“Can’t you be more serious?” Hannah felt shy after Oscar’s words. This man would say anything. She remembered him calling another woman “babe.”

“...”

Hannah declared she didn’t care whom he called “babe”; they were pursuing greater benefits.

“Do you know what flirtation is?” Oscar’s smiling voice held a mesmerizing quality.

“I’ll let you know next time,” he replied, his voice bewitching.

“Oscar,” she said, as he started to hang up.

“Uh-hum?”

“Don’t forget your schedule tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there as long as you’ll be there.” It sounded like a commitment.

“See you tomorrow,” Hannah replied without much thought.

“See you.”

Hannah hung up, only to have the phone ring again instantly. Her expression changed. “Charles,” she answered.

“Martina told me you beat her, right?” Charles’s tone was interrogative and slightly offensive. Hannah could hear Martina in the background: “And Susan! I’m aching all over. Charles, you have to stand up for me!”

Hannah replied coldly, “Charles, you’ve known me for years. What kind of person do you think I am? When have you ever seen me beat anyone?”

Charles paused, considering her words. “Ask yourself,” he said. “Haven’t I treated your sister well? When have I not helped her or given her what she wanted? If I hadn’t stopped Susan in school, they would have fought a hundred times by now. And now you’re questioning me?”

Hannah’s anger was evident, leaving Charles silent.

“If you trust your sister more, I have nothing to say. I’ll be the bad guy,” she said, about to hang up.

“Hannah,” Charles, sensing her fury, stopped her. “I didn’t mean that. Martina came home wounded. I feel sorry for her, but I know you wouldn’t have beaten her.”

“Charles, Hannah hit me! And Susan too! How else did I get hurt? It’s her!” Martina screamed.

“Enough. Hannah wouldn’t do that. Shut your mouth,” Charles scolded her.

“What’s wrong with you, Charles? I’m telling you, it’s her! Why don’t you believe me?” Martina persisted.

Hannah said coldly, “Well, I didn’t stop Susan.”

Charles, exasperated by Martina’s screaming, moved to a quieter spot. “Why didn’t you stop them? You know Martina can’t stand being offended.” His tone was complaining.

Hannah sneered. “Can’t stand being offended? Who does Martina think she is?” Then she added, “Your sister said you didn’t like me, that you’re dumping me. She even asked me to stop dreaming about our wedding next month.”

Charles was irritated. “What? Don’t listen to her!”

“Charles, marriage involves two families. I don’t want to cause discord. I’ve treated your sister sincerely, but she clearly dislikes me. If that’s the case, should we call off the wedding?”

“What? You’re imagining things. She likes you,” Charles said urgently. “She said that because she was mad at Susan. Martina’s told me how much she likes you and how happy she is to have you as her sister-in-law.”

“I understand, but it hurts to hear what Martina said.”

“Hannah, Martina was angry and not thinking straight. You’re not that petty. Don’t overthink it.”

“Probably because I cared too much,” Hannah said, unyielding.

Charles grasped her implication. “Is your mother’s birthday tomorrow?”

“Yes?”

“I’ll ask Martina to apologize to you tomorrow, okay?”

“Martina will hate me more,” Hannah worried, but didn’t refuse.

“She won’t! She doesn’t want you to misunderstand her. Don’t overthink it. We’re getting married next month. Don’t let anything affect your mood. I heard worrying causes wrinkles. You won’t look pretty with wrinkles at our wedding.” Charles was placating her.

Hannah had always prioritized Charles, but he’d never cared about her feelings. She’d treated him well, and he’d taken it for granted, even thinking her stupid. The irony was palpable. One day, she would make him regret his actions.

They chatted casually before Hannah hung up.

At Sawyer Manor, Charles’s demeanor changed instantly after the call. He stormed into the living room, furious. The doctor was tending to Martina’s wounds. Seeing Charles, she demanded, “Charles, did you tell that bitch off? She helped Susan bully me! Make her regret it. Make her apologize tomorrow, or I’ll never forgive her…”

“Enough!” Charles roared.

Loretta was present, hurt by Martina’s injuries and startled by Charles’s anger.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“What’s wrong? Martina badmouthed Hannah, told her I was dumping her. Now she’s angry and wants to call off the wedding.”

“Call it off then! Hannah doesn’t deserve a good man like you, Charles. I bet she’ll beg you to take her back if you really call it off…” Martina said.

“Do you know what’s going on with our family? The Coopers lent us two billion. We can’t function without that money. Our share price is dropping; we might declare bankruptcy. Our wedding is the only way to stabilize the Sawyer Group. Are you trying to bankrupt us by messing with my wedding?” Charles was enraged.

Martina felt wronged. She’d been pampered her whole life; no one had ever scolded her like this.

“I’ve promised Hannah you’ll apologize tomorrow. Don’t let her think you dislike her,” Charles told Martina.

“An apology?” Martina’s eyes widened. Hannah was an easy target for Martina; she would undoubtedly refuse.