Chapter 399: A Warning to Mary

Mary had a meticulous plan. She hadn't been involved in Wayne's schemes or Esther's bullying of Lorie. She understood Roger's reign was over. If Hannah, not Wayne, won, Mary needed to secure her own position. Fortunately, she hadn't backed the wrong horse. Wayne was jailed, facing at least seven years unless the Cooper Group intervened. Esther was also in custody, charged with elder abuse.

Her lawyer advised that Esther might receive a six-month to one-year sentence under Northfield law—a relatively lenient punishment. However, Esther reportedly suffered a mental break, and a psychiatric evaluation was underway. Esther's breakdown was understandable given recent events, yet Mary felt she deserved far harsher consequences than sympathy. Mary admitted a desire for revenge, akin to what she felt she had inflicted on Jane, vowing not to forgive those who had abused her.

But it was Hannah, not Mary, who seized the opportunity. Mary wouldn't be grateful to Hannah; they were fundamentally opposed. As Roger's secret daughter, Mary aimed to lead the Coopers, placing her directly at odds with Hannah. Hannah's success only fueled Mary's jealousy. Yet, Mary wasn't anxious.

Wayne's downfall taught her caution. A reckless attack on Hannah wasn't her style if alternatives existed. Smiling like a close sister, she asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"

"Nothing major. I just wanted to discuss Wayne and Esther," Hannah replied casually.

"Wayne and Esther…" Mary's expression clouded. "They deserved it. When Wayne spoke ill of you, I tried to stop him, but I was punished for my efforts. I couldn't speak out. Mother's abuse of Grandma… I couldn't bear it, but she threatened to kill me if I revealed anything." Mary wept. "My cowardice prevented me from rebelling, even though I knew their actions were wrong. After Father's imprisonment, I became their target. Now they've received their due—cause and effect."

Hannah observed Mary silently, then stated, "I can't offer much comfort; you understand your situation. You're Roger's daughter, his only remaining family. But you're also part of the Coopers. You'll have security if you work hard for the company. I can promise a stable life, though perhaps not one of exclusive privilege."

"I understand. I'll work hard," Mary responded quickly.

"Excellent," Hannah nodded. "Then I have nothing more to say. Return to your work."

"Okay," Mary replied demurely. But as she turned, her expression changed, revealing little of her previous modesty. She craved exclusive privileges. Why should she be deprived of the birthrights others enjoyed?

Hannah watched Mary leave. The meeting served a dual purpose: to gauge Mary's contentment—clearly, she appreciated her newfound safety—and to issue a warning. Hannah sought to prevent further internal conflict, but ultimately, Mary would bear responsibility for her choices.

Hannah shifted her focus back to work. The Cooper Group was stable; no new projects were underway, making it an ideal time for a significant personnel reshuffle. As a venerable company, most key positions were held by experienced individuals over fifty, except for Wayne and Hannah. While experience was valued, new blood could inject vitality, aligning Cooper with the changing times.

As she planned, her phone rang. "Hello, Susan," she answered.

"What are you doing?"

"Working. What else?" Hannah replied tersely.

"Too busy to talk?"

"..."

Susan was perceptive, sometimes unnervingly so.

"When did you last call? Don't you know how boring pregnancy can be?"

"You have Justine and Manuel. They provide ample entertainment, don't they?"

"Nonsense! They irritate me. My resilience is the only thing preventing a miscarriage under their constant provocation."

"You shouldn't speak so casually about miscarriage. Your baby will be upset," Hannah cautioned.

Susan shrugged, "I don't care. Her existence is torture."

"What did she do this time?" Hannah asked.

"I've had severe morning sickness for four months. It's unbearable. It might end with either her or me dying."

"Don't exaggerate."

"You'll understand when you have a baby."

"..." Hannah struggled to maintain a normal conversation.

"Speaking of which, why haven't you had a baby after all this time?" Susan questioned.

"It's not a priority. Don't treat it like a medical issue."

"You need to take it seriously. There might be a medical problem. Playboys like Oscar can have fertility issues. I'm not trying to scare you, but he should get checked. The sooner you see a doctor, the better."

"Susan, that's enough," Hannah said, annoyed.

Damn it.

Susan's comment resonated…

"Just a friendly warning. Why are you so angry?"

"I have to go."

"Is that confirmation of Oscar's fertility problems?" Susan concluded.

Hannah wanted to end the conversation immediately. What a meddler.

After Hannah hung up, Susan felt irritated, her mouth set in a grim line. She cared for Hannah, but her kindness was rejected. A wave of nausea struck her.

She clutched her mouth in anguish.

Hell!

Death might be easier than pregnancy.