“You seem to know Charles very well,” Theodore said, a meaningful look on his face.

Oscar remained silent.

“How do you find the time to get to know him?” Theodore asked.

Oscar offered no response.

“You’ve been wanting his girlfriend for a long time, haven’t you?” Theodore stated, suddenly certain.

Oscar glanced at Theodore. “Cut the crap. Just do what I say.”

He then began to complain. He was the one who had supported and comforted Theodore during difficult times.

As soon as Hannah left the hall, she saw Jimmy waiting at the gate.

“Mrs. Wells, starting today, I will be your driver and bodyguard, protecting you at all times,” Jimmy said respectfully.

Hannah smiled. “Thanks.”

Jimmy didn't react to her friendliness. They drove to the Cooper building. She entered her office, followed by Rose.

Rose was surprised to see the man beside Hannah.

“Oh, my bodyguard, Jimmy,” Hannah explained.

Rose’s surprise deepened. Why did she need a bodyguard while working in her family's company?

“My secretary, Rose,” Hannah said, ignoring Rose's expression.

“Hello,” Rose offered, extending her hand—a common workplace courtesy.

But Jimmy ignored her, standing impassively.

Embarrassed, Rose withdrew her hand, her gaze shifting to Hannah, as she composed herself.

“I’ve tracked down the leader of the sales group’s protest. It’s Mason Porter, head of inventory analysis in the sales department.”

“Mason Porter?” Hannah murmured, struggling to recall him.

“He’s been here twenty years but hasn’t accomplished much. His seniority allows him to disrespect others. He was respectful to Jane, but felt free to yell at the sales director. He’s upset about his transfer to the support center and the denial of a supervisor position, so he incited the transferred employees to protest.”

“Even with his tenure, he couldn't control everyone. His deference to Jane, rather than the director, is suspicious.”

“Not really. Jane’s family ties make her the obvious choice to please.”

“But yelling at the director?” Hannah questioned.

Rose nodded, conceding the point.

“Mason must know someone in senior leadership,” Hannah concluded. “He has backing, which explains his behavior.”

Rose agreed. “Okay, I’ll ask around.”

“No, I’ll handle it. I have other tasks for you,” Hannah said.

“Okay,” Rose replied respectfully.

“I’ve reviewed underperforming projects in the sales department. I don’t want to focus on those already underway; they won’t yield unexpected profits. We need to address long-standing problems like the unfinished building and Light Building.” Hannah handed Rose a file. “Sort these out by day’s end. We meet tomorrow at 10 a.m.”

“Yes,” Rose nodded, then added, “Black coffee for you?”

“Yes, thank you,” Hannah replied. She then turned to Jimmy. “What do you want?”

“Water is fine.”

Hannah was speechless. “To stay alert and maintain peak physical condition,” Jimmy added.

Hannah thought Jimmy could be overly serious, but she wouldn't discourage it. “Get him a glass of water,” she instructed Rose.

Rose left, and Hannah began working. Then, she called someone.

“Mr. Richards,” she said.

“Ms. Hannah, what can I do for you?” he replied politely.

“Do you know Mason?”

“I’ve heard of him.”

“Does he have connections in senior leadership or among our board members?” Hannah asked directly. She preferred to consult HR directly rather than tasking Rose.

“I don’t know much. He has a bad personality and is arrogant.”

“But he listens to Jane.”

“So you suspect Mason is connected to someone high-ranking, possibly familiar with Roger Cooper?” Percy grasped her implication.

“Exactly.”

“I’ll need time to investigate,” Percy said.

“No, no need,” Hannah interrupted. She had called Percy for inside information; if he didn't have it, she wouldn't waste his time.

“What if I fired him?”

“Um, you’re new here…” Percy hesitated, considering the idea too bold and potentially damaging to the company's reputation.

“Can you think of a better way to ensure compliance with the transfer arrangements?”

“Not yet,” Percy admitted.

“Then we need to make an example of someone.”

“This could be highly profitable, or disastrously bad,” Percy warned.

“Okay, thanks. I understand the risks,” Hannah replied.

“I’m on board,” Percy declared, agreeing to her plan.

“Within half an hour, announce Mason’s firing. I want everyone to know.”

“Yes.”

Hannah hung up and resumed work.

Less than an hour later, the door burst open. Mason stood there, furious.

“How can you fire me? I’ve worked here twenty years! I’m not leaving until you give me a reason!”

He looked threatening. Hannah felt grateful for Oscar's provision of a bodyguard. She saw Jimmy approach Mason. If Mason acted aggressively, Jimmy would intervene.

This gave her the confidence to say, “As the Cooper heir, I can fire anyone I choose.”