Chapter 398: A Post-Promotion

Charles, on leave and simmering in Sawyer Manor, fumed. Hannah's machinations gnawed at him; he barely suppressed the urge to destroy her. This was why he was weary of work. He felt trapped, a caged lion whose prey had escaped.

"What's up?" he answered the phone impatiently.

"What gave that bitch, Hannah, the audacity to flaunt her success before me? She was so arrogant signing that contract! How can I bear it? What's your solution? Don't you have anything to fight back, to knock her down?" Martina shrieked.

Charles's fury intensified, fueled by his sister's tirade. His face darkened like a storm cloud. Martina's anger only amplified his frustration; it didn't diminish Hannah's victory.

He shouted, "Enough. Let's move on. I don't want anyone mentioning it again."

"But, Charles…" Martina protested.

"That's it," Charles snapped, his patience exhausted. He admitted defeat this round. But what about next? He would send Hannah to hell, himself.

"Just do something! Anything to teach her a lesson, even a small one. It's not like you to let her win everything!" Martina wouldn't let it go.

Charles's face darkened further. He lacked a direct means to make Hannah regret opposing him. He gnashed his teeth. As he prepared to end the call, an idea struck him. His expression shifted; a conspiratorial glint appeared in his eyes.

"Martina," he changed his tone.

"I'm listening, bro," Martina replied angrily, Hannah's victorious smirk stubbornly lodged in her mind. She was eager to crush that bitch.

"Susan's Hannah's best friend, right?" Charles asked.

"Yes, another bitch," Martina spat.

"We can ignore Hannah for now, but that doesn't apply to Susan."

"Charles, what are you implying?" Martina sensed the conspiracy, a thrill coursing through her. Targeting Susan was even more appealing. Why should that bitch be with Manuel, her dream man?

"Is Susan pregnant?" Charles asked. "And I recall you wanting that baby to never see the light of day."

"True. But Henry's a fool; he's doing nothing to make Susan give up the baby. I can't rely on that idiot. Why did you choose him?"

"I chose him for his caution and calmness, qualities proven these past days with Susan's pregnancy. He won't act rashly until the time is right. That's rare."

"Enough! No more praising him. Without your faith in him, he'd have no chance working with me."

"Fine. No more praise. Now, you'll have my help removing the baby from Susan."

"Really?" Martina was too excited to believe it.

"Of course," Charles confirmed. "Come home; I'll show you the plan."

"Great!"

Hanging up, Charles chuckled grimly. Hannah would pay.

A meeting convened in the Cooper Group boardroom. The successful completion of the South Bay New Town project earned high praise. The board's earlier opposition to Hannah felt shameful now, especially for Simon, who seemed ready to vanish.

But Hannah remained composed. "Thank you for your recognition. I concealed details due to timing, leading to misunderstandings. My fault. I apologize."

This eased the board's embarrassment.

"You're right. We misunderstood your withholding information. Disagreements are inevitable; they're fundamental to growth, but this wasn't personal," one board member responded. The board seized the opportunity to alleviate their discomfort.

"Knowing your comments weren't personal, I offer my apologies," Hannah added.

"Let's move on. Any suggestion should benefit the group; right or wrong, the goal is a positive outcome," Miguel declared, shifting to a stricter tone. "This brings me to an idea—I've mentioned it before—promoting Hannah to Vice President. She's been acting head, which is inadequate considering her abilities and contributions. I officially nominate her."

"I approve," Simon was the first to vote. Hannah looked at him. He added, "My doubts stemmed from her age and Wayne Cooper. Roger's son seemed more suitable, but he failed us. We can't cling to Roger's era; Ms. Hannah is far more qualified."

"I agree. No one's more qualified."

Miguel's proposal received unanimous approval. The recognition was invaluable. Miguel was pleased.

After the meeting, Hannah received her official offer and moved into the Vice President's office. In half a year, she'd reached this position through her own efforts. Roger's era was over, but Mary Cooper remained—smart enough to avoid Roger's downfall, but still a time bomb for Hannah.

Hannah had initially planned to use Mary against Wayne, but Wayne's folly in allying with Charles backfired spectacularly. Hannah internally called Rose: "Please call Mary to my office."

"Ms. Mary Cooper?" Rose questioned.

"Yes."

"Certainly, Ms. Hannah," Rose replied respectfully.

Five minutes later, Mary knocked. "Hello, Hannah. Rose said you wanted to speak with me." She appeared compliant, but Hannah knew Mary was adept at shifting allegiances.

"Have a seat," Hannah said casually.

"Thank you."

Mary sat humbly. She'd witnessed Hannah's remarkable ascent and admired her rapid success. She, like others, expected Hannah's downfall after the South Bay New Town project. But Wayne had ruined it all.