Chapter 249: Find Out the Truth

“Yes,” Miguel nodded. He instantly admired Hannah’s perceptiveness.

“Tax evasion is the crux of the matter,” Hannah explained. “The land was purchased for two hundred million, but one hundred million was secretly transferred to Zhang’s private account after he sold it. The money was routed through accounts held by Cooper Group employees. A private contract exists, signed by you. While lacking your thumbprint, the transfer records provide strong evidence.”

“Is there any direct proof I orchestrated this?” Miguel asked, adding, “I was also puzzled why they accepted two hundred million when the original offer was three hundred million. I should have been more cautious.”

“What’s done is done. Focus on the present. Under Northfield law, with the existing witnesses and evidence, you’ll be found guilty unless you can prove your innocence.”

Miguel remained silent.

“I’ve reviewed the evidence,” Hannah continued, “and noted the lack of your thumbprint. However, I doubt that will sway the judge. All evidence points to you. Without solid proof, we can’t clear your name.”

“Indeed,” Miguel agreed.

“We need time to find the truth,” Hannah said. “Has the courthouse given you a court date?”

“They said they’d report to the higher court and notify me later.”

“Cases with witnesses and evidence proceed quickly. You might be in court within a week.”

“That’s too soon!”

“Because someone is orchestrating this fraud,” Hannah stated bluntly.

“You mean you know who framed me?” Miguel asked.

“Essentially, yes.”

“Uncle Roger?” Miguel guessed.

“He lacks the capability alone, but he’s involved.”

“Then…?”

“The Sawyer family,” Hannah declared.

“But they don’t have that much power.”

“The Sawyers are formidable. They’ve been colluding with City Hall,” Hannah revealed. “City Hall is secretly supporting them.”

Miguel’s face darkened. “The Sawyers are incredibly vindictive! They framed me for revenge!”

“It wasn’t solely revenge. They’ve long coveted the Cooper family’s assets. They orchestrated my marriage to Charles to gain control. Failing that, they resorted to underhanded tactics.”

“Damn the Sawyers! Grandpa must have been blind to ally with them!”

“Or perhaps it was only the younger generation of Sawyers who changed.”

“We absolutely cannot let them succeed!” Miguel declared fiercely.

“Right,” Hannah nodded.

“But I don’t know where to begin…” Miguel said anxiously.

“Let me handle it, Dad. I doubt they left no flaws.”

“Okay,” Miguel agreed readily. “Tell me if you need help.”

“Okay. Dad, you shouldn’t go to the office until your name is cleared.”

“I’m afraid Uncle Roger’s allies among the senior managers will make things difficult for me if I don’t.”

“They can’t touch me. They’ll only make it harder for you if you go. Uncle Roger might even agitate the board and force your resignation. Stay home and avoid unnecessary conflict.”

“Okay. You’re in charge,” Miguel said, showing unwavering trust.

“Time’s short. I have to go.”

“Be safe.”

“I will. Jimmy’s with me.”

Hannah left hurriedly. She knew time was critical.

Michelle arrived with tea, finding Hannah already gone.

“Hannah’s left?” Michelle said, having missed her.

“Marrying you and having a daughter like Hannah is the best decision I ever made,” Miguel sighed, gazing toward the gate.

Michelle smiled. They were both immensely proud of Hannah.

Hannah returned to Cooper Group. She pondered the discrepancy: a two-hundred-million-dollar contract with a secret transfer of one hundred million. If her father knew nothing about that money, where did it come from? Framing him for tax evasion with a hundred million from his own account was improbable, especially considering the long time elapsed since the contract. Why now?

Was it a secret deal to profit behind her father’s back, exploited now for malicious purposes?

Hannah frowned and called, “Rose, come in.”

Rose entered.

“Regarding the Huatan subdivision project, when was the deal finalized?”

“Last March, I believe.”

“Find all contracts and approvals from March to now. I need copies.”

“What for, Ms. Hannah?”

“Something.”

“Those are in General Affairs, under Mr. Wayne Cooper. Given your relationship with your cousin, getting them won’t be easy.”

Hannah realized her impulsiveness might alert the enemy.

“Do we have digital copies of all company contracts?” she asked.

“Yes, including approvals. But they’re in General Affairs’ computer files. Access requires managerial approval,” Rose replied.

“I see. Go.”

Rose hesitated before leaving. “Ms. Hannah, is Chairman in serious trouble? Everyone’s on edge.”

“I know,” Hannah said calmly.

Rose left, trusting Hannah.

Hannah called Manuel: “Hack Cooper Group’s intranet.”