Hannah sat in her office, pondering. She decided to call Theodore.

He answered. "I saw Wayne's been arrested," Theodore said.

"Yes," Hannah replied. "Keep an eye on Sandra for me, will you?"

Theodore frowned. "What's wrong? I thought Wayne would give up her name. Even if he didn't, we have enough evidence to prosecute her."

"No," Hannah said, "I think Charles will attack her."

"You mean kill her?" Theodore exclaimed. "He'd go that far?"

"He's capable of anything," Hannah said. "He's unscrupulous. Sandra's just a tool. Once she becomes a threat, he'll be merciless."

"Okay, I see," Theodore agreed, admiring Hannah's calculated moves. He felt she always anticipated events, skillfully maneuvering everyone into her traps.

Hannah hung up, betting Charles would panic. His panic would lead him to harm Sandra, providing Theodore with the evidence he needed. She would simply reap the rewards.

Charles requested leave after hearing about Wayne's arrest. A sour expression etched his face during the drive to the company. He was furious about Wayne's capture; the fool had been careless, allowing Hannah to find evidence. He gritted his teeth, called someone, and demanded the inspection department's findings on Wayne.

The man on the other end sneered. "Charles, you boasted about defeating Cooper Group, but it lasted mere days. Everyone knows you obtained their plans through underhanded methods. You're no gentleman. I'm disappointed! You've become incredibly stupid. I see no potential left in you!"

Charles maintained a stoic expression, masking his rage. His triumph had been short-lived.

"I have the prosecution's evidence," the man continued sarcastically. "It's conclusive. Not only was Wayne recorded stealing, but there's video of him handing something off to your assistant, Sandra, and even footage of their affair. Were you setting Hannah up, or was she setting you up? While you felt smug, Hannah saw through your tricks."

Charles's hands trembled on the steering wheel. Hannah! That bitch! How could she anticipate and counter his plans? She'd made him look like a fool! His anger burned; he wanted to run her over.

"Wayne's guilt is irrefutable," the man said coldly. "Don't waste time defending Sawyer Group. Consider your own involvement. Wayne or Sandra might turn you in. Will the South Bay New Town construction be affected? If this continues, I'll abandon you. Do yourself a favor."

The call ended. "I won't be implicated," Charles said. "Although Hannah set me up, I left no trace. Sandra did everything; I never intervened."

"That doesn't mean Sandra won't secretly hold evidence against you," the man countered.

"She won't," Charles insisted. "Sandra is smart, but she won't guard against me, nor hide evidence; she's not that clever."

"What if Hannah warned her?"

Panic seized Charles. Could Hannah have known? He refused to believe it.

"Or perhaps Hannah didn't dare act rashly to avoid unwanted repercussions," the man offered.

Charles agreed. "Sandra is loyal. If Hannah approached her, she would have told me. The benefits I've given her surpass her wildest dreams. My downfall wouldn't help her; she's entirely loyal."

"I'm just warning you. I hope you're right. I've invested heavily in you. If Hannah brings you down, my efforts will be mocked," the man said indignantly.

Charles knew he'd let him down. Without this man's reluctance to cut his losses, he'd be ruined. His jaw clenched. "I could kill Sandra."

To save himself, he'd harm her. He would go to the company to feign concern, but his real target was Sandra.

"If you're sure she has no evidence, don't kill her. Killing her could be disastrous. Think – what does Hannah want?"

A chill ran down Charles's spine. "She wants you to make mistakes. She watched Wayne's every move. Aren't you being watched? Didn't you consider she's waiting for you to kill Sandra?"

He'd almost been set up again. He needed to assess Sandra's position and ensure she held no incriminating evidence.

"Try not to do anything illegal!" the man advised.

"Yes," Charles replied respectfully.

"Sawyer Group won the South Bay New Town bid," the man added. "I reviewed the contract. Considering Hannah might return, I ensured that even if we're found to have obtained the project improperly, the bureau won't terminate our cooperation. Hannah can never take back that project!"