Chapter 130: Being Cheered for Expelling the Enemy

On the rooftop, the quiet atmosphere was shattered as Cooper Group's top executives watched the unfolding scene with stunned disbelief. They had witnessed Maxwell's downfall, the bitter fruit of his own actions.

Hannah patiently awaited Maxwell's response. After several minutes, sensing her patience waning, Maxwell finally admitted, "Yes, I told Mason to do that." His confession sent another shockwave through the assembled group. While mistresses and abuses of power were unfortunately common, Watson's underhanded tactics revealed a troubling character flaw.

Hannah, unsurprised, remained calm. "What made you threaten me so vehemently?" she demanded. "If Mason had jumped, and I had followed, you would have killed two people. How much do you hate me?"

Maxwell's face flushed crimson under her aggressive questioning. Hannah continued, "Was it because I didn't comply with your arrangements at the senior managers' meeting? Did you harbor resentment and seek retribution?" She offered him a chance to explain, attempting to understand his motives.

"Or did you take orders from someone else?" Hannah pressed, her gaze sharp, aiming to expose Roger, though she knew it wouldn't be easy. Maxwell, a shrewd man, knew that betraying his accomplice would ruin his chances of future employment. However, silence might offer a glimmer of hope. He blustered, "I hate your attitude! I don't like being opposed by a little girl! I only wanted to teach you a lesson!"

Hannah realized she couldn't force a confession. Nevertheless, she had achieved her goals: she had cleared her name of accusations of bullying; she had publicly exposed Maxwell's misdeeds; and she had fairly and reasonably secured his dismissal – a significant victory against her father's nemesis.

"Mr. Watson," she said, "with your admission of guilt, I don't think you wish to remain at Cooper Group. Everyone will ridicule you."

Through gritted teeth, Maxwell uttered, "I quit!"

"Very well," Hannah agreed swiftly. "Mr. Chairman, given Mr. Watson's resignation, I suggest we forgo further investigation into his abuse of power. He's served the company for years and made contributions. Let's offer him a chance at redemption."

Miguel immediately nodded. "I agree with Ms. Hannah." His formal address and unhidden elation were telling. Years of frustration at Maxwell's constant opposition had finally yielded to triumph. He never expected his daughter to resolve this so decisively.

Hannah then turned to Mason, who sat on the floor, his trousers damp. "You should also tender your resignation," she stated coldly.

Too ashamed to remain, Mason could only accept his fate. He hadn't anticipated being fired and implicated in Maxwell's downfall. The revelation of Maxwell's affair with Hannah would further complicate his future. The loss of his income terrified him.

Hannah, seemingly struck by a new idea, addressed Percy Richards. "Calculate the sum of Mr. Mason's overpayments. Allow his resignation after reimbursement. If the money isn't returned within three days, we involve the police."

Percy readily agreed. Mason's face fell—he had to repay two hundred thousand?!

Having efficiently resolved the situation, Hannah respectfully asked Miguel, "Is there anything else?"

Miguel was astounded by his daughter's competence. The entire rooftop shared his amazement. They had witnessed an unexpected and impressive resolution. Their admiration for Hannah was palpable.

"It's over," Miguel declared.

Hannah smiled, then addressed the assembled executives. "I apologize for wasting your time. Please return to your offices. Mr. Watson and Mr. Mason, complete your resignation procedures by the end of the day."

One by one, the executives departed. Back in her office, Hannah instructed Rose, "Someone needs to oversee Watson and Mason's resignations. Also, a cup of black coffee for me, and some water for Jimmy. We'll be working late."

Rose, observing Hannah's calm return to work, her lack of triumph, was struck by her self-assuredness. Rose had initially been reluctant to assist Hannah, only agreeing due to her gratitude toward Miguel. However, witnessing Hannah's competence, she now felt a newfound respect and a desire to work with her long-term. The twenty-two-year-old's decisive actions were remarkable.

Catching Rose's admiring gaze, Hannah inquired, "Anything else?"

"Nothing," Rose replied, recovering quickly. "I just… you're better than I thought."

Hannah smiled faintly, typing. "So you don't think you lost?"

"With you," Rose said, "I won't lose."

Hannah smiled, pleased to discover her secretary was less tedious than she initially perceived.