Chapter 555: Manuel's Honey Trap

The next day, Hannah learned Oscar's court date was set for next Monday. The news release also confirmed Melvin Balderston would represent the Investigation Department in the trial. The announcement caused a sensation; no one anticipated Oscar's case would involve two aristocratic families.

Hannah reviewed the news and called Theodore. "Did you read it?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"The final trial is next Monday."

"Don't worry. I've spoken with the lawyer. Oscar will be acquitted."

"But Charles will have to answer for his actions."

"Charles has imprisoned Sarah, and he'll be ruined once the scandal breaks."

"I'm afraid he'll kill Sarah."

Theodore fell silent, then agreed, "That's a distinct possibility."

"You've sent someone to watch them, right?"

"Yes, but from a distance. Charles is vigilant; we can't determine Sarah's condition."

"We can't even be certain Charles has imprisoned her."

"Right."

"Then we have to take a risk."

"What's your plan?" Theodore asked earnestly.

Hannah explained, "Charles will seize the opportunity to kill Sarah to cover his crimes, but not before Oscar's trial. If Rowan learns of Sarah's death, he'll kill Charles. The best chance to kill Sarah is on the day of the trial. People will be focused on Oscar's case. We've implicated Charles, making him a suspect. He'll be in court, providing him an alibi. If Sarah is killed that day, he’ll have a plausible reason for being unable to protect her—he can't be in two places at once. Rowan won't blame him severely. Furthermore, Charles can feign grief, seeking sympathy from Rowan and ultimately gaining his trust."

Theodore was impressed. "You're more brilliant than I thought," he admitted. "Your logic is exceptional."

Hannah pursed her lips. She knew Charles intimately; she could anticipate his plans by focusing on his mindset.

"We need someone to protect Sarah on the day of the trial," she said.

"I'll arrange it."

"I want Manuel to do it," Hannah specified.

"Fine," Theodore agreed after a moment's thought.

"I suspect Charles will task Martina," Hannah stated firmly. Charles trusted his family most, and Martina was fiercely loyal. They were extremely close. Martina had committed many brutal acts for him in Hannah's past life.

"You want Manuel to use a honey trap?" Theodore asked.

"Something like that," Hannah confirmed, nodding.

"Excellent!" Theodore exclaimed.

Hannah chuckled. She wouldn't use Manuel's charm unless it was truly necessary.

"That's the plan. I'll call Manuel."

"I'll handle my responsibilities."

"Okay."

"Hannah," Theodore said suddenly.

"Yes?"

"Oscar won't let you down for what you've done for him," Theodore said seriously, surprising Hannah with his unexpected tenderness.

"Yes, I know."

Theodore hung up. Hannah reflected on Oscar's past kindness; his love was vastly different from Charles's past cruelty.

Returning to the present, Hannah called Manuel. "Hi, Manuel."

"Hello, Hannah."

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course. How can I help?" Manuel responded immediately.

Hannah outlined her plan.

Manuel was silent for a few seconds.

"Is that too much to ask?" Hannah asked, feeling guilty. She knew Manuel wished to avoid Martina, who loved him deeply. Hannah even hesitated to mention that Martina's life had been solitary because of him, that she'd waited for him her whole life.

Silence hung between them. Then Manuel smiled. "No, it's for Oscar. Of course, I'll do it. I just..."

He simply didn't want to hurt anyone. He was soft-hearted. He suspected Martina's involvement in Susan's miscarriage but hadn't pursued it. He felt sympathy for her.

"Forget it. I know what to do," he said.

"Thank you."

"Not at all. I'll keep you updated."

"Thank you so much."

After hanging up, Manuel felt gloomy. He hated causing hurt. Hesitantly, he called Martina.

"Manuel!" Martina answered excitedly; she hadn't expected his call.

"Are you free tonight?" he asked.

"Are you asking me out?" Martina was incredulous.

"I'd like to talk to you privately."

"Yes!" Martina readily agreed.

"When do you finish work?"

"Anytime."

"Meet me at Futuring at 6 pm."

"Okay," Martina responded instantly, her only concern his willingness to see her.

"See you soon."

"See you soon."

Manuel hung up, sighed, and returned to his work. At 5:30 pm, he left work and saw Henry leaving the underground parking—unusual for him. Henry was also surprised to see Manuel. Susan, in Henry's car, observed, "He's leaving early, too."

"He's probably up to something," Henry remarked.

Susan avoided the topic, maintaining her distance from Manuel. She knew he disliked her and wouldn't seek further rejection.