Chapter 452: A Formidable Team: Hannah and Manuel
Three days later, Manuel called Hannah.
"Sawyer mortgaged 30% of its shares for a loan of X billion, maturing next March," he explained. "To avoid default, they need substantial profits by then. Phillips Bank will continue lending only if they meet their obligations; otherwise, they face repayment or share seizure."
"So, Sawyer's anxious," Hannah replied. "They're facing a challenging year, low profits, and significant expenditures."
"Exactly. Their international e-commerce platform is crucial for stability," Manuel continued. "They're heavily invested and can't afford failure. A project collapse would push them to the brink, potentially causing bankruptcy."
Hannah agreed, inwardly admiring Manuel. She'd previously underestimated him, but his business acumen was remarkably sharp. His expertise was undeniable.
"To cripple Sawyer, I just need to sabotage their e-commerce plan," Hannah concluded.
"Almost," Manuel corrected. "Sawyer can't access additional funds, yet Charles announced a billion-dollar investment. My calculations suggest this isn't a bluff; it's likely a secured loan, obtained after mortgaging 30% of shares, leaving Lee Sawyer with only 70%. Further mortgaging would reduce his stake below 50%, a risk he's unlikely to take."
Hannah raised an eyebrow.
"Charles might take that risk, operating under the table," Manuel said.
"Illegally?" Hannah surmised.
"Yes," Manuel confirmed. "While investigating Sawyer's loans at Phillips Bank, I discovered who's responsible—Henry."
He paused, letting Hannah react.
"Not Henry?" she questioned, uncertain.
"It's him."
Hannah was stunned. In her previous life, Charles hadn't colluded with Henry. His arrogance, she thought, would prevent him from using the man he despised.
"Consider Susan's accident," Manuel prompted. "Someone orchestrated it."
Hannah's realization dawned. "I suspected Henry, but didn't investigate further, knowing you wanted to help him and Susan. Now it makes sense."
"Henry's prudent, averse to risk, and avoids irreversible failures. Orchestrating Susan's accident is risky—he wouldn't act without an accomplice."
"The skunk!" Hannah seethed. "Charles wants Susan to marry Henry to gain control of Phillips Bank. His ambition is boundless!"
"Yes," Manuel agreed.
"I'll find something damaging about Charles."
"No need," Manuel countered. "We missed the best opportunity; evidence regarding the accident is likely gone. Even if we find proof, Charles won't be the one punished. Instead of pursuing a fruitless path, let's focus on the e-commerce project."
"You mean wait?" Hannah asked.
"If Charles is cornered, he'll force Henry to obtain illegal loans from Phillips Bank. I'll find a way to invalidate those loans. A fraudulent loan would trigger repayment demands, causing a capital chain rupture and potentially bankrupting Sawyer."
Hannah smiled faintly. "Sawyer also owes Cooper two billion. Even if they survive this, they'll be crippled."
Manuel was surprised. "They owe you two billion?"
This presented a significant hidden vulnerability in Sawyer's capital chain, insurmountable given their current circumstances.
"Yes," Hannah sneered. "I've been waiting for this day."
She'd lent the two billion, obtaining an IOU, to deliver a fatal blow at their most vulnerable moment.
"Hannah, you planned this meticulously," Manuel said, respectful.
He hadn't foreseen the elaborate trap. The two billion loan was a time bomb, planted while their relationship was still intact. Her patience, allowing Sawyer their arrogance, was all part of the plan.
"You can't imagine how much I hate him," Hannah said, her voice tight with anger.
"I understand. You experienced a rebirth," Manuel smiled, reminding her of her secret.
Hannah paused, momentarily forgetting he was her confidant.
"I'll ruin Charles. I'll take everything from him."
"I look forward to it."
"I need you to handle things at Phillips Bank."
"No problem," Manuel readily agreed.
After hanging up, Hannah sighed with relief. With Manuel's help, defeating Charles felt like a sure thing.