Chapter 455: Elect a Way of Pain

Hannah watched Susan leave. As a socialite, Susan usually lingered until the very last moment before heading home. Hannah couldn't understand why home seemed like hell to Susan; in contrast, Hannah adored her home, a paradise where she wished to remain forever. Susan, however, yearned for escape.

Tonight, though, things were different. She left before the ball concluded. Hannah then noticed Martina. A retreat was unlike Susan, especially when facing Martina. Their quarrels were legendary, dating back to childhood. But tonight, Susan departed without a fight, which surprised Hannah.

As long as Susan didn't regret returning to Henry, it would be a good outcome. Henry loved her, and if Hannah could obtain proof of Henry's secret deal, she could prevent any harm to Susan. With love, Susan and Henry might be happy. But if Susan regretted her decision, she might suffer the loss of Manuel, and the coming days would be difficult.

"Ms. Hannah," Tan said, interrupting her thoughts.

"I feel tired and need some fresh air. You can continue," Hannah replied.

"All right."

Hannah left the ballroom for the garden. As she settled onto a swing beneath a yellow lamp, Charles called, "Hi, Hannah."

Hannah frowned. Martina was a viper to Susan; Charles was the same to her – a venomous sibling sharing their parent's unpleasant character.

Glancing at Charles, Hannah remained silent, her contempt evident. He scoffed, "Well! What a queen, so arrogant and indifferent."

"Just for you," Hannah said, rising from the swing, "You're the only reason for my arrogance."

"Hannah," he began, but she walked away, too familiar with his venomous tongue to linger.

"Hannah!" He repeated, his tone colder, grabbing her arm forcefully.

Hannah winced, ordering, "Charles, release me!"

"What else can you do? Scream?" Charles sneered. "Then everyone will know. Who will be humiliated, you or me?"

"You're still so mean!"

"Thanks!" Charles gritted his teeth. "What did you tell Bill?"

Hannah tried to pull away, only to meet a tighter grip.

"I'll tell him if you release me," she said coldly.

Hesitantly, Charles threatened, "If you dare to flee, I'll tell everyone we're having an affair."

"Let go of me!" Hannah repeated.

Charles released her. Hannah remained, relaxing her arm, feeling it unwise to further degrade herself.

She replied, "I simply expressed my interest in international e-commerce to Mr. Jones. Will he abandon you because of that?"

"Nonsense," Charles denied. "Why would you think you can rival me with such a small venture? Is this revenge for my interference in the South Bay New Town project, trying to use my own tactics against me?"

"Come on," Hannah teased, "You know Cooper wasn't the loser in that bid."

Charles was enraged.

Hannah added, "Cooper's move into e-commerce is based on the industry's potential, not personal revenge. I suggested you invest in this field, but I pity your poor performance. Such a waste. So, I'll do it myself."

"Poor performance? How dare you! Sawyer has a monopoly on Northfield's e-commerce. Will you admit to lying?"

"Sawyer's monopoly exists because Northfield hasn't grasped the industry's potential. That 'monopoly' only accounts for 5% of Sawyer's total income! I'd be ashamed if I were you!"

"How dare you!"

"Charles, is it so hard to admit defeat and your own limitations?" Hannah said sarcastically. "Read some books, learn something, instead of scheming all day. Night walkers sometimes encounter ghosts. Be careful!"

Hannah started to leave, but Charles wouldn't let her go so easily. His fury, fueled by her scorn, intensified. He tried to grab her again, but this time, she was prepared.

She recoiled, only to fall into his arms. She struggled against his hold.

"Hannah, do you think you can win?" Charles said coldly. "That's impossible. Women lack men's strength. You must accept that. I can treat you however I please."

"Then try it," Hannah threatened, her voice icy.

Charles froze momentarily, but his snarling instincts quickly returned. He couldn't believe a woman could fight back. He hugged her tighter, pushing her against the wall, threatening, "Scream! I'll see…"

Suddenly, Charles howled in pain.

Hannah had expertly kicked him between the legs. She'd heard that such an attack could incapacitate a man.

As she passed him, she said, "Charles, remember! I'm not the obedient sheep I used to be."

Then she turned to leave.

Charles, consumed by rage and pain, lunged after her, intending to strike her. But before he could reach her, a sudden force knocked him to the ground. He felt faint, nearly losing consciousness.

Hannah was terrified by Charles's unrestrained fury; it was terrifying, like a mad lion. She turned and saw Tan.

Gasping in shock, Tan looked bewildered by his impulsive act of pushing Charles to the ground, aware that as a celebrity, Charles was not someone he could easily offend.