On their way home, Hannah said seriously to Michelle, "Mom, besides stopping blindly obeying Granny, you don't have to tolerate Uncle Roger and his family constantly."

Michelle smiled ruefully. "Your dad doesn't want a family conflict. According to family tradition, the Cooper inheritance should go to the eldest son, but Grandpa gave everything to your father, leaving your uncle and his family understandably unhappy."

"But that shouldn't excuse their bad treatment of us," Hannah countered. "We used to believe it was reasonable for the business to go to the eldest son, that inheriting it would be disrespectful. But why couldn't the eldest son inherit, while the second son could?"

Michelle was startled. She hadn't considered that.

"Because the eldest son is incompetent and incapable of handling the family's responsibilities," Hannah explained. "Grandpa chose Dad. We shouldn't feel guilty; we should be proud of supporting the family business. The Coopers, including Uncle Roger, should be grateful, not spiteful."

Michelle found herself persuaded. They had previously humbled themselves to avoid conflict. Now, realizing their inheritance was earned through capability, why should they endure criticism?

Seeing her mother's understanding, Hannah continued, "So, Mom, be confident when facing them. Otherwise, they'll think they're in the right!"

"Okay," Michelle agreed. "Giving in won't appease them; it will only encourage further bullying."

"My mom's smart as always!" Hannah praised.

Michelle smiled affectionately. "Haven't you already shown me that today?"

Hannah hadn't acted solely for her mother. She had also deliberately provoked Jane, aiming ultimately at Mary. Jane, believing herself the rightful heir, constantly compared herself to Hannah, envying her success. Jealousy fueled Jane's irrational actions, but lacking Mary's intellect, Mary would likely offer ill-conceived advice to appease Jane – advice ultimately designed to bring Jane down.

Hannah smirked grimly. Rebirth had given her insight into everyone's nature, allowing her to manipulate their flaws for her own ends. Before her marriage to Charles, finding his weakness had been challenging; he was cautious and unlikely to be unfaithful. However, if someone initiated an affair… a man like Charles, unable to resist temptation, would comply. Hannah would simply reap the benefits.

To their surprise, Miguel returned home with them. He was slightly surprised to see them together. "Where have you been so early?"

"Granny's house," Hannah replied.

Miguel's expression changed, and he said sternly, "Why didn't you tell me? I should have gone with you." They had previously avoided the Coopers like the plague. The injustice of their past treatment fueled Hannah’s anger. They had tried to please them, only to be betrayed and nearly killed by the Coopers in collaboration with the Sawyers.

Hannah remained silent.

Michelle smiled. "Focus on your work, dear. You don't need to worry about family matters anymore."

Miguel was clearly bewildered. Michelle had always returned from the old mansion distraught, dejected for days. This time, she was in high spirits.

"Oh, yes, why did you come back so early? Anything wrong?" Michelle asked, changing the subject.

Miguel, remembering something, dropped his inquiries. "Lee invited us to lunch at the Sawyers' to discuss Hannah and Charles's wedding next month." He glanced at Hannah.

Hannah smiled calmly. "We should go."

"Haven't you decided to cancel the wedding?" Miguel asked.

"That's for later," Hannah said. "For now, we'll do exactly what the Sawyers want, cooperating fully…" They would play along, making their eventual humiliation more profound and providing ample justification for breaking the engagement.

"Alright," Miguel said. He had given his daughter control of the situation; they would follow her lead.

The family changed clothes and went to the Sawyer Manor. The Sawyers greeted them enthusiastically at the entrance. Hannah previously believed their welcome was genuine, but now knew it was a performance. She noticed a hidden paparazzo as she exited the car – access to this exclusive villa district required permission, making the paparazzo's presence telling. Without revealing her knowledge, she mirrored her parents' enthusiastic reception.

They arrived in time for lunch. Seated around a large table laden with food, the Sawyers’ apparent hospitality was overwhelming.

"We initially planned a weekend meeting," Lee Sawyer began, appearing sincere. "But with Miguel's work, Charles's, and the upcoming wedding, we're understandably excited and decided to meet today. I hope it's not inconvenient."

Hannah smiled grimly, suspecting the Sawyers' eagerness stemmed from their recent reputational damage and stock market downturn.

"We're family," Miguel said smoothly. "My age frees me from work; I leave that to my subordinates."

"I'll help Uncle Miguel in the future," Charles offered politely.

"That's what I hope for. I expect you to take good care of the Cooper business after you marry Hannah," Miguel stated casually.

Hannah smiled. Her father was a good actor.

Charles beamed. "Don't worry, Uncle. I'll do my best."