Charles flirted with Sandra on the phone. Hanging up, a sinister gleam filled his eyes. He believed every woman was at his mercy, except Hannah. He was convinced she would eventually succumb to his domination, a domination that would end in her suffering.

A week later, Hannah chaired a meeting in the conference room.

“We cannot afford to fail on the South Bay project,” she stated directly. “We have a month until the bid. I’ll form a special team of twenty employees, dedicated solely to this project until its completion.”

The assembled department heads, seasoned executives, were nonetheless awed by Hannah's authority.

“I’ve prepared the team list, drawn from your departments. I’ll release it now, and I expect a smooth transition. They report to me at ten tomorrow morning.” She began reading names: “Sales: Mila, Wang, Mann…”

Executives diligently recorded their assigned employees.

“Any objections?” Hannah asked.

Silence reigned. Their obedience was absolute. To conclude efficiently, she said, “Please make the necessary arrangements. Meeting adjourned.”

“I have an opinion,” Wayne interjected.

Maintaining composure, Hannah replied, “Mr. Cooper, please proceed.”

“You’ve selected three from public relations. I wish to replace one.”

“On what grounds?”

“I want to work with you personally.”

Hannah’s brow furrowed in surprise.

“I wish to replace one of my department's employees and join your team. I admit my past contributions have been lacking. I want to learn from you, to justify my position as department head, and not simply because I’m a Cooper.”

His words placed Hannah in a difficult position. Refusal would fuel gossip, given the rumors that she was systematically removing Roger Cooper’s offspring from the company since his imprisonment.

She couldn’t refuse. “I hope our family can successfully run the company,” she replied smoothly.

“Agreed,” Hannah said, her confidence unwavering. “If there’s nothing further, the meeting is dismissed.”

Hannah left, followed by the others. Wayne, however, rushed back to his office, a sneer playing on his lips. He closed the door and made a call.

“How’s it going?” a voice asked.

“I did it,” Wayne exclaimed. “She couldn’t refuse in front of everyone.”

“Good. Now we'll know what's happening within the team,” Charles chuckled cruelly.

Charles’s plan to infiltrate Cooper Group to secure the South Bay project hinged on Hannah's skill and Cooper Group's prestige. It was an impossible task for Sawyer Group without an inside man. But he regretted not marrying Hannah; she would have given him everything. Their broken engagement cast a dark shadow, only to be lifted by her demise. He needed Wayne.

With Roger imprisoned and Jane Cooper deceased, he easily manipulated Wayne, using Sandra's allure as bait. After a night with Sandra, he outlined his plan. Though initially hesitant, her greed won out. He promised her the credit for the South Bay project and the position of sales department general manager at Sawyer Group. She agreed, and within three days, Wayne was in his grasp.

Wayne, lacking Roger’s support, was easily controlled—a fact that wouldn't occur to Hannah. Charles anticipated Hannah's despair upon his victory, a prospect that filled him with perverse satisfaction.

Back in her office, Hannah sat quietly. Rose placed a cup of coffee on her desk.

“Rose,” Hannah said abruptly.

“Yes?”

“What do you think of Wayne’s sudden change in attitude?”

Rose replied without hesitation, “He’s up to no good.”

Hannah nodded. “You may leave.”

Rose departed. Hannah sipped her coffee, then picked up the phone and dialed a number.

“Hannah?” a hesitant voice answered.

“Theodore, it’s me.”

“Loneliness after Oscar’s gone?” Theodore quipped.

Hannah was speechless.

“I need a favor.”

“I’m busy.”

“It’s important.”

“What is it?” Theodore relented.

“Keep an eye on Wayne.”

“He’s still causing trouble?” Theodore’s tone betrayed his lack of awareness.