The Sawyer family was dumbfounded. They hadn't expected her outburst. Hannah, slightly embarrassed by their stares, asked, "Did I say something wrong? I thought Mr. Sawyer kept insisting on repaying the money to show you weren't taking advantage of us. That's why I suggested an IOU—to publicly demonstrate Mr. Sawyer's honesty, preventing any misinterpretations if this were to spread."
Lee felt a pang of regret upon hearing Hannah's words. He hadn't intended to cause a misunderstanding while showcasing the Sawyers' financial strength. But was it truly a misunderstanding? He hesitated. Yet, considering Hannah's demeanor and obedience, he doubted she harbored ulterior motives.
Quickly, Lee said, "You're right, Hannah. An IOU is necessary when borrowing money. I'd have written one regardless."
"Sure," Hannah replied with a bright smile.
They had lent the Sawyers two billion, yet never discussed repayment! How could she allow them such liberties? Lee immediately summoned a servant for paper, pen, and his seal. "I'll write it myself," he declared, swiftly drafting the IOU. He then presented it to Miguel, saying, "Please review it. If all is well, I'll affix my seal."
Miguel and Hannah examined the IOU. Hannah, confused, pointed out, "Mr. Sawyer, you only stated the amount borrowed; you omitted the repayment deadline and consequences of default. This IOU is essentially useless."
Lee's face flushed at Hannah's seemingly innocent observation. She then turned to Charles, asking innocently, "Charles, since you're knowledgeable, could you review this?"
Charles was speechless. Supporting Hannah would embarrass his father; contradicting her would embarrass himself. Although Hannah's words were pointed, she was correct.
Lee admitted, "My apologies. I've never written an IOU before. I'll add the deadline. It should be..."
"Six months," Hannah interjected.
Lee, considering three to five years, was surprised. Hannah explained, "I saw the Sawyer's recently released financial report. Their net income for the first six months was 3.8 billion, and the trend for the next six months looks positive, suggesting even higher income."
Lee chuckled wryly. "I didn't expect you to follow financial news, Hannah."
"Since the Cooper and Sawyer groups are rivals, I pay attention," Hannah replied with a sweet smile.
"Very well, six months," Lee conceded, gritting his teeth.
As Lee wrote, Hannah suggested, "Let's use Sawyer shares as collateral if repayment isn't made within six months."
Lee's hand froze.
Hannah continued, maintaining her innocent expression, "My best friend, Susan Phillips, daughter of the Phillips Bank chairman, told me Mr. Sawyer used Sawyer shares as collateral for a 5.4 billion loan from their bank—18% of Sawyer shares, or 6.67% for a 2 billion loan, according to market value."
Lee's face remained grim. Miguel finally understood his daughter's strategy: a clever trap from which the Sawyers couldn't escape. They lacked funds; without the Coopers' support, they'd struggle and wouldn't risk damaging their relationship. Especially not when Hannah appeared so reasonable. Rejecting her would imply unwillingness to repay, a bold and untenable position.
Miguel smiled inwardly, admiring Hannah's brilliance. She'd cleverly cornered the Sawyers.
Seeing Lee's hesitation, Hannah, feigning self-doubt, recalculated. Lee glanced at Charles, who was also embarrassed. They had no choice. The bank had refused funding; they depended on the Coopers. Disobeying Hannah meant forfeiting funding.
Lee, a shrewd man, understood this. His glance at Charles was a silent threat: Hannah would not escape unscathed for embarrassing their family, regardless of her intent.
Charles nodded, understanding his father's unspoken message. Lee resumed writing, saying, "You're observant, Hannah. Yes, it's 6.67%." He finished the IOU.
Hannah, satisfied, praised, "Mr. Sawyer's handwriting is excellent. If Charles and I have children, they should learn from you!"
"You two aren't even married yet," Michelle teased affectionately.
"I long for grandchildren," Loretta added, "Especially a granddaughter."
The families dined amicably, any resentment over the IOU seemingly forgotten. The Coopers departed after dinner.
Hannah, after using the restroom, passed a corridor leading to the Sawyer Manor's garden. She overheard Martina's phone conversation.
Though hushed, Martina's voice was clear: "Help me ask Manuel out. I heard he's returned." Martina's tone was demanding. Her past arrogance towards others was baffling.
"...I’m not free tonight; my brother’s girlfriend is here. My dad would scold me if I left."
"She's pretty? Humph! She's beautiful, yes, but so what? My brother manipulates her like a puppet. You wouldn't believe how humiliated she is. I'll even have her clean my feet after she marries him!"
"A bet then! Don't deny it when I send you the picture!"
"Deal."
Hannah calmly left the corridor. Martina's past request for a foot cleaning had been a deliberate humiliation. Good. Hannah would remember this for future retribution.