Chapter 299: He Was So Confident

Hannah remained silent. Oscar chuckled, asking, "You miss me?"

"Nope," Hannah replied flatly, unwilling to admit it.

"I'm thinking Charles will have defeated you by the time you return."

Charles had clearly taken the lead in the past ten days, while Oscar remained largely unknown to the public. Hannah planned to boost his media profile upon his return. However, he'd just informed her he wouldn't return as planned, potentially admitting defeat.

"Do you think I can only win by returning sooner?" Oscar countered.

She couldn't guarantee victory with an immediate return, but the chances seemed far better than remaining in obscurity.

"The City Hall is clearly promoting Charles now. My return wouldn't change that."

"So, you're deluding yourself, hiding away?"

"You don't know me at all, Hannah." Oscar laughed suddenly.

Hannah frowned, puzzled by his amusement. Her worry contrasted sharply with his playful demeanor.

"I've never failed to get what I want, unless..." Oscar paused, "...unless I gave it up myself."

She thought him overconfident. In her previous life, Oscar hadn't eclipsed Charles, yet he'd been no less capable. What made him so certain of success this time?

"Just like what I did with you, Hannah," Oscar added.

This surprised her. Did he mean he could have had her if he hadn't given up? The implication irritated her.

Was she so easily won? She felt deceived, though she suspected he wasn't simply referring to relinquishing his past affections. Otherwise, Charles wouldn't have married her.

"I'm staying here to turn the tables," Oscar stated plainly.

"What are you going to do?" Hannah asked, uncertain of his plan.

In her previous life, when Charles began his career at City Hall, Oscar was a frivolous playboy, largely inconsequential. This life, however, seemed accelerated; their competition had begun sooner.

"Wait for my good news."

"Oscar," Hannah said.

"Hmm?"

"Be safe." She sensed he was about to undertake something dangerous.

"OK."

A simple word, yet profoundly meaningful. Sometimes, all they needed was the trust and reassurance of a loved one.

They hung up. Hannah sat in silence, pondering Oscar's plans and how he intended to overcome his disadvantage. Confused, yet somehow trusting, she resolved to await his news.

She then called Rose. "Rose, gather all department managers to the meeting room in ten minutes. I need to make some work arrangements."

"Yes, Ms. Hannah," Rose replied respectfully.

Ten minutes later, Hannah sat at the head of the meeting table. Facing managers older, some twice her age, she exuded a powerful presence.

Wayne, consumed by jealousy, watched. That seat, he vowed, would be his someday.

"Good morning, everyone. This meeting concerns my recent appointment. It should have been held sooner, but my unfamiliarity with the role delayed it for ten days. This delay, however, allows for greater efficiency."

They listened intently. Her outstanding performance had earned her the position of Provisional Senior Vice-Chairman of Cooper Group, silencing any doubts about her competence.

"First, a brief introduction. I'm Hannah Wells, your Provisional Senior Vice-Chairman. Your advice and guidance during this time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you."

Applause filled the room. Her phrasing—'for some time'—cleverly acknowledged the temporary nature of her appointment, avoiding any perceived overreach.

"Now, to the purpose of this meeting. I'll be redefining and rearranging departmental responsibilities. Objections are welcome; I've already addressed the sales department and will not take offense. Speak freely."

They listened quietly. Hannah had completely reorganized their work plans within ten days, a feat none expected. Many had assumed her youth and sudden elevation would paralyze her, but they were proven wrong.

This was her first managerial meeting. It lasted two hours, her longest yet. Finally, she added, "To avoid frequent, lengthy meetings, I've tried to be comprehensive. Future meetings will be limited to thirty minutes, and departmental meetings will focus on smaller, project-based groups."

"OK," the managers responded.

"This concludes the meeting. Dismissed," Hannah stated decisively, rising and leaving the room.

The managers began to depart, many engaged in heated discussions.

"Hannah is young, but ambitious and bold!"

"I used to scoff at 'younger generations surpassing older ones.' I see now the promise of youth!"

"I doubt any other silver-spoon kid in Kensbury could match her."

Wayne, suppressing his rage and hatred, could only fantasize about Hannah's demise.