Chapter 943: Oscar's Entrustment

On the abandoned dock, the urgent thrum of a yacht's engine echoed across the water. A yacht was rapidly departing; cars on shore sped toward the coast. They arrived to see a white yacht disappearing into the distance.

Theodore barked orders: "All coastal patrol units in Northfield, mobilize! Stop that yacht!"

Extensive preparations were already underway in Northfield. Countless ships were converging to intercept the fleeing yacht. A comprehensive land and air operation was also in place to prevent Lillian’s escape.

A guard approached urgently, "Commander! Captain!"

Oscar watched the yacht vanish. He turned to the guard.

"What did you find?" Theodore asked, his voice tight with urgency.

The thought crossed his mind: Had Lillian feigned departure, using it as a diversion? Fortunately, he’d stationed personnel at the dock earlier, anticipating Lillian's possible deception.

"It's not her," the guard replied.

Theodore's eyes narrowed.

"I took photos," the guard said, producing a military camera and handing it to Oscar and Theodore. Besides Lillian's blood message, additional words were written nearby, visibly unsettling Theodore.

Hannah was with Lillian. She'd gone alone to find her.

Theodore's jaw tightened. He hadn't anticipated Hannah going to such lengths. He'd only wanted her back to keep Oscar company; he never imagined this. He clenched his fists, struggling to control himself. He couldn't even bear to look at Oscar, feeling he deserved to be shot dead.

Oscar, too, stared at the message in shock. He knew Hannah hadn't written it; Lillian, seeking further conflict, was the culprit. Still, the message stunned him. Hannah, with Lillian, a testament to her lack of trust in him, her self-sacrifice. The words felt like a knife twisting in his heart. Tears welled in his eyes.

Silence descended. Just as Theodore was about to speak, his phone rang.

"Captain, the yacht is surrounded, but we dare not approach. There may be bombs and weapons aboard. They could react violently. Orders, Captain?"

Theodore looked to Oscar.

"Hold your position. I'm coming," Oscar said.

"Yes, Commander!" the soldier's voice replied.

Several more ships appeared on the water, clearly sent to retrieve Oscar. Theodore turned to leave.

"Theodore," Oscar stopped him.

Theodore braced himself for Oscar’s wrath, even a death sentence. Bringing Hannah back felt like the stupidest act of his life; his foolishness had triggered this crisis.

"You won't go," Oscar said firmly.

Theodore was stunned by Oscar’s unexpected rejection. He stared, understanding that words were futile. He should accept the consequences, but Oscar's disappointment and abandonment were unbearable. His fists clenched, his body trembled slightly as he fought back tears.

"Oscar, I'm sorry," he whispered.

He regretted his actions, longed to atone, even to sacrifice his life for Hannah's safety, but Oscar's trust was broken. He understood; he might have done the same.

Theodore turned to leave again. Oscar caught his arm. "Theodore."

Oscar fought for composure.

"I understand. It's my fault. I always make messes. You've cleaned them up my whole life," Theodore confessed.

Oscar’s throat tightened; his suppressed emotions mirrored Theodore’s.

"I don't blame you. I know your involvement in Hannah's search wasn't intentional."

Theodore knew this; years of brotherhood. Oscar didn't want to humiliate him further, always providing an escape route.

He forced a smile. "I knew you'd understand. I'll go see if anything needs doing. Take care." He masked his inner turmoil with nonchalance, a shield against the blows to his heart. He wanted to leave before losing control.

"What I mean is," Oscar said, agitated, "If I die, you become Commander of Northfield."

Theodore stared incredulously.

"You're the best candidate," Oscar stated firmly.

"Oscar…"

"Let me finish," Oscar interrupted, struggling for composure.

Theodore, eyes red-rimmed, fought to contain his emotions.

"If there’s no direct Wells heir, Manuel should take over. But he has his own life. Sal is too young; I don't want history repeating, like with Cian and me. This may seem selfish, but you're the only one I trust."

Theodore’s body shook. He’d thought Oscar hated him. He never expected this – the entrustment of the Wells family legacy.