Chapter 674: A Cruel Condition

The car was driving home when Oscar's phone rang. He glanced at the incoming call, his expression serious. Hannah sensed it was no ordinary call.

Oscar answered, "Mr. Balderston." Hannah, sitting beside him, felt inexplicably flustered. She always suspected Melvin's intentions toward Oscar were never benign.

After a brief conversation, Oscar hung up. "Melvin's in Kensbury City and wants to meet."

"Now?" Hannah asked.

"I'll send you back first," Oscar replied.

"Will there be any danger?"

"No," Oscar assured her. "Even if he wanted to attack me, he wouldn't do it here. Kensbury isn't his territory."

"Is there a problem between you and Melvin?"

Oscar explained, "While with the Collins family, I did much to gain their trust. My actions naturally aroused Melvin's suspicion, even though I regularly passed him information. He remains cautious, never fully trusting me." He recounted his past dealings in the imperial capital, withholding nothing from Hannah.

"So he wants to test your loyalty?" Hannah asked.

"Probably," Oscar smiled. "Don't worry, Melvin won't harm me now. Whether I'm with the Collins or his family, I'm safe."

Hannah hesitated. "I'm thinking about my previous life…"

Oscar was surprised. "What previous life?"

"Nothing," she said, smiling and changing the subject. She wondered if, in her past life, Oscar had successfully subdued Charles. His effortless survival within two powerful families suggested dealing with Charles wouldn't be overly difficult.

The car arrived at the villa. Oscar saw Hannah to her room before leaving with Jimmy, carefully avoiding surveillance, to Melvin's secluded private house – a place so hidden, Oscar doubted he'd have found it without guidance.

Melvin was writing calligraphy in his study, his expression unreadable. Oscar, equally composed, greeted him respectfully, "Mr. Balderston."

Melvin set down his brush, wiped his hands, and gestured for Oscar to sit. A servant offered green tea. Oscar accepted and drank it immediately.

Melvin's seemingly casual act was a test, gauging Oscar's wariness. The tea was a subtle probe; hesitation would signal distrust. However, readily accepting the tea didn't necessarily equate to loyalty; it was merely a detail offering a glimpse, not the whole picture.

After sipping his own tea, Melvin stated bluntly, "Only a few close confidants know of this place. It's my sanctuary, should danger arise."

"I've lived in Kensbury City for twenty-seven years and never knew such a place existed. Indeed, a safe haven," Oscar commented, subtly feigning ignorance of Melvin's meaning.

Melvin smiled faintly. Oscar was sharper than he'd initially believed. He stated, "Oscar, I tell you this to show my trust."

Oscar understood, but also knew Melvin wouldn't express such trust without reason; he had a plan. Oscar waited patiently, saying respectfully, "Don't worry, Mr. Balderston, I'm loyal to you."

"Of course, I'm not worried about that, but," Melvin continued, "I am worried about the Collins family."

"Mr. Balderston, be frank," Oscar urged.

"Rowan Collins' success proves his capabilities. The men he chooses are also capable, such as yourself and Charles. Though Charles failed because of you, I acknowledge his potential. Had you not appeared, he would have been a formidable opponent. But let me be clear: I can secure your loyalty, and so can Rowan."

Oscar saw Melvin's clever tactic: shifting the blame from his own distrust onto Rowan. This defused potential conflict and allowed the conversation to continue smoothly.

After a pause, Melvin said, "Oscar, I have high expectations of you."

Oscar remained silent. Addressing Melvin's concerns about Rowan would imply defending him. Silence was the best response.

"I have an idea," Melvin said, his expression serious.

Oscar knew the request was coming. Melvin wouldn't have summoned him merely to express trust or demand fealty. Powerful men didn't rely on mere words.

"You're with the Collins family, and I can't guarantee Rowan's actions toward you. But if I have someone important to you by my side, I can at least ensure Rowan can't threaten you," Melvin emphasized each word.

Oscar's face tightened.

"If Mr. Balderston fears I'll be compromised, I can leave the Collins family," Oscar offered, unwilling to involve others.

Melvin shook his head. "No, your position within the Collins family benefits me."

"Mr. Balderston, I always considered you a gentleman."

"I will be," Melvin declared. "As long as you remain faithful, you shall have everything you desire."

"If you doubt someone, you shouldn't use them. If you use them, you shouldn't doubt them. Mr. Balderston, remember that principle."

"I understand, but some things in this world cannot be constrained by principle," Melvin countered forcefully. "Oscar, I'll be direct. As a clever man, you've likely guessed this already. While you remain with the Collins family, I will take Hannah."