Chapter 259: Hannah Dealt with the Accident Calmly

News of Lorie's decision to sever ties with Miguel spread rapidly throughout Kensbury City. Cooper Group's stock prices had plummeted recently, due to her father's legal troubles and Lorie's erratic actions. The stock fell continuously from the opening bell, hitting the limit down. Cooper Group had lost hundreds of millions in three days, making headlines in every financial news outlet. Experts predicted bankruptcy unless the company could quickly reverse its fortunes, advising Miguel's resignation as CEO.

Hannah read the news with a heavy heart. Rose knocked, appearing unusually nervous.

"Ms. Hannah," Rose said. "Some employees are proposing a strike. It's not just the head office; every branch is affected. They want the Chairman to address the situation, resign, and be replaced. They feel he shouldn't hold Cooper Group shares while involving over ten thousand employees in this crisis."

Hannah remained silent for a moment, composing herself. "How many employees support this?" she asked.

"At least forty percent," Rose replied.

"Then we must act," Hannah concluded.

"But what should we do? Should we really tell the Chairman to quit?" Rose asked anxiously.

"Of course not! We'll hold a company-wide video conference in half an hour. Connect all branch offices. The topic: 'Explanations Regarding Mr. Chairman's Recent Personal Issues.'"

"You'll lead the meeting? Not the Chairman?" Rose questioned.

"I will."

"It's a huge meeting. Can you manage it, Ms. Hannah?"

"I've died once. I don't think there's anything I can't handle!" Hannah stated resolutely.

Rose, puzzled by Hannah's cryptic comment, quickly went to prepare for the meeting. Hannah took a deep breath. Roger was certainly problematic; or was someone secretly manipulating him?

Half an hour later, Hannah sat in Cooper Group's main video conference room, addressing over ten thousand employees online. Despite her initial nervousness, she calmed herself, addressing the camera: "Hi everyone, this is Hannah. I'm Mr. Chairman Miguel Cooper's daughter and Cooper Group's sales director. On my father's behalf, I'll address his recent personal issues. He's currently under court supervision and unable to participate. Thank you for your understanding."

Hannah proceeded directly. "First, regarding allegations of bribery and tax evasion, the investigation is ongoing. We have no definitive answers yet. Please don't spread misinformation. My father, the Chairman of Cooper Group, is innocent. Please trust him."

"Next, my grandmother's announcement severing ties with my father and accusing him of ingratitude is untrue. My father purchased her current home and covers all her living expenses—over three hundred thousand dollars monthly. We have the bank statements to prove it."

"You may wonder why she acted this way. I believe her reasoning mirrors your distrust in my father. Having no business experience, she's only heard gossip suggesting Cooper Group's ruin under his leadership. She forced his resignation as a desperate measure, believing it was for the good of the Cooper family. That's why we remained silent; we believed the truth would eventually emerge."

"Finally, Cooper Group will not go bankrupt because of my father's situation, and it's completely false that the company will close as long as he remains CEO. His court date is Friday. You can wait two days; if not, you're welcome to resign. We'll accept your resignation without difficulty. If my father is found guilty, I will ensure he relinquishes his shares."

Hannah bowed deeply. Her ten-minute speech, devoid of pleas for sympathy or interaction, effectively calmed the employees within half an hour.

Rose was awestruck. A twenty-two-year-old had masterfully resolved a major crisis with the simple phrase, "two days," effectively identifying the disloyal. She was equally impressed by Hannah's deft handling of her grandmother's accusations, skillfully easing the tension.

"Rose," Hannah said, snapping Rose from her reverie.

"Yes, Ms. Hannah?"

"Upload this video to the internet."

Rose was startled.

"I did well; it should reach a wider audience," Hannah smiled, intending to quell external misunderstandings and stabilize the plummeting stock prices.

Rose left to complete her tasks. Hannah's phone rang. "Oscar," she answered.

"Come home early. We have a major breakthrough in the case."

Hannah smiled. Charles scared her; Oscar always surprised her.