Chapter 159: Better the Devil You Know

Hannah returned to her office, immediately immersing herself in work after finishing her arrangements. In the next office, Mary seethed. She’d learned Hannah had assembled a special team for the Light Building shopping mall project—a team that excluded her. Mary was entirely in the dark about Hannah's plans, the project's progress, and whether Hannah would deliver a stunning success. She almost believed Hannah could conquer anything.

But no! Mary wouldn't allow Hannah to triumph.

Mary called her father.

"Dad," she said.

"What's wrong?" Roger replied impatiently, his bad mood evident.

"Hannah formed a team for the Light Building project, but excluded me. The team seems incredibly enthusiastic after their meeting; I have no idea what she said to motivate them," Mary said, her voice laced with frustration.

"That damn girl, Hannah," Roger growled, "has changed drastically."

"Yes, Dad," Mary, a master of manipulation, replied. "She even embarrassed you at this morning's meeting. It still makes me furious." She knew Roger harbored resentment towards Hannah after her earlier humiliation. This revelation was calculated; it would inflame Roger, directing his anger towards Hannah. Mary couldn't bear to see Hannah succeed. Hannah's current success was unexpected, and Mary refused to passively watch her climb further.

"I swear I won't let her off easy!" Roger fumed, his temper still simmering from the morning's meeting. Mary's words only amplified his rage. He despised Hannah.

"What should we do, Dad?" Mary asked anxiously.

"You're in sales. Try to bribe some informants. Hannah replaced all my people in the department! Damn it!" Roger seethed. "You’ll need to cultivate relationships and learn the project details, even without being part of the team."

"Okay," Mary agreed readily.

"Be careful. Don't let Hannah catch you."

"Don't worry, Dad. I know what to do."

"I’ll also monitor Hannah’s activities and use my influence to obstruct her. I won’t let her successfully redevelop that shopping mall," Roger said coldly.

"If we don't act now, taking Cooper Group from Uncle Miguel and giving it to Wayne will be much harder," Mary said, cleverly emphasizing Wayne's role to avoid any implication of self-interest.

"Sooner or later, Hannah will be gone," Roger declared.

"Mm, sure," Mary echoed, hanging up. A cold, bleak expression settled on her face. Hannah's transformation was startling, and Mary was determined to see just how far she could go.

Hannah worked until ten that night, finally finishing the e-commerce platform and live-commerce preparation. Exhausted, she looked at Jimmy, who'd patiently waited, apologizing, "Jimmy, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

"Not at all, Mrs. Wells," Jimmy replied respectfully. Hannah was accustomed to his unfailing politeness. She stretched, then called, "Rose, please tell Wang to come to my office."

"Okay."

Wang entered. Hannah handed him a USB drive.

"Ms. Hannah?" Wang asked, surprised.

"This is the Light Building e-commerce plan. Besides me, you're the only one who knows it," Hannah explained. "This is your responsibility; understand?"

Wang nodded solemnly.

"Be discreet," Hannah warned. "Keep it secure."

"I will," he assured her. Hannah continued, "You'll be working on the e-commerce project starting tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything."

"Okay."

"It's late. Go home."

"Okay," Wang said humbly.

Hannah left with Jimmy. Sitting in the car, she sighed. "It must be hard being my driver," she said, acknowledging the potential for frequent late nights.

"Not really," Jimmy replied carefully. "Mr. Wells is always busy like this."

Hannah frowned. Oscar was unemployed, seemingly doing nothing, and wasn't even going to Wells Group.

"What is Oscar busy with?" Hannah asked.

Realizing his slip, Jimmy quickly responded, "Sorry, Mrs. Wells. I can't answer that."

Hannah was left wondering about Oscar's secretive activities.

Arriving home, she saw Max cleaning. He worked tirelessly, yet seemed to enjoy it.

"Mrs. Wells, I'll bring you dessert," Max said warmly.

"Thanks, Max," Hannah smiled genuinely.

A memory surfaced: her previous life with Charles, waiting for him each night, believing his lateness stemmed from social engagements. She'd wait, sometimes all night, only to later discover his infidelity, a devastating betrayal that made her despise herself for her naiveté. Max's devotion, whatever the reason, touched her deeply because she knew the pain of waiting.