Chapter 260: The Truth

The video Hannah made, clarifying matters before all Cooper Group staff, quickly trended on social media, garnering millions of complimentary comments. One comment, garnering the most likes, read: “Hannah has been producing miracles ever since she divorced Charles.”

Reading this, Charles nearly smashed his phone in rage. The comment sparked countless replies, most condemning him for hindering Hannah's career. The girl wholly devoted to him had become dazzling. He couldn't comprehend when Hannah had undergone such a transformation, when she had surpassed him, leaving him increasingly behind. The thought fueled a furious punch against the wall inside City Hall, immediately attracting attention. Suppressing his anger, he left the office, stepping onto the balcony to make a call.

"What's the status of the charges against Miguel?"

"The court session begins the day after tomorrow. We're preparing witness testimonies and evidence, but haven't received updates on Miguel or Hannah."

"Have you bribed Kash Hunter?"

"Yes, sir," the man replied respectfully. "My previous answer came directly from him."

"Tell him to appear uninterested during the court session. I need Miguel imprisoned for life!"

"Yes, sir!"

Charles's face remained chilling after hanging up. Hannah, how dare you defy me! he thought, vowing revenge. Composing himself, he left the balcony. Oscar emerged from a hidden corner, stubbing out a cigarette. He'd suspected Charles, but considered him inconsequential, instead focusing on the mastermind.

At 5:30 PM, Hannah prepared to leave work, thrilled by Oscar's promised breakthrough. Finding him at her home, she asked directly, "What have you got?"

"Mind if I have some water first?" Oscar frowned.

Hannah silently fetched water. He drank casually, and she, fighting anxiety, asked, "Ready to start?"

He set down the glass. "I know why Maxwell and Zhang, the land sellers, secretly requested that hundred-million contract."

"Why?"

"They wanted to finalize it," Oscar explained gravely. "The 'Huatan' Apartment project was valued at three hundred million, deemed too expensive by your father. Maxwell then told your father the other party would negotiate down to two hundred million, which he accepted."

"But why would Maxwell do that? He wouldn't risk his future for the company, sacrifice himself for others." Hannah found it unbelievable that Maxwell would risk imprisonment for land acquisition.

"Of course not," Oscar added. "Consider what the project would bring him."

Hannah's realization dawned. "You mean after the deal, Cooper Group invests heavily, and Dore, the contractor, wins the bid under Maxwell's control. Once Dore receives the tender, they abscond with the money after Cooper Group's investment. That's why Maxwell pushed for the deal, despite the risk. They split the investment, correct?"

"Brilliant," Oscar smiled, like he was praising a child.

Slightly uncomfortable, Hannah pressed, "How did you know?"

"You told me to watch Dore, but I focused on his bank accounts. He tried to cover his tracks, but I found transfers between him and Maxwell. Besides…" Oscar paused.

Hannah frowned.

"Your uncle, Roger…" Oscar emphasized.

"The 'Huatan' project was a conspiracy between Maxwell and Roger?" Hannah had anticipated this.

Oscar nodded.

"But why mention it now, after the fact? Aren't they afraid of being discovered?"

"Someone else must be pushing this," Oscar deduced.

"Charles isn't powerful enough," Hannah stated confidently. He was too new to the business world.

"Someone's behind him," Oscar corrected.

Startled, Hannah recalled her past life. Charles had connected with a powerful family at 28, receiving rapid promotions three years later, fostering deeper ties with influential families. From the start, Charles had kept her in the dark—his matrilocal marriage wasn't about Cooper property; it was a takeover orchestrated by someone else.

A shiver ran down Hannah's spine. The Cooper family were targets of a far greater power. Her previous goal had been to fight Charles, but now she faced a far stronger adversary.

"What are you thinking?" Oscar asked.

Hannah composed herself, unable to reveal her reincarnation. Even if she did, he wouldn't believe it.

"I wondered if I'd fallen into Charles's trap," she improvised.

"Still holding out hope for him?" Oscar teased, his jealousy evident.

Hannah rolled her eyes. "That means Uncle Roger is the culprit!"