"No," Hannah said bluntly. "There are three reasons. First, they've already begun the project and could easily shift blame for the trade secret theft. Second, the bureau awarded the project to Sawyer Group. Their contract doesn't include a clause for termination based on flawed planning; they can't simply end their cooperation. At best, the bureau might allow a redesign, but the project remains theirs."

Miguel's face fell.

"Third," Hannah continued, "I never considered taking on this project. While collaboration with the Municipal Bureau of Land Management would benefit our company, there are other ways to cultivate that relationship. We simply need to perform a good deed; the bureau heads will feel indebted to us."

"What do you mean?" Miguel asked, confused.

"I'm not divulging that yet; I'm not entirely certain. But let's discuss why I'm rejecting this project. Frankly, it's not very profitable. My calculations show a maximum one percent return due to our low bid, with a three-to-five-year payment timeline. We'd invest $10 billion to earn $100 million after three to five years. While not insignificant, it's not as substantial as it seems, especially considering the massive capital investment. From an efficiency standpoint, its failure wouldn't be a great loss."

Hannah's assessment resonated with Miguel. He realized the project's limited value. Cooper Group lost a government partnership, impacting its public image, and there was a matter of pride. But Wayne's guilt would diminish the sting of that pride; Sawyer Group won by stealing their plan, and that could even provide free publicity for Cooper Group.

As for Hannah's final point, Miguel trusted her to have a solution. Relieved, he sighed. "Hannah, you always ease my anxieties. I've been incredibly upset by the project's failure. I never expected Sawyer Group to snatch it from us. The existing tensions only fueled my anger at their blatant display of triumph. You wouldn't believe this, but the week you finalized your plan, I ran into Lee Sawyer. His smugness still makes me want to punch him."

Hannah smiled; her father seemed much more humorous than before. In her past life, she'd inadvertently aged him prematurely. Now, she was determined to ensure he enjoyed a peaceful life.

"I can't wait to see Lee disgraced!" Miguel exclaimed.

Hannah was delighted by his shift from stern chairman to excited father.

"Just be patient. I have work to do."

"Okay," Miguel said. "But remember, work isn't everything; don't overwork yourself."

"Got it."

"Wait," Miguel said. "You saw Oscar recently. Is he alright?"

Hannah smiled at his concern for her son-in-law. Miguel noticed, feeling fortunate he'd consented to her marriage to Oscar, a far cry from her initial engagement to Charles.

"He's doing well in his new job, though his living situation isn't ideal."

"Good. Oscar's government employment would benefit us; Charles's success would be more problematic."

"Don't worry, Dad. I believe Oscar will achieve great things."

"Ah, defending him already," Miguel teased, feigning jealousy.

Hannah blushed. "Dad."

"Alright, I understand. But your mother keeps nagging me. She's fifty, worried about her health, and wants you to have a baby soon so she can help. She lights up when she sees babies."

"Don't rush me. We'll have a baby when the time is right. And we'll give you plenty of grandchildren."

"One is enough," Miguel chuckled, wanting a grandchild but phrasing it through Michelle's concern.

"I should go."

"Since you and Oscar are so close, couldn't you…"

Hannah left his office mid-sentence, but Miguel's words lingered. Their relationship was indeed strong, but, as Oscar had said, they planned to start a family when she turned twenty-five. She pushed the thought aside and returned to her own office.

Rose, visibly agitated, followed Hannah. "Ms. Hannah, I heard Wayne was arrested for stealing our trade secrets! It's all over the company; everyone's shocked."

Hannah glanced at her. "Rose, control yourself."

Rose quickly composed herself.

"Yes, it's true," Hannah confirmed.

"How did you know? How did you know about Wayne's collusion with Sawyer Group? Charles was responsible for his sister's death—Jane Cooper—and still worked with Charles? No conscience?" Rose struggled to contain her excitement.

"I was surprised as well," Hannah replied indifferently, her joy at Wayne's arrest muted.

"You can go now."

"Yes, Ms. Hannah," Rose said respectfully, "you're my hero."

Hannah laughed, pleased by the admiration. In her previous life, she'd undervalued her own capabilities. This time, she wouldn't be low-key.