At the Cooper mansion's main house, Hannah paused, then continued, "Oh yes, I suppose Granny asked me to return because of Charles and my marriage?"

Lorie was startled; she clearly hadn't expected this. Hannah hadn't experienced this in her previous life; last night's events, and the resulting gossip, hadn't occurred then. Her astute guess stemmed from the old mansion's clandestine collusion with the Sawyers to usurp her father's inheritance. Since Hannah had embarrassed the Sawyers, Lorie felt compelled to retaliate. She hadn't anticipated Hannah's resilience, however; Hannah's few words had left Lorie visibly flustered.

"To be frank, I received a jewel from Oscar Wells last night and embarrassed Charles," Hannah said, producing the dazzling sapphire. Its brilliance, impeccable cut, history, and rarity would captivate any woman. Even Lorie stole a few glances, though her expression remained contemptuous. "You're shameless! What a brat!" she exclaimed.

"I had reasons," Hannah replied. "First, the Coopers are merchants; we don't refuse opportunities. Second, knowing Granny's a collector, I knew she'd adore it. Had Charles not intervened, I would have bought it myself. Since Oscar gifted it to me, I gladly accepted."

Lorie still didn't fully grasp her meaning.

"I intended to give this to Granny," Hannah clarified.

Lorie's eyes gleamed. She'd heard of the jewel but, knowing its unobtainability, never discussed it. Its presence now was overwhelming.

"Didn't Auntie Esther ask if we brought a gift for Granny? We did," Hannah smiled. "But Granny said you wouldn't appreciate anything we brought."

Lorie was utterly taken aback. She wanted to argue but swallowed her words; Hannah allowed no room for regret. Lorie glared at Hannah and the sapphire, her desire palpable.

"Stop bragging! Is Mother-in-law so shallow?" Esther interjected, attempting to assert dominance.

Lorie shot her a glare; Esther only worsened the situation.

Hannah saw Lorie's mortification. Lorie likely hadn't expected the gift. Seeing the jewel, she had to believe Hannah's intentions. The more she thought about it, the more upset she became.

Hannah quickly said, "Auntie Esther, Granny isn't shallow. She'd never go back on her word."

"Certainly!" Esther agreed.

Lorie's face was darkening. Roger intervened, "Enough." Esther glared at him, clearly dissatisfied.

Lorie inhaled deeply. "I don't care how you got Oscar Wells's jewel. I warn you not to ruin your marriage to Charles. You won't find another man like him!"

"Granny needn't worry about my marriage."

"I'm worried the Sawyers will cancel it. Do you think Charles only has you to marry?" Lorie sneered.

Hannah realized her past passivity stemmed largely from Lorie's influence.

"I don't know if he only has me, but I can assure you, I'm not his only option! And when Grandpa wanted me to marry Charles, you strongly objected!" Hannah finally voiced her long-held resentment.

"Nonsense!" Lorie snapped.

"Granny wanted Jane to marry Charles then! You even threatened Grandpa, though you failed. Now you suddenly care so much—I suspect Granny has ulterior motives!"

"Hannah Cooper, you dare—" Lorie's face paled; she was furious.

"Save your energy. I'm leaving, but I'll say this: Granny shouldn't meddle so much. You're not young, enjoy your life. Let the younger generation handle things." Hannah remained calm, unfazed by Lorie's rage.

"Mocking me for being lenient?" Lorie scoffed.

"Lenient or not, Granny knows best," Hannah retorted.

Lorie's face turned livid.

"Please take care of your health. Excuse us," Hannah stated, unconcerned. She knew Granny would retaliate, but from now on, Hannah would strike at her pride.

Hannah started to leave, holding her mother's hand. Then she turned back to Roger. "Uncle Roger, why aren't you at work? It's not the weekend."

Roger's expression changed.

"And Wayne and Jane?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.

"What are you implying?" Roger glared.

"Nothing," Hannah smiled. "I just understand why Grandpa chose my father as heir. If Uncle had taken over, the company would've likely gone bankrupt."

"You insolent brat!" Roger lunged toward her.