The atmosphere was peaceful as they lunched around the round table. Afterward, the Sawyers invited them to tea in the back garden.

"Well, since we've known each other so long, I'll cut to the chase," Lee said, after the housemaids finished pouring the tea.

Miguel readily agreed. "Sure, go ahead. We'll follow your lead regarding Hannah and Charles's marriage."

"Then, please excuse me," Lee said generously. "The wedding is next month, and we'll make it a grand affair. We're two of the largest families in Kensbury City; we can't be casual. We'll cover all expenses—the hall, the dinner, everything. Any cash gifts will belong to Hannah and Charles."

"No problem," Miguel and Michelle agreed.

"Regarding the bride price and dowry, let's dispense with the guesswork. Tell us your requirements, and we'll do our best to meet them," Lee said sincerely.

Miguel replied, "You've generously offered to host the wedding dinner, which is no small sum. Hannah is our only daughter, and everything we own will eventually be hers. We have no specific needs, but we'd like to hear her thoughts."

Hannah, receiving her father's nod, quickly said, "I have no needs either. I only hope the wedding is joyous and everyone is happy."

"Is there anything you specifically want? I can buy it for you," Charles's mother, Loretta Sawyer, quickly offered.

Hannah glanced at her, her mind flooded with memories of the woman forcing her to drink a concoction, supposedly for her own good, to bear children for the family. Only after her death did Hannah learn the "medicine" was brewed from disgusting insect remains, causing vomiting and diarrhea for days. She had endured this for eight years!

Holding back her burning resentment, Hannah said, "I only wanted that sapphire. Now that I have it, I need nothing more."

The sapphire was clearly a sensitive topic. The Sawyers' expressions changed visibly.

However, they skillfully masked their discomfort. "In that case, I won't offer any unnecessary suggestions. We'll all be family after Hannah marries into our family, and you can tell me anything you want anytime."

"Thank you, Mrs. Sawyer," Hannah replied distantly.

"Then the bride price is settled. As for the dowry, we have no requirements; the children's well-being is all that matters." Lee paused, seeming to struggle. He sighed deeply. "Actually, I do have one request."

"Go on," Miguel said openly.

"The Sawyers have a new e-commerce project. Funding is tight; the bank loan deadline is approaching. We need more funding, but banks are also short on cash, and our applications have been rejected. Instead of asking others, we thought we'd ask you. After all, the Sawyers will eventually be family, and it will benefit Charles as well. I feel a little awkward asking, but it's relevant."

Lee's smooth explanation sounded logical. The Coopers had helped the Sawyers with funding in Hannah's previous life, and there seemed no reason to refuse.

Miguel glanced at Hannah, who nodded.

"Since we're family, we should help," Miguel said. "How much do you need?"

"Roughly two billion," Lee stated flatly, seemingly considering it a trivial sum.

While the Coopers could afford it, it wasn't insignificant.

Hannah smiled and asked, "My understanding is that two billion is the total funding needed for the e-commerce project. Is Mr. Sawyer unable to contribute even a penny himself?"

Lee was slightly embarrassed, caught off guard by her knowledge and her directness. Her implication was clear: the Sawyers were asking the Coopers to fully fund the project, leaving them to reap the rewards. As businessmen, this was unacceptable.

The atmosphere became tense.

Charles quickly interjected, "The Sawyers' stock market took a hit; part of the funds were allocated for market stabilization."

"Oh, really?" Hannah's feigned understanding concealed her knowledge that only ten million was needed for market stabilization—a pittance compared to two billion.

Charles was secretly relieved, believing she was merely repeating gossip, not demonstrating intimate knowledge of the Sawyers' business dealings. Why would a woman so intent on marrying him know about business?

"Dad, since the Sawyers are facing difficulties, we should help them," Hannah told her father.

Charles smirked, believing he still controlled the naive woman.

Miguel was puzzled by Hannah's actions—first rejecting the marriage, now offering help. Nonetheless, he nodded. "We'll be family, and we should help each other."

"Thank you for your generosity. Of course, I won't take your money for nothing. I'll repay you as soon as the project is profitable," Lee said eagerly.

"But what if it loses money?" Hannah casually asked.

Lee forced a smile. "We've thoroughly vetted the project; losses are unlikely."

"You can't say for sure in business," Hannah murmured, smiling innocently at Charles. "Right, Charles?"

"Yes, but we have a very safe plan. Don't worry; it won't lose money," Charles reassured her gently.

"I assume you won't be able to repay the two billion if the project fails."

"That's impossible," Lee quickly responded. "The Sawyers aren't reliant on this single project. Even with losses, our other ventures will ensure repayment."

"Since Mr. Sawyer insists on repayment, let's write an IOU," Hannah smiled harmlessly, making her seemingly reasonable request sound innocuous.