Chapter 271: Hannah’s Answer

Hannah looked away from her grandmother, her gaze falling on Lorie, Wayne, and Mary. Their awkwardness was palpable; this outcome was clearly unexpected.

Roger faced at least five years' imprisonment, legally speaking. If his instigation of Dore's framing of Miguel were confirmed, that sentence could double.

A smile played on Hannah's lips at the thought. Taking her father's hand, she approached her grandmother. Lorie’s discomfort was acute.

"Stop that complacent smile!" Lorie hissed.

"Grandma, I don't mean to be complacent," Hannah replied, "but remember, you publicly accused Dad of a crime and proclaimed Uncle Roger your only filial son. The journalists are still outside; please be careful. Their questions can be as hurtful as your words."

"Hannah, enough! We know you've won!" Lorie retorted.

"Grandma, we didn't win. I believe justice has been served. If you disagree, appeal."

"How dare you!" Lorie's anger flared.

Hannah paused. "Grandma, you said you'd renounce our family relationship with Dad. I've discussed it with him. If you insist, we'll respect your decision. From now on, Dad will no longer acknowledge you as his mother."

"Stop intimidating me! I don't fear Roger's sentence!"

"Oh, Grandma, I know you won't fear," Hannah continued, her tone laced with bitterness. "You've never treated Dad as your son. I've never seen a mother so cruel to her child."

"Enough! I'm wasting my time."

"So am I," Hannah said firmly. "Your renunciation means you'll move out of Cooper Manor, which Dad owns. Since we're no longer family, you must leave. You've also renounced Dad's monthly support of over 300,000. Consider your expenses carefully. Finally, the servants are paid by Mom; they'll be returning to the manor. You'll need to find your own staff."

Lorie was speechless with rage.

"I shouldn't call you Grandma anymore. Farewell, Lorie," Hannah said, a slight smile playing on her lips.

Lorie's face burned. Wayne, however, seemed confused. "I'll take care of Grandma," he said to Lorie. "Hannah, stop intimidating her!"

Hannah sneered. She understood Wayne's nature; his affection for his grandmother was conditional on her continued usefulness.

"Grandma, let's go," Wayne said, supporting her as they left.

Lorie muttered, "As expected, all girls are betrayers! Only a grandson is reliable." Hannah didn't respond, watching expectantly.

"Hannah, you're pushing too far…" Miguel said, still blindly loyal. He was unaware of Lorie’s past attempts to undermine his family, a fact Hannah used to her advantage. "Dad," she said, "we'll reclaim everything tomorrow—the manor, the finances, the servants."

"That's too harsh," Miguel protested.

"Grandma needs a lesson," Hannah insisted.

"But…"

"Dad, trust me. I won't endanger Grandma."

Miguel, remembering Lorie's recent actions, nodded. "Alright, but if anything happens to your grandma, we help her."

"Okay," Hannah agreed.

Susan interrupted excitedly, "Let's go! I have to tell the world my godfather is innocent!"

Hannah was momentarily stunned. Miguel smiled at her. The three of them faced the throng of journalists. Wayne, Mary, and Lorie fled.

The questions bombarded them:

• "Mr. Cooper, any comments on your exoneration?"
• "Mr. Cooper, your mother accused you of unfilial conduct and wanted your brother to replace you. Now your brother is arrested. Your thoughts?"
• "Mrs. Wells, did you always believe in your father's innocence?"
• "Mr. Wells, your first case as a defense lawyer shocked the world. How do you feel?"
• "Mr. and Mrs. Wells, your marriage continues to surprise. How do you both keep improving?"

Miguel, irritated by the press, turned to leave. Hannah, however, answered directly:

"I always believed in my father's innocence. The outcome was expected. Regarding Grandma's bias, we're used to it. And as for Oscar's first case and our improvement… we strive to be better for the one we love. Isn't that part of marriage? We want to present the best versions of ourselves to each other."