Chapter 124: Threats

After Rose left, Hannah calmly called Theodore. "Did you get the results of the investigation I requested yesterday?"

"Yes."

"Really?" Hannah was pleasantly surprised. She knew Theodore was capable, but she hadn't expected such swift results.

Theodore went straight to the point. "Mason's daughter, Ernie Porter, is twenty-one, a sophomore at Kensbury College of Media, majoring in acting. She aspires to a career in entertainment. Knowing the industry's competitiveness, she seduced Maxwell at the Cooper Group's annual party. She's now his mistress."

Hannah listened intently. In her previous life, she'd been unaware of the forty-something Maxwell's relationship with a college student.

"Maxwell is generous to Ernie, showering her with luxury goods and even buying her a sports car worth over $800,000. His generosity extends to her father, Mason, whose perceived success at Cooper Group is largely due to Maxwell's covert support. If my information is correct, Maxwell oversees performance evaluations at Cooper Group. Check if Mason's personal performance metrics are manually adjusted each month."

Hannah was still surprised. The Wold family's influence and reach astounded her. How easily they'd obtained Maxwell's employment details, even accessing internal performance data.

"Don't worry," Theodore said, seemingly reading her thoughts. "Oscar wouldn't approve of attacking Cooper Group."

So, with Oscar's approval, they could easily attack Cooper Group? Hannah was speechless.

"I'll send you the evidence of Maxwell's involvement with Ernie. Let me know if you need anything else. Otherwise, I have other matters to attend to."

"Okay, thanks."

After hanging up, Hannah received an email containing comprehensive documentation of Ernie and Maxwell's affair: money transfers, luxury purchases, hotel room records, intimate photos, and even videos.

After reviewing the evidence, Hannah replied, "Perfect. Thanks." Theodore responded with an "OK" emoji.

Hannah organized the documents. Rose then entered. "Ms. Hannah, Mr. Chairman requests your presence on the top floor. Mason is distraught and insists on seeing you; he's ignoring everyone else."

Hannah agreed, but continued organizing the documents.

"Ms. Hannah," Rose urged.

"Calm down. Mason won't jump. Let him vent for a while."

Half an hour later, Hannah, having organized everything, left her office. Rose, too, had calmed down; rushing would be futile.

The elevator ascended to the rooftop. Before Hannah and Rose reached Mason, Maxwell's angry voice cut through the air. "Where is Hannah? Is she going to let him die? Mr. Cooper, your daughter is ruthless!"

Miguel's expression was grim. The incident had negative repercussions for the company, and the media, already at the gate, were only being held back by security.

Ignoring Miguel, Maxwell continued, "Since you can't bear to shame your daughter, don't blame me for not giving her a chance. It's a human life; I can't stand by. I'm going to personally fetch her. I want to see what she's so proud of, what gives her the audacity to be so reckless."

"Mr. Watson, no need, I'm here." Hannah's voice was unnervingly calm.

Upon seeing Hannah, Maxwell sneered. "I thought you wouldn't dare show up."

"It's not that I wouldn't dare," Hannah smiled, a chilling smile that sent shivers down spines.

Maxwell's face fell. Years in the business world hadn't prepared him for intimidation from a young woman. He dismissed her words and continued his tirade. "Mason needs an explanation. Better handle this. If anything happens, you'll be charged with murder. This is a country ruled by law. If he dies because of you, you'll pay with your life."

"Mr. Watson, don't worry. If he jumps, I'll pay with my life."

Maxwell was speechless. Hannah ignored him, walking directly toward Mason.

"Hannah," Miguel intervened, fearing Mason would actually jump.

"Don't worry," Hannah smiled reassuringly at her father.

Miguel, though apprehensive, decided to let Hannah handle it. Hannah approached Mason, who stood precariously on the rooftop's edge, with nothing behind him but a deadly drop.

Hannah observed him quietly. At her sight, Mason's distress erupted. "Hannah, why did you fire me? I've worked diligently at Cooper Group for twenty years! Why? Why?"

His outburst terrified everyone present.

"Calm down, Mason. We can talk," Maxwell interjected nervously, attempting to soothe Mason.

"Unless Hannah gives a reasonable explanation and apologizes properly, I'm jumping. I mean it." He leaned back, eliciting a chorus of terrified shouts.

The scene was chaotic.

"Easy now. What explanation do you need? Tell us, and we'll satisfy you immediately," Maxwell offered, feigning responsibility and good will.

"First, I want Hannah to explain my firing and unexplained reassignment. Second, I want a proper apology—she must kneel and apologize." Mason threatened, "Otherwise, I die here."