Chapter 258 Oscar, the Lawyer

“Yeah. We’re a family. Let’s act like one. I’ll leave my case to you,” Miguel said, relaxing.

“You got it,” Oscar readily agreed.

Hannah was touched. Charles would have refused, claiming to be too busy, avoiding involvement. But Oscar had actively participated. Compared to Charles, he was vastly superior.

“Should we call Kash Hunter to discuss the court issues?” Miguel suggested.

“No,” Hannah firmly replied.

Oscar and Miguel looked at her in surprise.

“Mr. Hunter will be my lawyer. He can’t defend me effectively without knowing the case well,” Miguel explained.

“Even he could be bribed,” Hannah stated slowly.

Miguel seemed unconvinced.

“I don’t trust anyone else,” Hannah said, understanding her father’s hesitation. “They were well-prepared to frame you. Isn't bribing our lawyer a common tactic?”

Miguel, despite knowing Kash for years, hadn't considered this possibility.

“Dad, can you defend yourself in court?” Hannah asked. Northfield law allowed either hiring a lawyer or self-representation.

She didn't want to hire a lawyer; any could be bribed, hindering their defense and potentially worsening the outcome.

“I can intimidate my employees,” she mused, “but defending myself in court? I'm not sure.”

Hannah pursed her lips. Forcing her father to defend himself against a top prosecutor was risky, given his abilities. Finding a trustworthy lawyer proved difficult; she had few connections and couldn't guarantee loyalty.

“If you can’t find a suitable lawyer, why not consider me?” Oscar offered unexpectedly.

Hannah frowned, suspecting a jest.

“I have a lawyer’s qualification certificate,” Oscar clarified.

Hannah, Miguel, and Michelle were shocked. The country's stringent lawyer requirements were well-known; certification demanded exceptional memory, logic, and adaptability.

“When did you get that?” Hannah asked, striving for composure.

“In college,” he replied.

“Your minor was law?”

“No. Self-study examination.”

This was exceptionally difficult; law school was the easier route, with post-graduation success rates being exceptionally low.

“Do you know certified lawyers take annual certification tests?” Hannah asked.

“I passed right before we married,” Oscar answered.

“Oh Lord! You’re a real expert in time management!” Hannah exclaimed, unsure if it was praise or teasing. He was always making headlines, yet found time to study successfully.

“Darling, any other doubts?” Oscar asked softly.

Miguel and Michelle were relieved, sensing Oscar's love and commitment to Hannah.

“Have you ever been in court?” Hannah asked.

“Did school debate competitions count?” Oscar countered.

Hannah, exasperated, asked, “How many debate competitions have you won?”

“I messed up the first one.”

Hannah reminded herself of Oscar's exceptional abilities, urging confidence, but doubts lingered. Good grades didn't guarantee courtroom eloquence or victory.

“Do you have any other choice except me?” Oscar asked bluntly, noting her anxiety.

Hannah fell silent. He was right.

“Okay. It’s settled. You’ll be my father’s lawyer. What do you say, Dad?”

Miguel, surprisingly unconcerned, agreed. He trusted Oscar's judgment and saw his love for Hannah. He felt hopeful with Oscar as their lawyer. They then discussed the case details.

Hannah and Oscar didn't leave Cooper Manor until after dinner. In the car, Hannah checked the news, her expression changing dramatically.

“What’s wrong?” Oscar asked instantly, attentive to her.

“My grandmother’s made a scene again.”

“Mm?” Oscar leaned closer.

He read the headline: “Old Mrs. Cooper Cuts Ties with Second Son, Miguel Cooper, CEO of Cooper Group.”

Hannah showed him the article. The accusations infuriated her. The article portrayed Miguel as ungrateful and heartless, insulting and even physically abusing his mother. It claimed Roger was the sole caregiver and that Hannah was disrespectful as well, further alleging Miguel had unfairly seized control of Cooper Group.

“Would you like to teach her a lesson?” Oscar asked calmly, yet with a hint of ruthlessness contrasting Hannah's fury.

“No,” Hannah replied. “I can handle her.”

“To someone unreasonable, due respect isn't necessary,” Oscar pointed out.

Hannah smiled coldly. Due respect? No. She wanted her grandmother to suffer.