Chapter 700: The Feud (5) Hannah Left

"Who's there!" the guard shouted.

Manuel froze, feigning fright. "Sorry," he mumbled, attempting to retreat.

"Hold on!" the guard commanded, halting him.

Manuel tensed but obeyed. The guard scrutinized him. "Where's your partner?"

The army guards and patrol were distinct units; the former, holding higher rank, displayed little regard for the latter.

"He had a stomachache," Manuel explained quietly.

The guard's face fell. He clearly wouldn't tolerate negligence. "What's his name?"

Manuel hesitated. "I'm new; I don't remember..."

"How dare you cover for him!" the guard exploded.

Manuel remained silent. Finally, the guard relented. "I'll find out who he is. Get back on patrol!"

"Yes, sir," Manuel replied, hurrying away with a sigh of relief.

He passed Hannah's courtyard, finding guards posted at the door. Scaling the wall was his only option. He chose his spot carefully, leaping and climbing effortlessly.

By 7 PM, darkness offered cover. He concealed himself behind a large tree, approaching the house only after confirming the absence of guards. The room was dimly lit and quiet. Hannah wasn't in the yard, where she'd usually be eating dinner at this hour.

He searched the house, avoiding cameras, finally reaching Hannah's unlocked, dark bedroom. She wasn't there. Where could she be? She should have returned by now; she wouldn't stay out late without Melvin.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps. He dove into a wardrobe just as the door opened and the light flickered on. Peeking through the crack, he saw a middle-aged cleaning woman.

"Why did she leave so early...?" she murmured to herself.

Manuel frowned, then abruptly threw open the wardrobe door, confirming he was alone with the woman.

She gasped, attempting to scream, but Manuel covered her mouth. Terror filled her eyes.

"Don't worry," he whispered. "Just answer a few questions."

Fear still gripped her. Pressed for time, Manuel threatened, "Nod if yes."

She nodded readily.

"Does Hannah Wells live here?"

She nodded.

"Did she leave today?"

She nodded.

"This morning?"

She shook her head.

"This afternoon?"

She nodded.

"At three o'clock?"

After a moment's thought, she nodded again.

"Did Jimmy leave with her?"

She nodded.

"Did Melvin see her off?"

She shook her head.

"Where did she go?"

The woman shook her head. She was clearly just a servant.

"Now leave. Be quiet, or you'll regret it!" Manuel threatened.

She nodded instantly. Manuel released her, but quickly administered knockout drops. She slumped unconscious.

Escaping was easy. He reached his rented car and called Theodore.

"Done?" Theodore asked anxiously.

"No."

"No? What happened? Is she dead?" Theodore's voice cracked with worry.

Manuel anticipated Theodore's overreaction. "No. Melvin sent her away early."

"WTF!" Theodore exclaimed. "Melvin's cunning! How did he know we were rescuing Hannah? Damn it!"

Manuel, unfamiliar with Melvin, offered no comment. "What now? Tell Oscar?"

Telling Oscar would be risky. This was a life-or-death situation, demanding flawless execution.

"Theodore, honestly, I can't, and won't, keep it from Oscar," Manuel admitted. He’d called Theodore to prepare for the worst.

"I see," Theodore replied. Then, a thought struck him. "Hannah's safe with Melvin."

"What do you mean?" Manuel asked.

"Cian visited Balderston Manor. He met Hannah, and they staged a show," Theodore explained.

"Oh?" Manuel was caught unaware.

"I overheard Cian's call to Oscar. He said Melvin took his Island Manor with Hannah's help. But it's fine. Once Melvin is dead and the Balderstons fall, he'll void the contract. Hannah made a deal with Melvin."

"What deal?" Manuel asked, a hint of excitement in his voice. He'd always believed Hannah to be smarter and braver than they knew.

"Melvin won't kill Hannah as long as he lives, regardless of Oscar's actions."

Manuel, for the moment, ignored Hannah's lack of trust in Oscar. "But Oscar's going to kill Melvin tonight."

"Listen," Theodore continued. "According to Cian, Melvin's fallen for Hannah."

Manuel was speechless.

"Fuck me! I thought he was gay! I've never seen him hit on girls!" Theodore cursed.

"So, Oscar knows Melvin has a crush on Hannah?" Manuel asked.

"Damn it! What do you think? Even I heard. You can't imagine how angry he was," Theodore rambled.

Manuel was desperate. The crucial question: Would Oscar still kill Melvin knowing his feelings for Hannah?