Chapter 251: Kill Two Birds with One Stone

As expected, news of Hannah's perceived ingratitude trended within half an hour. Two Cooper family-related topics dominated the headlines that day. The first concerned the chairman of Cooper Group, suspected of a crime and taken for questioning. The second detailed how Hannah had publicly embarrassed her grandmother, causing the older woman to faint.

Hannah sat in her office, reviewing the cascading news. Undeniably, it was a tumultuous year. She answered several calls. One was from her father, inquiring about the situation and offering his assistance. She refused; his personal involvement would only complicate matters, potentially leading to further repercussions if senior managers, possibly bribed by Roger, forced his resignation.

Another call came from Susan, shocked by the events and blaming Lorie vehemently. Hannah felt some release of tension.

Her phone rang again; it was Charles. Could he not wait to gloat? She answered anyway.

"I thought you'd never answer," Charles said ironically.

"Okay, I'm hanging up," Hannah replied flatly.

"Hannah!" Charles interrupted.

Hannah smiled coldly. "I think you'll need my help."

"What makes you think you can help me?" Hannah countered.

"Ever wonder why this all happened at once?" Charles pressed, deliberately.

"So, you're admitting you did it?" Hannah scoffed.

"Hell no! I don't break the law," Charles immediately denied, though his past transgressions contradicted his claim.

Hannah had no time for bickering. She'd only answered to glean information.

"But I can make some calls, pull some strings, to find out what happened to your father," Charles continued mysteriously. "You're smart; you get what I mean."

Hannah understood. Charles wanted her to appear weak, to beg for his help. His tone indicated he knew more than he let on—perhaps he'd orchestrated the events.

"What do you want me to do?" Hannah asked hesitantly.

Charles laughed, self-satisfied. "Oh, you gave in easily. Aren't you good at playing tough? Why not act tough now? And your husband? Useless in a crisis, isn't he?"

"What the hell do you want?" Hannah's patience wore thin.

"Divorce Oscar. Let's get back together," Charles stated bluntly.

Hannah chuckled, finding the proposition absurd.

"So, you'll help my father if I divorce Oscar?" she confirmed.

"Right!" Charles replied.

"How can I trust you won't trick me?"

"Negotiate? Your father's doomed. Northfield law mandates at least ten years. Can you handle Cooper Group alone? Or once your Uncle Roger takes over?" Charles boasted. "You have no choice but to trust me."

"You're delusional, Charles," Hannah taunted. His attempt at intimidation failed.

"The worst-case scenario is my father goes to prison, and I lose my marriage. Charles, nice try!" Hannah stated.

Charles gripped his phone. He'd never intended to help, only to watch the Cooper family fall, then seize Cooper Group's shares. He sought to isolate Hannah, to torment her freely once she divorced Oscar.

But Hannah wasn't the same. She wasn't panicked. He was baffled by her transformation.

"I offered you a chance, and you blew it. Don't blame me for being cruel," Charles threatened. "Oscar works at City Hall, right? Government officials need clean family backgrounds. What will he do when your father's found guilty? Will he sacrifice his career for you?"

"It's none of your business."

"Don't delude yourself! Men are selfish! Save face by leaving Oscar, or else…"

Hannah hung up, unimpressed. Charles was useless.

She felt gloomy. If Charles had planned this, it was brilliantly executed. It was a critical juncture for her career at Cooper Group; a missed opportunity could be disastrous. Oscar's career was also at stake. Charles had truly killed two birds with one stone.