Chapter 127: Dig Up Maxwell's Scandal and Make Him Eat Humble Pie!

"I have no evidence," Hannah replied.

"You want to fire him without evidence? Do you think this company belongs to you?" Maxwell Watson exclaimed, indignant. "This company belongs to the Cooper family, so you can do whatever you want? You can fire me like you fired him if you're dissatisfied? Then fire me now. I have no obligation to give my best for you."

He still recalled his earlier boasting and belittling of her.

Staring at Maxwell, Hannah asked, "Mr. Watson, are you related to him? You seem to be defending him."

"What are you talking about!" He bristled. His embarrassment at the revelation of his scandal was palpable, though fleeting.

"As the second-largest shareholder of the Cooper Group, I work for the benefit of all employees and would never betray their trust," he said with forced dignity. "But you're slandering me, Hannah. What is your intention?"

"So you falsified Mason's performance report to avoid betraying his trust?" Hannah said sarcastically.

"That's nonsense! When did I do that?!" Maxwell's face reddened. "Mason affected personnel redeployments, so you're trying to fire him—betraying me! Hannah, consider the consequences before speaking! You're being incredibly rude."

"Mr. Richards," Hannah turned to Percy.

Percy quickly approached and produced a document.

Hannah said calmly, "Here are two copies of Mason's performance report from Human Resources. One, from Sales to General Affairs, is signed by all employees. The other, reviewed by General Affairs, was submitted to HR for payroll. The sales department's report shows Mason's GPA as 75. The final report, however, shows a 91. For his position, a 5-point increase equates to nearly $2,000 extra per month—an extra $10,000!"

The room fell silent, stunned by this revelation of underhanded management practices. Maxwell, though initially alarmed, maintained his composure.

"The authenticity of these copies is questionable," he said. "You're framing me. I head General Affairs, but I don't handle everything myself—it's exhausting."

"So you knew nothing about it?"

"If I'm wrong, I admit negligence. I sign off on final performance reports monthly; I don't have time to verify each individual report. I'll improve internal processes to prevent this."

"So a subordinate committed this act without your knowledge?"

"How many times must I repeat myself?!" Maxwell exploded. "I didn't know, and I've admitted my mistake. What are you doing? Stop this pointless argument! What must I do to satisfy you?!"

"Your anger suggests you're guilty."

"Hannah!" Maxwell yelled. "I know nothing of Mason's GPA! I'll investigate this immediately, and I'll accept responsibility for the outcome. But why implicate me? He's not a relative or friend. Am I crazy enough to falsify his report? Is he more attractive than other employees?!"

The irony was not lost on anyone.

Before Hannah could respond, Maxwell continued, "Percy, you're in HR; you know our company's network and employee relationships. Tell everyone—is there any connection between Mason and me?"

Percy replied, "No familial, friendly, or scholastic relationship exists between Mason and Mr. Watson."

Maxwell sneered at Hannah. "Did you hear that?"

"Yes," Hannah replied.

"Then stop this nonsense," Maxwell said. "As the Cooper heir, you should learn propriety. If you don't, your noble family won't save you from being seen as base."

"There's no relationship between Mason and you," Hannah countered, "but that doesn't mean you have nothing to do with his daughter."

Maxwell's face paled. Mason, too, was shocked.

"I've heard," Hannah said, looking at Maxwell, "that you're keeping his daughter as your mistress."

"Hannah!" Maxwell's face flushed with rage. "How far will you go? I have a family; my child is in high school! This is unbelievable..."

"Mr. Watson," Hannah threatened, "don't be too quick to deny it, or you'll be sorry when the truth comes out."

Maxwell was stunned, overwhelmed by Hannah's power and unexpected maturity. He sensed an almost regal quality about her.

"Initially, I planned only a private warning. But you pushed me too far. I must prove my innocence. Please understand, Mr. Watson."

Maxwell choked with rage and humiliation.

"Rose," Hannah said.

Rose hurried forward with another file, one Hannah had given her earlier. Rose herself was unaware of its contents, simply following instructions.