Roger never expected such an embarrassing predicament. He had drastically overestimated his abilities, not only failing to embarrass Hannah but jeopardizing Mary and Wayne's futures.

“Right, that concludes the assignments for the three of them,” Miguel stated firmly.

“Toby, record them,” Miguel instructed.

“Yes, sir,” Toby replied.

“I’ll have the results verified against the records three months from today. The verification will reflect today's decision.”

“Understood,” Toby responded respectfully.

Miguel turned to the other senior executives. “Gentlemen, barring any objections… Hannah, you may leave.”

Silence followed, Miguel’s gaze prompting Hannah’s departure. She nodded respectfully. “Goodbye, gentlemen,” she said, exiting the conference room. A smile touched her lips the moment she closed the door. She doubted Wayne and Mary anticipated such a dramatic turn of events. While she possessed a clear understanding of the upcoming market trends, making the ambitious goal seem manageable, it would prove an insurmountable challenge for Wayne and Mary.

Returning to her office, Hannah settled at her desk when Mary knocked and entered, a smile playing on her lips, unaware of what awaited her. Perhaps she expected to witness Hannah's mortification after surviving the meeting with the senior executives.

Hannah remained composed. Mary said wryly, “Hannah, as requested, here are the resumes of our department members.” She placed a stack of resumes on Hannah's desk.

Hannah glanced at her. “Call me Ms. Hannah in the office.”

Mary's wry smile froze, before she meekly nodded. “Yes, Ms. Hannah.”

“You’re free to go.”

“Okay.”

“Wait,” Hannah added, “from now on, we’re in this together.”

Mary looked surprised. Hannah smiled. “Your father will explain. Get back to work.”

Confused, Mary returned to her seat. Soon, her phone rang.

“Dad?”

“Here’s the notice from the conference. Follow instructions.” His voice was unpleasant.

Mary sensed something amiss. She said resignedly, “Dad, I’ll do as you request.”

Roger coldly recounted the conference events. Mary was stunned. “Dad, why am I linked with Hannah? If she fails, I'm implicated!”

“Stop asking! Just do it!”

Knowing her father's mood, she quickly replied, “Okay.”

Roger hung up. Clenching the phone, Mary felt a wave of worry. She remembered her father's plan to humiliate Hannah, but their attempt had backfired spectacularly.

Anger consumed her when the door burst open. A sulky Mary was about to explode, but saw Wayne entering and closing the door behind him.

She forced a smile. Then he slapped her hard across the face. Tears welled in her eyes. “Wayne, I did nothing wrong…”

“Shut up, you fucking idiot! This is what you bring us after we let you return to the family? If you hadn’t said Hannah was plotting against you, Dad wouldn’t have set that trap. If not for that, Hannah and Uncle Miguel wouldn’t have retaliated and ruined my future! How dare you sacrifice me for your mistakes! You little bastard!” His rage escalated.

Humiliated, Mary wept. Driven by madness, she felt a burning desire for revenge, though she knew it was futile.

“If you try that again, I'll kill you!” Wayne threatened, turning to leave. He would have beaten her senseless if it weren’t for Roger.

Mary gritted her teeth, watching him go, her eyes filled with resentment. She vowed revenge on the Coopers.

Meanwhile, Wayne’s anger raged. The impossible goal made him want to strangle Mary. He paused, noticing Hannah emerging from her office. His anger intensified at the sight of her.

Hannah smiled casually. “Hey, Wayne, I heard you’re getting transferred.”

“Don’t gloat,” Wayne said, approaching her. “A cocky girl like you will end up miserably!”

“Likewise.”

Wayne’s face turned crimson.

“A man lacking self-awareness will end up miserably.”

“Who are you referring to?” Wayne gritted his teeth.

Hannah met his gaze unflinchingly. “I think you know.”

In the past, she had endured his bullying. Since childhood, he had beaten and intimidated her. Once, she'd confided in her grandmother, only to be accused of insolence and disrespect. Her grandmother essentially condemned her for reporting her brother. Afterward, she feared confronting Wayne; he had become her nightmare.

But now, Wayne saw something different in her. He had always viewed her as a coward, unable to fight back. He couldn't believe she dared to meet his gaze. Her unwavering eye contact sent a shiver down his spine. He sensed she was no longer timid, but tough.