The car, with Jimmy and Hannah inside, headed for the villa. Jimmy drove more slowly than usual. Wayne's actions were clearly captured on the camera app on Hannah's phone; she had saved all the evidence.
Exiting the app, Hannah called Theodore. "Now you can investigate who gave Wayne the key. Just keep the photos; don't alert them."
"OK," Theodore replied.
Hannah had previously informed Theodore that she'd stationed men on the ground floor to await Wayne. As expected, Wayne appeared at the Cooper building's gate and immediately drove away. Their men skillfully followed him in shifts, unnoticed by Wayne. He pulled over in a dark corner and approached another waiting car. A woman was inside. They kissed before Wayne gave her something; then they parted. Wayne returned to his car and drove away, while the woman departed in the opposite direction. Seeing the car leave, Theodore ceased surveillance. He called Hannah. "The person who met with Wayne is Sandra. I have photos."
"Great."
Charles, it seemed, was shrewd. He'd avoided involving too many people to prevent complications.
Hannah hung up and told Jimmy, "You may speed up now. Things conclude tonight."
"Yes, Mrs. Wells," Jimmy replied.
Upon arriving at their villa's gate, Hannah received a call from Rose. "Ms. Hannah, I've found my bag. The police apprehended the thief, and my bag was recovered. Everything's there."
"Where are you now?" Hannah asked.
"I just left the police station. The police are driving me home."
"Go back to the company and check if anything is missing from your safe."
"Right now?" Rose asked, puzzled by the change of plan.
"Just do as I say."
"Yes."
Rose asked the police to take her to the company, unaware she was being followed. Seeing Rose enter the company, the stalker immediately called his boss.
"Mr. Sawyer, she's returned to the company."
"I see," Charles said. "Your work is done."
"Yes, sir."
Charles hung up and smiled slyly. Hannah was astute enough to send someone back to check, he mused. If it were someone else, Hannah might have won. But her opponent was Charles Sawyer, far more cunning. He'd accurately anticipated her actions and restored everything. This time, she'd find nothing, and she might not even suspect this "accidental robbery." She would suffer for her cleverness! He eagerly anticipated Hannah's frustration on bidding day.
...
Hannah, Wayne, and Rose attended the bidding at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. To prevent leaks, she printed the bidding documents that day, affixed her seal, and took them to the department.
"To be honest, I didn't expect you to take me to the bidding," Wayne said to Hannah in the car.
Hannah glanced at him. "We're family, after all. Cooper Group handles significant business; I can't rely solely on myself. I want you to gain experience."
"I thought you couldn't forgive my father."
"The past is past; I don't dwell on it," Hannah replied lightly. "I promise my father and I will accept you, provided you let go."
"OK. I'll prove my resolve with actions."
"Deal."
Her detached attitude wasn't suspicious. Wayne, though unable to fully understand her unpredictable nature, remained observant and continually questioned her motives.
They arrived at the bureau half an hour early. The bidding was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., so the attendants led them to the lounge.
Five enterprises were bidding; three were accompanying bidders, and the remaining two were Sawyer Group and Cooper Group. Lee, Martina, and Sandra represented Sawyer Group; Charles was absent. Martina glared at Hannah, wishing her suffering.
Hannah noticed the hostility but disregarded it, unwilling to waste time on such a person. However, she also observed Sandra, initially nervous but quickly composing herself and offering a polite smile.
Hannah smiled faintly, thinking Sandra was spoiled by Charles and hadn't taken her warnings seriously. Hannah then noticed Wayne's gaze fixed on Sandra. What a fool, she thought. He'll come to no good end for betraying the Coopers to curry favor with Charles, she mused, recalling her past life.
A staff member arrived, inviting them to the bidding site. Everyone proceeded to the room, submitted their documents, and awaited the results.
In the meeting room, assessors whispered. After about half an hour—much sooner than expected—an officer announced, "Based on the scoring criteria—creative design (30%), guarantee duration (20%), and tender price (50%)—we scored Group A 73 points, Group B 81 points, Group C 85 points, Cooper Group 95 points, and Sawyer Group 100 points! Congratulations to Sawyer Group!"
The result caused an uproar. Everyone expected Cooper Group to win. They considered Cooper Group the sector's expert and anticipated a fierce competition from Hannah. No one expected Sawyer Group to win with a perfect score. It was, indeed, quite a spectacle.