Chapter 462 The Game (5)

While Martina, Charles, and Loretta were stunned, Bill rose and warmly greeted Hannah. "There you are, Ms. Hannah. Please have a seat."

"I'm sorry I'm late; I was stuck in traffic," Hannah explained, presenting a gift. "Mr. Jones, I brought you a souvenir from Northfield. I hope you like it."

"Thank you, Ms. Hannah. That's very thoughtful," Bill replied, visibly pleased. Hannah's poised demeanor surprised him, contrasting sharply with the Sawyer family's lack of similar courtesy.

"Please sit," Bill offered hospitably. Hannah joined Tan and Rose at the large round table.

Lee, despite Hannah's unexpected arrival and gift, remained calm. "Surprised to see you here, Hannah," he said kindly.

Hannah responded with polite greetings and a sweet smile. Martina, however, glared at Hannah, incredulous at her newfound composure. Martina had always considered Hannah foolish and naive, and this transformation felt hypocritical and unsettling.

"What a bitch!" Martina muttered, gnashing her teeth.

Hannah ignored Martina's outburst. She knew such women thrived on attention, while neglect would be far more devastating.

"Don't you know that, Mr. Sawyer?" Hannah asked, with a bright, innocent smile.

"What?" Lee frowned, sensing her feigned innocence. Hannah was, in fact, returning their own tactics, subtly exposing their flaws.

Hannah then turned to Bill, affecting a cute demeanor. Her soft voice sent shivers down Rose's spine; Rose, who knew Hannah best, could hardly tolerate it, let alone the Sawyer family, who seemed on the verge of exploding.

"Ah, right! I was swamped and forgot to mention it to Mr. Sawyer," Bill interjected, smoothly explaining, "Didn't I tell you I hired a third party for the marketing plan? Your e-commerce experience is lacking, as we agreed and stipulated in the contract."

Charles immediately recognized the third party.

"I reviewed Cooper Group's marketing plan, and it was perfect for our project. I signed a contract with them, meaning they'll handle the marketing for our international e-commerce platform, receiving 10% of the profits," Bill added.

Lee was taken aback. They had implicitly assumed Bill would engage a foreign professional team, given e-commerce's uncertain prospects in Northfield. Their agreement to outsource marketing planning was based on these doubts, but they hadn't anticipated Cooper Group. This was unacceptable.

The revelation that Sawyer had partnered with Cooper for marketing would undermine their image; they had recently suffered defeats at Cooper's hands and hoped this project would turn the tables. Instead, it was another humiliating setback.

"You didn't ask for my input either. I sought your advice on selecting a third-party company, but you said you trusted my judgment and would simply provide the platform," Bill stated concisely.

Lee was speechless. Had he known, he never would have agreed. He glanced at Charles, whose expression mirrored his own distress. While this project wouldn't bring economic loss, the reputational damage would be severe. Lee glared at Hannah, furious. Hannah met his gaze defiantly, daring him to challenge her.

"It's settled. Sawyer Group and I will build the e-commerce platform, with Cooper handling marketing and online operations," Bill declared, ignoring the tension. "I leave Northfield tomorrow. Please work together; contact me immediately if any issues arise. My assistant will remain here to manage Bill's Group and will address all your concerns."

"Okay," Hannah replied.

"To a smooth collaboration," Bill said, raising his wine glass.

The Sawyers reluctantly raised their glasses; Hannah lifted a glass of water, explaining to Rose that she'd requested water instead of wine.

"Oh? Why's that special?" Bill inquired good-naturedly.

"I'm preparing for pregnancy," Hannah explained.

"Ah, I see," Bill nodded. "No alcohol then."

"Thank you for understanding, Mr. Jones."

Bill was in high spirits; the deal was closed, and he was returning home the next day. Everyone, except Hannah, had enjoyed considerable drinks with him.

Later, Hannah, while powdering her nose, encountered Charles waiting outside the restroom. She glanced at him and coldly threatened, "Do you want to lose your right hand as well?"