Chapter 246 Trick (2) Framed Up

The moment Hannah saw the news, she couldn't remain calm. Inspection department officials had arrived at her father's office, undoubtedly to investigate irregularities.

She announced curtly, "There are pressing matters. We must cancel this meeting and await further notice. Proceed with your individual plans." She left a terse instruction and strode away, Rose quickly following.

The meeting attendees exchanged bewildered glances. Only Mary offered a sinister smile. She had predicted Miguel Cooper's troubles to Roger and Wayne the previous day. It seemed her prediction had come true.

Hannah, still trying to dissuade herself from panic, was acutely aware of the potential loss of her position and wealth. The absurdity of the situation struck her.

She rushed to the chairman's office, arriving just as the inspectors were escorting her father away. Stepping directly in front of them, she asked indifferently, "Where are you taking my father?"

"For questioning," one replied.

"Has he committed a crime?"

"That's for the court to decide. We are merely conducting an investigation."

"What has he done? I demand an explanation before he's taken away." She wouldn't stand idly by.

The inspectors' expressions shifted subtly; they hadn't anticipated this intervention.

A leader produced a document. "We received a credible report alleging Miguel Cooper's involvement in a thirty-million-dollar bribery scheme. This warrant authorizes his immediate detention."

Hannah examined the warrant, then turned to her father. "Don't worry, Dad," she said firmly, "you'll be alright." She pressed her lips together, a suspicion forming. Charles Sawyer, she realized, was likely the culprit. In her past life, he'd cultivated connections within her family; framing someone legally was their preferred method of eliminating an opponent. They possessed the means to orchestrate such events seamlessly.

"Contact my personal lawyer and then proceed to the inspection agency," Miguel instructed.

"Okay," Hannah nodded, helpless as she watched her father being led away. Gritting her teeth, she maintained composure, returning to her office to inform Rose and take Jimmy from Cooper Group.

In the car, she called Jackie, her father's lawyer. "Jackie, something's happened to my dad; he's been taken by the inspection agency. Where are you? I'll pick you up."

"At the firm."

"Ten minutes. Meet me downstairs."

"Yes."

Hannah urged Jimmy to drive faster. They arrived quickly.

Jackie entered the car. "I've investigated. Mr. Cooper is suspected of commercial bribery, a substantial amount, and tax evasion."

"What?!" Hannah's face paled.

Jackie explained, "Mr. Cooper was reported by Dore, the contractor who absconded from the 'Huatan' project. The implicated bribe recipient was a Planning Administration director, allegedly receiving fifty million in bribes, twenty-five million of which originated from Mr. Cooper. This stemmed from a private agreement with Dore regarding the 'Huatan' project, requiring a twenty-million-dollar bribe to the director. A two-hundred-million-dollar contract was finalized, but one hundred million was transferred privately, resulting in substantial unpaid taxes."

Jackie continued gravely, "Bribery in Northfield City Hall is serious, but tax evasion carries an even harsher penalty. Online detection triggers the strictest criminal sanctions."

"My father is innocent," Hannah insisted.

Jackie nodded. "I believe him. We must acquire all case materials and conduct a thorough review."

Hannah knew there was no use in panicking; securing her father's release on bail, then investigating the evidence, was paramount. She was certain any crime, no matter how meticulously planned, would contain flaws.

They reached the agency. Jackie obtained case documents, secured bail, and left with Miguel.

In the car, Hannah asked anxiously, "Dad, were you mistreated?"

Miguel smiled, relaxed. "Don't worry; this is a society governed by law. Do you think I'd suffer violence?"

"I fear the mental strain," Hannah countered.

"I've done nothing wrong; I can endure this," Miguel disagreed.

"Dad, don't underestimate this," Hannah cautioned.

Miguel looked at his daughter, wanting to reassure her, but recognizing her apprehension.

"We'll discuss this at home," Hannah said, avoiding extremes of reassurance or alarm.

They drove to Cooper Manor, where a black car awaited—her grandmother's.

Her family's prompt arrival spoke of their impatience.

"Mr. Jackie, please give me the copy. I'll discuss this with my father; we'll contact you later," Hannah said, excluding Jackie from their family matter.

Jackie nodded. "Very well, but don't withhold information. Cooperation is crucial for a favorable outcome."

Hannah smiled. "We understand. Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Jackie."

"My pleasure."

Jackie left. Miguel saw her mother's car and knew they'd arrived.

Miguel said, "Hannah, don't antagonize your grandmother too much."

"We'll see how she behaves," Hannah replied coldly.