Hannah faced the boardroom, offered a slight smile, and said calmly, "Maxwell, you believe there's something wrong with my appointment as Sales Director?"
"Bullshit!" Maxwell scowled, his expression unkind.
"Maxwell, what specifically concerns you?" Hannah asked calmly, unfazed by the challenge.
"First, Cooper Group is a prestigious corporation, among the top two in Northfield in total assets. Our employees are elite; even entry-level staff are graduates from top fifty universities or highly experienced professionals with significant accomplishments. Second, previous Sales Directors were all over 35, promoted from within after extensive experience and exceptional performance. None were directly appointed." Maxwell looked down at Hannah. "Tell me, Hannah, lacking education, experience, and demonstrable skills, what qualifies you for this position at Cooper Group, a Fortune Global 100 company?"
His words were clear and logically presented, showing meticulous preparation.
Hannah calmly surveyed the room, her gaze lingering on Roger's complacent, sarcastic smile, then briefly on Miguel, who seemed poised to speak. She preempted him. "I understand your concerns and doubts, and I agree with some of them. Let's disregard Cooper Group's prestige for now. I admit I'm young and inexperienced, making this a challenging role."
Maxwell sneered, likely believing her to be intimidated. Roger, who had orchestrated this meeting and instructed Maxwell to publicly humiliate Hannah, was undoubtedly pleased. His motives were twofold: retribution for Hannah's perceived slight against Mary, and a deep-seated desire to prevent Hannah from succeeding at Cooper Group, jeopardizing his own plans.
Miguel, witnessing the public rebuke, felt compelled to intervene, having anticipated the board’s actions but wanting to maintain neutrality. He was, however, taken aback by the blatant disrespect shown.
Before Miguel could speak, Hannah interrupted. "However, my appointment as Sales Director is justified."
"What justification?" Maxwell scoffed. "Because you're the Chairman's daughter?"
"Yes," Hannah readily admitted.
Laughter erupted. Many believed Hannah naive and presumptuous, exploiting her connections.
"As the Chairman's daughter, I've been intimately involved with Cooper Group since childhood, possessing a deeper understanding than most. My father shared details of major projects—the city planning bid, the Bamboo Club construction, the Public Welfare Square development—allowing me to fully grasp their negotiation processes and outcomes. Mr. Watson's claim of my inexperience is therefore inaccurate." Hannah continued, "Experience is but one factor determining capability; it doesn't preclude my suitability."
Maxwell attempted to interject, but Hannah pressed on. "Regarding Mr. Watson's dismissal of my educational background, I wonder if my master's degrees in Economics and International Commerce from Kensbury University would have sufficed for consideration? Or perhaps the Fox University Green Ribbon Award, received during my exchange program while pursuing my undergraduate and graduate degrees? You may not know its significance; only fifty individuals worldwide have received it, including prominent figures such as Wilson, Stella, and Kostra."
Stunned silence followed. They were unaware of Hannah's academic achievements, previously envisioning her as someone less focused on her career. Her credentials mirrored those of Charles, yet her accomplishments remained largely unknown, unlike his. This was, in part, due to Charles's own preference for her remaining discreet, stemming from an insecurity about her surpassing him.
Roger, unable to contain himself, challenged, "How do you prove these claims?" He found it hard to accept Hannah's academic prowess, especially considering his children's comparatively less impressive achievements.