Chapter 479: The Game (22) Stand in the Way

Charles never anticipated Hannah's treacherous move—colluding with Bill's Group to force him into a compromise, transferring the project to the Cooper Group. Since the news broke, the group he'd secured previously refused his proposal, swayed by Bill's announcement. He contacted other groups, but none agreed, fearing the project's stagnation. Despite his assurances, his analysis of the situation, and even offering a reduced price of three billion (from four), no one dared risk it.

Charles was at his wit's end. Sleepless, he humbled himself, contacting groups he'd once dismissed, only to be rejected repeatedly. Worse, some he’d previously humiliated now mocked him. It was the worst day of his life. His office was choked with smoke; cigarette butts littered the floor. Martina, entering, found him bloodshot and despondent. Tears welled in her eyes.

"Charles, what's wrong?" she asked.

He remained silent.

"You're scaring me," Martina said, nervous. She'd never seen him so vulnerable. He always found a way, even if it meant resorting to underhanded tactics. Could this be a catastrophic problem? Despite her privileged life, the prospect of bankruptcy terrified Martina.

"Why did you come?" Charles asked coldly, ignoring her distress.

"The Cooper Group called. They'll be here at 10 AM to pursue legal action for the debt," Martina replied.

At the mention of the Cooper Group, Charles's face turned livid. He wanted to destroy Hannah. Martina, noticing his fury, pleaded, "Charles, can't we do something about that bitch? I hate her smugness!"

"Enough!" Charles was distraught. No one hated Hannah more than he did. "Tell me when she arrives. Now get out!"

Martina, seeing his worsening condition, left, gritting her teeth. In her own office, enraged, she called her mother.

"Mom, it's bad. Charles is at the breaking point because of Hannah!"

"What did that bitch do?" Loretta asked, sensing the gravity of the situation despite her distance from the business.

"I don't know. Mom, the Group is struggling. After Dad's imprisonment, it's been Charles and me. Mom, can you do something to destroy her?" Martina pleaded.

Loretta, unsure how to help, said, "Give me time. I'll make her suffer!"

"Okay. Stay with your brother. Let me handle Hannah," Loretta added.

"Okay," Martina replied, gloom settling on her face. She vowed revenge.

At 10 AM, Hannah, with Rose, Tan, and Jimmy, arrived at Sawyer Group. After half an hour, no one greeted them. Hannah remained calm, Rose slightly annoyed. Before Rose could speak, Hannah stopped her. "Just wait." Then, she stood, "Tell the lawyer to handle it," and turned to leave.

Rose was impressed by her decisiveness. No time for negotiations. But as they left, Martina stopped them.

"Where are you going?"

"Get out of my way, moron," Hannah snapped.

"Watch your language!" Martina snarled, about to slap her.

"Get out of my way!" Hannah repeated, her voice firm and silencing.

Martina, recovering, shouted, "This is my place! How dare you?"

Hannah gave her a cold stare, sending goosebumps down Martina's spine. Frightened, yet defiant, Martina asked, "Why are you looking at me like that? Are you insane?"

"Get out of my way! This is your last chance!" Hannah's chilling threat echoed.

Before Martina could respond, Hannah signaled Jimmy, who tackled her to the ground. Hannah’s instructions were clear: those obstructing them would be punished, but not seriously injured. A lesson, nothing more.

Martina's fall was loud, but she wasn't seriously hurt, though the pain was intense, silencing her scream. Sawyer Group staff were paralyzed, silent. Only Martina's cries filled the air: "Hannah, you fucking bitch! I'll charge you!"

Hannah coldly surveyed Martina, writhing on the ground, then simply walked over her. The humiliation was complete.