Chapter 129: Hannah Drives Maxwell Mad

"But I have a good guess: you'll take the blame and resign if the chairman has no intention of firing you," Hannah satirized. "Because anyone should be ashamed of such a humiliating act. And as a well-respected man, you shouldn't tolerate remaining with the company."

Maxwell was stunned. He'd seen enough of the world to know the worst outcome would be falling into her trap. He finally understood: her intention was to dismiss him. Once fired, no one at Cooper Group could wield his power against Miguel, not even Roger Cooper, who was all talk and no action.

A chill ran down Maxwell's spine. He'd underestimated her manipulative skills. He couldn't believe a "silly little girl" had driven him to this.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "You're right. I lost face, and the Cooper Group was discredited. I should be responsible. But I won't run from it; I'll face it bravely. Before everyone, I swear I will handle my personal life responsibly and never repeat this kind of… mistake that every man makes!"

His invocation of a universal "male mistake" conveniently absolved him, making Hannah want to laugh. Was a man inherently superior? A man cheated—a mistake. A woman cheated—sordid and disgusting, an object of hatred. In ancient times, she would have been executed, let alone defended.

Hannah didn't want to waste time debating women's rights. "You should focus on rectifying your indiscretion," she said. "I trust you'll do as you say. But Mr. Watson, not every mistake is correctable through individual effort. Like…"

Maxwell glared murderously, feeling she was plotting his downfall.

"Like, the mistake involving a crime," Hannah emphasized, separating each word.

"What crime?!" Maxwell exploded, his simmering anger reignited.

"Abuse of power for personal gain," Hannah stated. "You caused significant financial damage to Cooper Group. This is clearly illegal under Northfield law."

"Don't frame me! When did I commit this crime?!"

"You exploited your position to forge Manson's performance report for personal gain, causing approximately $200,000 in damage!" Hannah declared. "Didn't you?"

"No! That was mere negligence. Do you have proof?"

"I don't have proof…"

"Then how can you…"

"I can call the police," Hannah said slowly.

Maxwell was shocked.

"I have two copies of the report as proof. Your secret relationship with Manson provides motive. And the witness… I expect his arrival shortly after the police arrive."

"Hannah, you!" Maxwell lost his composure. A criminal record would hinder his son's future and ruin his career. He froze, paralyzed by fear.

"Mr. Watson, do you want me to call the police, or will you admit what you've done?"

Sullen and humiliated, Maxwell seethed. He’d planned to embarrass her, but now he was the one facing ruin. He stared at her wrathfully, speechless.

"Everyone's time is precious," Hannah said calmly. "We've wasted half the morning on Manson's stunt. I'll give you three seconds. Three… two… one."

Maxwell trembled, silent. Hannah remained emotionless. "Rose, call the police."

"Okay." Rose dialed 911.

"I admit it!" Maxwell shouted.

Hannah gave Rose a meaningful look, and Rose hung up.

"I falsified Manson's performance report—to help Ernie get a higher salary."

His admission was agonizing.

"But you only paid Ernie $10,000 a month. Why resort to illegal actions? That's not much for you." Hannah was genuinely surprised.

"I gave my salary to my wife. I took out an advance on dividends for Ernie, but it wasn't enough. I needed a permanent solution. Then I realized a higher salary meant more company benefits for him. As a businessman, I sought the highest return on investment," Maxwell explained, his initial confidence gone. He was desperately confessing.

"So you abused your power for personal gain?"

"Yes."

Hannah's eyes turned cold. "And Manson's suicide threat… did you instigate that?"

Maxwell stared, wondering what more she wanted.

"You won't admit this either?" Hannah reminded him. "Blackmail and threats are also illegal!"