“That’s impossible! You can’t fool me, you liar! Sandra and I are meant for each other! She wouldn't collaborate with Charles to trick me!” Wayne argued confidently.

Hannah scoffed, pitying his naiveté. “Wake up! Why do you think Sandra was interested? Money? Power? Your looks? She’s where she is because of Charles, not her own merit. Use your brain! It’s obvious why she got close to you.”

“Shut up! Shut your bloody mouth!” Wayne raged. “Even if what you say is true, why is Sandra arrested?”

“Because she’s a fool! She knew Charles was using her, but she didn't see it coming. You both became scapegoats.”

“I don’t trust you!”

“Believe me or not, your life is ruined by your own actions. I have nothing to do with it.”

Hannah had only come to taunt him, to exact revenge for his past actions. “Before I leave, remember that leaking confidential business information carries a prison sentence of over three years. In your case, it could easily be ten.”

“Hannah!” Wayne shouted, gnashing his teeth. He knew his life was over. “Wait! Don’t go! Save me! I can’t go to prison! We’re family! I’m the only male Cooper! If you don’t save me, our family is ruined!”

“Wayne, the silliest thing you’ve done isn’t being tricked by Sandra, but being arrogant and superior. You wasted time and money instead of bettering yourself.”

Hannah’s words stung, but they were true. Wayne felt acutely embarrassed. He’d been condescending, academically inept, and contributed nothing. His privileged position inflated his ego and fostered complacency. Only now did he realize his weakness.

“Besides, being the only male heir means nothing. Who takes you seriously except your parents and grandmother? You mean something to them, but you're nothing to me!”

“Enough!” Wayne couldn't bear the humiliation. He knew his shortcomings, but didn't want to hear it, especially from Hannah.

“I’m not wasting my time,” Hannah said, uninterested in his distress. She turned and left him seething with rage.

Wayne was devastated. He knew Hannah's words, including the truth about Sandra, were true, but he refused to admit it.

No! He couldn't face ruin! Ten years in prison meant death.

Hannah, however, remained unmoved by his collapse. She believed those with tragic endings were usually troublemakers, deserving no pity. She forgave stupidity, not malice.

Leaving the detention house, Hannah encountered Esther, consumed by grief. Esther, having heard Hannah was responsible, confronted her, lunging to strike.

Hannah signaled to Jimmy, who intervened and restrained Esther.

“Let me go! You dirty bastard!” Esther screamed.

“Don’t let her go,” Hannah ordered, her face darkening.

“You son of a bitch! What did she give you? Did you sleep with her?” Esther raged, spewing insults.

Even Rose was angered by Esther’s vile accusations. Hannah, reaching her limit, slapped Esther hard across the face.

Esther, stunned, glared incredulously. “You whore! How dare you!”

Another slap followed. “Are you crazy? I’ll kill you!”

Again, Hannah slapped her, repeatedly, until the swearing ceased. Esther, intimidated, glared but remained silent.

Hannah rubbed her hands, surprised by the pain. She pondered the psychology of those who inflict pain, yet suffer themselves.

“Are you going to swear at me or not?”

Esther, silenced, offered no response.

“My mother was bullied by you and your grandmother. This is a lesson. If you ever disrespect my mother again, it will be the end of you,” Hannah warned.