had limited knowledge of the complex dynamics between these families. Yet, Hannah’s analysis was remarkably astute.

"My analysis is not unfounded," Hannah said calmly, ignoring his silence. "A century ago, the aristocratic families managed Northfield for the royal Wells family. Given too much power, they rebelled, eliminating the Wells family and sharing rule. They secretly agreed never to fight. But five years ago, the Balderstons proposed a marriage alliance, rejected by the Collins family. Tension has since escalated, with the Collins family strategically drawing talent to their side. The competition appears fair, but key positions are filled with Collins loyalists. This is steadily increasing their power. Eventually…"

Hannah paused. Oscar watched intently.

"The Collins family will destroy the Balderstons, just as they did to the Wells family," Hannah concluded.

Oscar's Adam's apple bobbed. "In what universe did the Collins family refuse the Balderston proposal? In what universe are all important positions held by Collins loyalists?!"

Hannah pursed her lips. What she described was a decade into the future—events yet to occur. The crucial point was that they hadn't happened yet.

Since Charles sided with the Collins family, Oscar’s best option was the Balderstons, using them to counter the Collins family, either destroying them or maintaining the existing power balance. The Collins family's rise must be halted, and Charles prevented from gaining significant influence within it. Otherwise, Hannah would face the same fate as in her previous life.

"That's all I can tell you," Hannah said, knowing any further explanation would likely be dismissed. Claiming reincarnation might seem insane. But she sensed Oscar would heed her words.

"Alright, I'll work with the Balderstons," Oscar agreed.

This was within Hannah's expectations, yet still shocking. A wrong choice could ruin his life. But his acceptance was swift and decisive.

Hannah declared, "Oscar, I don't know your background or connections. But I've promised to help you secure a bright future, and I will."