Chapter 451: A Moment of Panic

"You'd better think it over, because we're on the same side!" Charles barked, hanging up immediately. He left Henry to decipher his meaning.

After replacing his phone, Henry pondered. Allying with Charles offered advantages, but participating in illegal activities made him hesitate. Refusal meant forfeiting the opportunity to exploit Charles Sawyer, and possibly facing his wrath. Henry knew Charles well; he exacted revenge for the slightest grievance. Refusal meant certain, agonizing death.

His contemplation was interrupted by a knock. His grim expression softened into a mild smile as Susan entered.

"Susan, what are you doing here?" he asked gently.

"My dad's infuriating me," Susan said, near tears. The memory of Manuel's arrogant demeanor fueled her anger.

"Let it go," Henry soothed. "He's fond of Justine. He's being nice to Manuel because of her. Don't be angry."

"He'd do anything for that woman!" Susan exclaimed. "Just like years ago, he didn't visit Mom because of Justine! It infuriates me!"

"Sweetie, don't let it upset you," Henry said calmly. "Anger won't solve anything."

"Why are you so generous?" Susan asked. "Manuel stole your position."

"My position doesn't matter," Henry replied. "I do good work, and your dad appreciates it. That's all that matters. You don't need to defend me."

"The more you say that, the guiltier I feel," Susan said.

"Don't feel guilty," Henry reassured her, rising from his chair and embracing her. "I had nothing then, but now I'm at a top-three national company. I appreciate it. Don't overthink it."

Susan was touched by his unexpected generosity. She expected sadness, not comfort, from him, the one who should be suffering most.

"Go back to work," Henry said, releasing her. "Don't let your dad catch you, or he'll complain about your work ethic."

"Okay," Susan nodded.

Henry smiled.

Returning to her office, Susan, feeling bitter, called Hannah. As always, she sought Hannah's counsel in times of distress.

Indignant, she recounted everything, asking, "Do you think Manuel is cruel?"

"I think you're crueler," Hannah stated bluntly.

Susan bristled. "Hannah, do you understand what I said?"

"It's none of your business that Manuel works for your family's company," Hannah retorted. "You divorced him. Should he avoid you everywhere? Sis, aren't you being a bit bossy?"

"But it's my family's company."

"It's your dad's company," Hannah clarified slowly. "Have you contributed to the company? Have you helped him run it? It's his company, and you have no right to dictate who he employs."

Susan fell silent.

"Susan, you're divorced," Hannah continued. "If you want to move on, learn to treat him without emotion. He's not your husband. You have no right to lose your temper."

Susan felt uneasy.

"Think about it," Hannah said. Susan's path required self-reliance. Hannah's priority was preventing a repeat of Susan's past suffering.

Hannah rose, approaching the French windows. Gazing at the cityscape, she felt a moment of uncertainty. What could she change? How far could her influence reach? She had no answers.

A deep breath dispelled her melancholy. At least, she wouldn't yield to fate this time. Returning to her desk, she picked up the internal phone. "Rose, contact journalists and announce the completion of the Bead chain e-commerce platform acquisition."

"Yes," Rose replied.

Hannah stretched. This time, she would panic Charles first and decimate the Sawyer family.

News outlets reported the Cooper Group's acquisition of the Bead chain e-commerce platform for $5 million.

Charles felt a jolt of anxiety upon seeing the news. Hannah's timing seemed suspicious. She knew about the Sawyer Group's international e-commerce platform. This couldn't be coincidence. Was she trying to compete?

Remembering his victory over the Cooper Group in the South Bay New Town project, he wondered if this was payback. The $5 million platform seemed ludicrous compared to his $2 billion project. Even with Hannah's capabilities, he doubted a foreign e-commerce giant would partner with such a small, local company.

He dismissed it as a futile gesture. Yet, he remained uneasy. Hannah was too powerful to underestimate. The Sawyer Group's financial struggles necessitated the success of their international e-commerce venture for improved capital flow. Hannah's actions were clearly aimed at undermining him.

Charles gritted his teeth. He wouldn't let Hannah gain an advantage. Failure meant being abandoned by his influential family.

He couldn't comprehend when Hannah's feelings changed, or when she discovered his true nature. His flawless plan had been undone.

His face hardened. His focus now: destroying Hannah, ruining her reputation, and inflicting suffering. Only then could his fierce hatred subside. He'd never encountered such profound hatred, or such an elusive target for revenge. He would make her regret her actions.