Chapter 276: Shooting Herself in the Foot

Hannah sneered. "If a beggar receives money, they'll smile and offer thanks. But some people lack even basic respect, biting anyone they can."

"Hannah, I'll beat you to death! You disobedient girl!" Lorie lunged, attempting to strike Hannah.

Hannah retreated. Security guards intervened, preventing Lorie from approaching but taking no further action. Miguel instinctively shielded his daughter, his disappointment in his mother deepening.

Hannah watched Lorie's outburst, memories flooding back. As a child visiting the Cooper residence, life was pleasant while her grandfather lived. However, after his death, Lorie, believing her family had unfairly received his inheritance, relentlessly targeted Hannah. Lorie would scold and even pinch her, leaving Hannah bruised and afraid to confide in anyone. These experiences profoundly impacted her childhood. Had she not been reborn, she'd still be living under Lorie's shadow, timid and lacking confidence.

Wayne, unable to bear it any longer, stepped forward, kicking a security guard to the ground. He shouted, "If you dare touch my grandma, I'll beat you all to death!" The guards, merely blocking Lorie, were defenseless against his attacks. Lorie urged Wayne to attack Hannah, resulting in a scuffle where Wayne kicked several guards. Miguel's anger finally ignited.

Just as Wayne approached, Miguel tensed. Hannah, grabbing her father's hand, calmly announced, "I've called the police." Wayne froze. Hannah displayed her phone, the call connected. "We're in the Cooper Group president's office under attack. Please send help."

"Hannah, are you crazy?!" Wayne exclaimed.

Hannah sneered. "If you hit me, you'll join your father in jail!" Wayne, realizing Hannah was no longer a pushover, hesitated. "You have two minutes to leave with your grandmother and mother. Otherwise, I'll sue them for trespassing and disrupting company operations. I mean it!" Hannah's quiet authority commanded respect.

A chill ran down Wayne's spine. Hannah, ignoring their protests, declared, "Two minutes. The countdown begins!"

Wayne looked to Lorie, who, recognizing her failed attempt at leverage, reluctantly agreed to leave, uttering a final threat: "Hannah, you'll pay for this!"

Once they left, Hannah arranged for the injured security guards to receive medical attention and compensation. She then turned to her father, who remained troubled.

Hannah comforted him, "Dad, it's not your fault. Don't blame yourself for others' mistakes."

"I don't understand. We're both her sons. Why does she favor your uncle?"

Hannah explained, "Grandma and Grandpa were estranged. Grandpa favored you, so Grandma retaliated. He left everything to you because he knew neither Uncle nor Grandma could manage the Cooper Group. He was right. Otherwise, the company would've been bankrupt long ago."

A relieved smile touched Miguel's face. "Hannah, you're a good girl."

"Dad, do you understand?" Hannah asked.

"Yes," Miguel sighed, "Handle your grandmother from now on."

"I will." Hannah replied. "Thank you. You can go back to work."

As Hannah left, her father's secretary arrived with urgent news: Lorie had gathered reporters at the company entrance, causing a major disruption.

Miguel paled. Hannah turned to him. "Dad, you said you'd leave it to me. Still true?"

Miguel nodded, "Yes."

"Then I'll handle this." Hannah stated resolutely.

Hannah returned to her office, gazing at Lorie surrounded by reporters. She knew exactly what Lorie was saying, and how malicious it would be.

Rose approached. "Ms. Hannah, the recording is ready."

"Send it to the news agency. Have them upload it immediately," Hannah ordered, a cold smile playing on her lips. She had recorded Lorie's actions, anticipating this moment; she would let Lorie shoot herself in the foot.