“You’re quite smart in some ways,” the man praised him, “but you have to realize that, once Wayne was convicted, you couldn’t use that plan. Northfield law allows them to withdraw it and forbid you from using it.”

Charles gritted his teeth. It all happened so fast; he hadn’t thought that far ahead.

“Anyway, make a plan,” the man said coldly. “The reason I haven’t abandoned you is that your family still has considerable assets. If your family fell, I wouldn’t continue to support you.”

“I’ll fix it.”

“Charles, don’t let me down.”

The man hung up.

Charles pulled over to the side of the road. He called his father.

“Dad.”

“Charles, where have you been? I can’t hold them off any longer,” Lee said worriedly. “The inspectors have come to take Sandra in for questioning. If you don’t get here, she’ll be gone.”

“Let them take her,” Charles said bluntly.

“I thought you wanted to see her alone? Why the change? Don’t you worry about…”

“Dad, to get promoted, she illegally colluded with Wayne to steal Cooper’s marketing plan. She doesn’t deserve our sympathy; she should face justice. We shouldn’t interfere,” Charles said seriously.

Lee immediately understood.

“Well, I’ll let it go,” he said.

Charles nodded. “I won’t be there. I have a lot of work at the office. Regarding the South Bay New Town construction, I’ll speak to the bureau head myself. I’ll let you know the outcome.”

“Okay.” Lee fully trusted his son.

Charles hung up, slammed on the brakes, and turned the car around. All that mattered now was securing the South Bay New Town project. He floored the accelerator and sped down the street.

He was frantic.

Hannah received a call from Theodore.

“Charles was heading to his company, but he turned back,” he said.

Hannah’s interest piqued.

“They’ve arrested Sandra. It seems Charles isn’t going to kill her,” Theodore added.

Hannah was slightly surprised.

Was Charles confident, or had he suddenly become clever? When Theodore had told her earlier that Charles was going to the Sawyer Group, she’d known he was planning something. But why the change of heart? Had someone warned him? People like Charles, especially in a crisis, weren’t usually so thoughtful.

So, who the hell was the man behind him?

“What now? Do we still need to follow him?” Theodore asked.

“No,” said Hannah.

With Sandra arrested, he couldn’t hurt her publicly. Apparently, he hadn’t intended to kill her. There was no point in following him.

“I guess he got lucky this time,” Theodore sighed. He’d thought he’d finally gotten rid of Charles. Oscar had said it wouldn’t be easy, and he was right.

“It doesn’t matter. We still have time,” Hannah continued. “Besides, I’ll let him know he’s shooting himself in the foot.”

“What are you going to do?”

“You’ll see.”

“Seriously?”

“I don’t want to give you false hope, so I’m not telling you yet.”

Theodore conceded. “Then I’m going to call it a night.”

“You’ve had a long day. Get some rest. Thank you.”

“Never mind.” He hung up.

Hannah was quiet for a moment. She took a deep breath and called Rose. “Rose, come in.”

“Yes.”

Rose knocked and entered.

“Ms. Hannah, what can I do for you?”

Rose felt awestruck by Hannah’s radiant presence.

Hannah said, “Contact the bureau. We’re going to talk about the South Bay New Town project.”

“Okay.” Rose nodded.

“We’re going now,” Hannah added.

“Now? Isn’t that a little rushed?” Rose asked.

“No, we need to be there now,” Hannah said firmly.

“Is there anything I should prepare?”

“No,” Hannah said, stretching. “We just need to show up and talk to them.”

“I see.” Rose nodded, strangely excited at the prospect of Hannah reclaiming the project.

Rose quickly contacted the bureau and reported back. “The bureau head is in the office. We can go anytime.”

“Then let’s go now.”

Hannah and Rose left the company, with Jimmy driving them.

Upon arrival, Hannah walked into the office and saw Charles. He’d arrived sooner than she’d expected. Rose’s face fell; she hadn’t anticipated having to negotiate with him present.

Then she saw Hannah smile. It seemed she’d anticipated this.

Was this part of her plan?

“Good to see you, Mr. Gordon,” Hannah said warmly, shaking his hand.

Gordon was affable and invited them to sit. Hannah sat opposite him, next to Charles.

“I received your call about the South Bay New Town project. Coincidentally, Charles is here about the same matter. I won’t favor anyone, so we’ll discuss it together,” Gordon said.

“Of course,” Hannah replied calmly.

Charles glared at Hannah with intense hatred, though he could only manage a civil expression. “You’re still so understanding.”

Hannah turned to him, sensing his anger. “Anyway, South Bay New Town is also connected to the Sawyer Group. Initially, I planned to speak with Gordon alone, then Charles. Since you think it’s better to talk together, I’m happy to agree.”

Charles’ face shifted subtly.

What did she mean?

He felt she’d orchestrated everything.

What was she planning now?