Charles scanned Hannah's face. He'd received a call from his bureau informant; he knew she was coming. Suspecting she was planning something, he immediately went to the meeting.

Hannah arrived five minutes after he sat down. The timing seemed perfect, but her words made him fidget. He reluctantly admitted to himself that this woman was a threat, having already caused him considerable trouble. Her every move unnerved him; he felt she might kill him at any moment. He clenched his fist secretly. If he ever got his hands on her…

“In that case,” Gordon stood, “let’s go to the conference room. Lucio, make some tea.”

“Yes,” Gordon’s secretary replied respectfully.

They sat in the conference room. After a while, Gordon said, “To be frank, this South Bay New Town project is my first assignment here, and it can’t fail. Any problems, and I bear the brunt of the blame. I’ve learned the Cooper Group’s bidding plan was stolen by Sawyer Group—meaning you’re using their plan. This is unfair.”

Hannah and Charles listened intently.

“Even if you hadn’t come, I would have contacted you. I want to hear your solutions.” Gordon’s expression was serious. “Hannah, you’re the victim. What do you think?”

Hannah understood his implication: a graceful resolution would be best.

“I’m here for that. Our plan was stolen by Sawyer Group, causing significant harm. They’ve taken the project, essentially stealing our work. I understand your difficulties, but we can't simply give up. And I don’t believe you’ll allow our group to unjustly suffer.”

Her words clearly positioned Cooper Group as the victim, severely harmed. Gordon, as a leader, couldn’t appear blatantly unjust for the sake of his performance review.

Gordon understood and couldn't refute her. He lacked the power to force Cooper Group to silently accept the loss.

Silence filled the room.

Charles hastily interjected, “I apologize that Sawyer Group borrowed Cooper Group’s plan.”

Hannah glanced at him. “Borrowed” was a clever choice of words, she thought.

“But we’re also victims. Our employee was responsible, and we had management failures. However, this has brought us considerable doubt and slander. Again, we apologize.” Charles was adept at crafting narratives.

Stealing from her made him a victim?

“Immediately upon discovery, we issued an emergency warning and are working to resolve this.”

“Have you found a solution?” Hannah asked.

Charles stammered, “We’re still discussing.”

“The solution is simple,” Hannah said, looking at him. “You withdraw from South Bay New Town, terminate the agreement with the bureau amicably. We’ll take over; it’s our plan, and we’re more qualified to execute it. This ensures smooth construction and alleviates Gordon’s concerns.”

Charles’s face flushed. “Why don’t you give up the plan? We’re doing fine. We can address Gordon’s concerns by continuing without interference.”

“Charles, this is theft. Do you think you can exploit us? Do you think we're stupid?” Hannah retorted. “Regardless of your claims, the guilt is undeniable. Now you dare ask us to relinquish the plan?”

Her words were pointed, directed at both Charles and Gordon. She wanted Gordon to understand her righteousness. Continuing to support Sawyer Group would be unjust, damaging his reputation and performance.

Gordon felt uncomfortable, unsure how to proceed. Neither side was likely to yield; concessions would be costly. Tension escalated.

Hannah looked at Gordon, then Charles.

Charles met her gaze, though ill at ease.

“Are you certain you won’t back down? This stalemate will affect South Bay New Town's construction, and Gordon will have difficulty explaining that.”

Charles stared coldly.

She’d placed all the blame on him. Honestly, fairness dictated Sawyer Group should withdraw for the project’s sake.

But Charles said, “Gordon, we considered withdrawing and handing the project to Cooper, but we've invested heavily, with no recovery possible. Withdrawal means significant losses. We have no choice but to continue. We’re developing a new plan, but it requires time. Please.”

“We can compensate you,” Hannah offered aggressively. “We’ll pay market price for your investments.”