Chapter 166: It Was a Trap

"I'm sorry," Janet offered, her apology laced with a hint of boastfulness.

Hannah remained unconcerned. She smiled at Lau and asked, "Have you signed the contract yet?"

Lau frowned, appearing not to recognize her.

"I'm Hannah, Director of Marketing at Cooper Group," she introduced herself, omitting the detail of her parentage—a detail unnecessary given Lau's awareness of potential investors.

Lau quickly extended his hand. "My apologies. I didn't recognize you. I last saw you at your wedding. You look different, but still gorgeous."

"Thank you," Hannah replied, her tone devoid of warmth. She shook his hand and continued, "Have Win and Janet signed their contract? We're all equal before signing; I still have a chance."

"We've signed it," Janet interjected.

"Is that so?" Hannah raised an eyebrow. "May I see it?"

"That's confidential," Janet refused.

"Of course," Hannah conceded, smiling at Lau. "It's just that I need to see it before I stop considering this. Otherwise, I might visit you from time to time."

Lau mused that it was a shame Hannah wasn't leveraging her striking looks in show business.

"Hannah, don't push it," Janet snapped, attempting to humiliate Hannah.

Hannah ignored her, treating Janet as insignificant. She addressed Lau, "Win's endorsement fee is usually eighty million. I'll offer one hundred million."

Lau's eyes widened at the sum. Win, too, seemed intrigued.

"Hannah," Janet exclaimed, her face contorted in displeasure. Her silent protest conveyed her disbelief at such extravagance.

Hannah, unfazed, continued, "Mr. Lau, consider this. It's an investment in her future. A hundred million now ensures she'll earn far more later."

Janet, sensing Lau's wavering, interjected, "Lau, we had a deal. It's about credit, personally and professionally. You promised, and breaking it will damage your and Win's reputations."

Lau was clearly conflicted.

"So, no contract yet, then?" Hannah deduced. Janet had acted cautiously; they'd agreed verbally, avoiding a signed contract. If Hannah withdrew, Janet wouldn't be bound to the higher cost, though it might impact her business credit – a risk far less significant than the substantial financial benefit.

"I brought the contract," Janet announced, producing it from her purse.

Hannah sneered. The plan was unfolding as expected.

"You interrupted our signing," Janet said, a mixture of anxiety and harshness coloring her tone. She feared losing Win to Hannah and couldn't afford the higher offer.

"Mr. Lau, if you have nothing further to add, please sign," Janet urged.

Lau hesitated.

"You have two offers to consider," Hannah added calmly.

"Lau, remember Starlight Group has many other celebrities. Consider the long-term benefits," Janet reminded him.

Lau remained indecisive. Win, unable to resist, finally piped up, "Whose offer is higher...?"

"One hundred million," Janet declared. "I'll match it."

Lau's face lit up with surprise and relief. He readily agreed, "Okay!"

The decision pained Janet, but the satisfaction of outmaneuvering Hannah overshadowed the cost.

Janet handed Lau the contract for adjustment. He dispatched his assistant.

Hannah watched with an amused detachment, prompting Yan to observe, "Lau, I'm afraid we can no longer work together."

"Yan, I promised Ms. Burke, and she increased her offer... I'd love to help, but as an agent, I have to protect my clients. I can't risk their reputations!" Lau explained, patting Yan's shoulder apologetically.

Yan scoffed; Lau's words were meaningless.

Lau then attempted to appease Hannah with insincere flattery. She remained aloof, creating an uncomfortable silence.

The revised contract arrived. Janet meticulously reviewed it.

"Lau, anything to add?" she inquired.

"No," he replied after his own review.

"Shall we sign?"

"Okay, okay," Lau readily agreed.

Hannah watched them complete the signing and stamping.

"Congratulations," she offered, her congratulations laced with sarcasm.

Janet smirked, her perception of Hannah's smile clouded by her own self-satisfaction.

Hannah departed with Yan. Janet reveled in Hannah's perceived defeat, clinging to her past perception of Hannah as a loser.

In the elevator, Hannah instructed Yan, "Get Howard Evans on the phone."

"Who?" Yan asked.

Hannah's reply implied Evans' upcoming prominence in the industry, contrasting sharply with Win's impending downfall.