Chapter 650: An Overt Secret

A lavish dinner was set. A gentle night breeze cooled their faces. The pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, fine wine, and delicious food made it a memorable evening.

"At first, I thought Hannah was just a trophy wife," Theodore said. "Then I discovered she's a tough, ambitious businesswoman. But now, I'm surprised to see how thoughtful and capable she is with family matters. Oscar, you lucky dog!"

Oscar smiled, pleased by Theodore's rare compliment.

Hannah blushed. Despite constant praise since childhood and accolades in the business world, she remained shy under Theodore's gaze. She felt insignificant compared to them.

"Indeed, Oscar has excellent taste," Theodore continued, flattering Hannah. His displeasure with Manuel and Susan's relationship was evident.

Manuel was speechless.

"Susan Phillips?" Cian inquired, interrupting.

"Gosh! You know about them?"

"Of course," Cian replied. "How could I not know the girl Manuel's crazy about?"

Manuel remained silent.

"Do you know Manuel's been dumped?"

"Really? Tell me!" Cian's excitement was palpable.

Hannah wondered if Cian was the true royal heir, burdened by a blood feud.

"Don't doubt him," Oscar whispered, noticing her uncertainty.

Hannah returned to the present but refrained from joining the gossip. Susan was her best friend; she couldn't betray her confidence. However, she harbored no particular bias regarding Susan's relationship with Manuel. She simply listened.

"Alright, it's Oscar's birthday. Let's get back to the celebration! To Oscar!" Manuel proposed, seemingly weary of the gossip.

Everyone raised their glasses.

"No wine," Oscar stopped Hannah.

"It's grape juice," she retorted.

"Water," Oscar insisted.

"Oscar!"

"It's my birthday!"

Hannah found his bossiness unrelenting, even on his birthday. Their argument played out as the others watched, seemingly amused.

"Hannah, are you pregnant?" Theodore bluntly asked.

Oscar's face fell.

"Drop the act. I know," Theodore stated confidently.

Oscar looked distraught, but Theodore remained unmoved.

"No fuss! Little Bunny's been through a lot. My son is healthy and strong," he said.

"No fuss? How did you know what she's been through? You didn't care about your pregnant wife! Who are you to talk?" Oscar retorted angrily.

Theodore bristled.

Hannah laughed, amused by Oscar's repeated shutdowns of Theodore.

"Is that true, Hannah?" Cian asked curiously.

Hannah nodded.

Oscar knew he could no longer keep the news secret.

"Congratulations!" Cian exclaimed. "We'll have a new family member."

Hannah felt empathy for Cian; perhaps they had both been lonely.

"Boy or girl? If it's a girl, she'll be a perfect ten; her parents are stunning. A boy would be a dreamboat, maybe a little Oscar..."

"It's a girl," Oscar interrupted.

"How do you know?" Cian asked.

"I put the baby inside her. Of course, I know," Oscar replied smugly.

Hannah was speechless, wishing he'd curb his self-assuredness.

"Don't tell others," Oscar said seriously.

Theodore disagreed; babies were commonplace, nothing to fuss over.

They calmed down and resumed their meal. Theodore, determined to enjoy himself, challenged Manuel to a drinking contest. To everyone's surprise, Cian kept pace.

"Aren't you going to stop Cian?" Hannah tugged Oscar, concerned for Cian's well-being.

"Don't worry. He's more level-headed than we are."

Hannah looked at Cian, unconvinced.

After several rounds, Theodore became slightly intoxicated. Raising his glass, he declared, "It's a great day! Oscar's birthday, Cian's here, Hannah's pregnant! Let's celebrate!"

Suddenly, Theodore screamed in pain as someone pulled his ear. Everyone looked towards Laird, clearly angered. Hannah, remembering Manuel's warning, hid behind Oscar.

Oscar smiled faintly. "Scared?"

She wasn't scared, but she preferred avoiding conflict with the elders.

"Ouch! Dad, you're pulling my ear off!" Theodore yelled.

Laird released Theodore and approached Cian, saying respectfully, "Master Cian, let me drive you home."

Cian calmly put down his glass, sober and uncomplaining. He stood and left, seemingly accustomed to such treatment.

Oscar followed. Laird hesitated, then remained silent. Hannah watched Oscar leave with Cian and Laird trailing behind. Manuel, heavily intoxicated, lay on the table, momentarily looking up before falling back asleep.

"I hope Cian finds happiness," Theodore murmured.

Hannah blinked. She hadn't sensed Cian's unhappiness, marveling at his ability to conceal his emotions so effectively.