Chapter 640 Bloody (2) Helen of Troy
Oscar remained silent, calmly meeting Rowan's gaze.
"You've worked here long enough to know Charles was family—my daughter's fiancé, in fact," Rowan stated directly.
"I know," Oscar admitted.
"With Charles dead, I need a successor. You're implicated in his death, so you'll take his place."
"My pleasure," Oscar readily agreed.
"No need for pleasantries. Will you follow me?" Rowan demanded.
Oscar hesitated. After a pause, Rowan pressed, "I don't appreciate indecision."
"I'm wondering if I meet your requirements. I fear I'm not capable enough."
"Doubt yourself less. The man I want isn't a fool." Rowan wouldn't admit he'd misjudged Charles, who was competent, though slightly outmatched by Oscar.
Oscar still didn't immediately accept. "Tell me your concerns," Rowan said. He sensed Oscar's reservations.
"I need to discuss this with my wife," Oscar stated plainly.
Rowan smiled sarcastically. "Oscar, great events require decisive action. Don't let a woman hinder you."
Oscar remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"There's one thing I dislike—you overvalue relationships," Rowan stated. "I've observed you; you're smart and capable. Your Kensbury City performance proves it. For political advancement, you must look to the future, but you must abandon sentimentality."
Oscar remained silent.
"Think it over," Rowan said indifferently.
"Yes," Oscar agreed.
"But be warned," Rowan continued, "Ambitious men know what they want. Women are less rational, shortsighted. Listening to her will ruin your career. They prefer comfort."
Oscar said nothing.
Rowan added, "I wouldn't even tell my wife. I wouldn't want her obstructing my career, nor would I want her worrying about it. A man should be responsible and magnanimous."
Oscar remained silent.
"One last thing: my people become either my loyalists or useless. I tolerate no uncertainty!" Rowan declared coldly.
Oscar met Rowan's gaze. The threat was clear. Satisfied with Oscar's continued silence, Rowan said, "Think it over."
"No need," Oscar abruptly stated.
Rowan smiled.
"It's my pleasure to serve you wholeheartedly!" Oscar declared his allegiance.
"You're the man I need!" Rowan exclaimed approvingly. "You're wise. You'll see this was the right decision."
"Thank you," Oscar replied.
"In a month, I'll promote you to the capital. Prepare yourself," Rowan instructed.
"Yes."
"Go and arrange your affairs."
"Yes."
Oscar left, escorted by bodyguards. The door closed. Rowan remained, a sinister smile playing on his lips.
Sarah Collins emerged from a cubicle. "Dad, you're amazing! I was snubbed trying to find Hannah. I'm still furious!"
"For important matters, you need to speak to a man. His hesitation shows greater ambitions than a life of luxury," Rowan said, anticipating the outcome.
"But he hesitated. Without your threats, he might not have agreed. You don't know how much he loves Hannah. If she objects, he might back out," Sarah countered.
"After all these years, you still can't read people?" Rowan said gently. "Do you think it was only Hannah? He was testing me, gauging my desire. Being approached by someone of my stature would naturally cause hesitation."
"That's it! No wonder he agreed immediately," Sarah realized.
"Oscar isn't simple," Rowan said coldly. "Used correctly, he's a talent; misused, a nuisance."
"Now he's under your control, you'll use him well," Sarah replied.
Rowan nodded confidently.
"Hannah always brags about their relationship. I want to see if he'll abandon her for power," Sarah said with a cunning grin.
"Consider it done," Rowan replied.
"Thank you, Dad," Sarah said, harboring resentment towards Hannah for her husband's and child's loss.
In the car, Oscar looked grave. He called Melvin Balderston.
"Rowan saw me tonight."
"Did you agree?"
"Yes."
"Did he suspect you?"
"I don't think so."
"Okay. Stay in touch," Melvin replied tersely.
"Okay."
Oscar sighed. He'd longed for this day—relief and revenge. Yet, as revenge approached, hesitation set in. Hannah was his Helen of Troy.