Chapter 488: A Crafty Sister

They went downstairs for breakfast. Oscar accompanied them; he was headed to City Hall to file a report. Upon entering the kitchen, they found shards of glass scattered across the floor. Shock froze them both.

"Sorry, Max, I didn't mean to," Karen sobbed. "I was just trying to help. I'm so clumsy!" Max felt resigned but couldn't offend Oscar's sister. Seeing Max begin cleaning, Karen rushed to assist.

"Don't touch it, Miss," Max cautioned.

Karen gasped; the glass had cut her hand, and blood welled up. She couldn't remain silent. Hannah, speechless, approached Karen. "Karen, let me help you bandage your hand."

Red-eyed, Karen followed, murmuring, "Sorry, I can't do anything well." Hannah remained silent as Karen continued, "The house is so big, and only Max cleans it. I wanted to help, but I caused so much trouble and worried you all." She wept, then added, in a flirtatious grumble, "Sorry, Oscar."

Oscar glanced at her without comment, walking directly to the dining table. Karen felt anxious at his indifference; he rarely responded to her actions.

"Ouch! Pain!" Karen suddenly screamed. Hannah asked loudly, "Where does it hurt? I didn't touch you!" Karen's discomfort was palpable; Hannah hadn't touched her yet. Max chuckled while cleaning, realizing Karen's dramatic nature. Her face contorted with anger at his amusement.

"Did Oscar mention anything to me last night?" Hannah asked while treating Karen's wound.

Karen winced, momentarily forgetting her distress upon hearing this. Hannah knew this would deflect Karen's theatrics.

"Your brother said he tolerates you for your family's sake," Hannah stated calmly.

"No! Oscar's been good to me since childhood," Karen yelled, furious. She knew he had been kind, but she hadn't realized when his patience waned.

"You should know what I mean. You're clever," Hannah said.

"I don't," Karen replied.

"Then let me tell you. Continued ingratitude will bring ruthless treatment, regardless of family ties."

"You..."

"It's finished," Hannah said, a smile masking underlying conflict. "Be careful, don't touch the water." She packed up the first-aid kit and left.

Karen, looking at her bandaged fingers, seethed. She hadn't anticipated Hannah's distraction tactics and wished Oscar had helped her. Her frustration mounted; she felt manipulated.

After breakfast, Hannah and Oscar left. She sent him to City Hall and then proceeded to the Cooper building. Rose, her associate, immediately approached.

"How's the Sawyer payment situation?" Hannah asked directly.

"Not good. Their representative refused our lawyer's meeting yesterday," Rose replied.

"Sue them," Hannah ordered.

Rose nodded; that had been the purpose of her report.

"Any schedule today?" Hannah inquired.

"An afternoon meeting."

"Don't overschedule me," Hannah instructed. "We can reconnect Monday."

"Okay," Rose said respectfully. "Mr. Wells' return means more time with him." She fell silent under Hannah's gaze.

"Go do your work," Hannah dismissed her.

"Okay."

Soon, Hannah received a call from Bill Jones. She understood: Charles must have acted, knowing how to recoup his losses.

"Hi, Mr. Jones. This is Hannah," she answered.

"Hannah, our project is critical. How are things?" Bill asked anxiously.

"Let's be direct, Mr. Jones."

He hesitated. "The Sawyer Group has created a deadlock. I don't want to be a go-between, but this project is urgent. Continued delay is detrimental. Would you speak to Charles? He's suggested transferring the e-commerce platform to you."

Hannah chuckled. "Fine. I'll contact Charles and call you back after we settle this." She knew Charles had no other option.

"Thank you. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask."

"You're welcome. It's between Charles and me. I regret involving you, but I wouldn't let you lose out, despite my resentment towards Charles."

"I'm relieved," Bill sighed. "I'll await your news."

"Okay." Hannah hung up, a sneer on her face.

She had strategically stepped back for the company's best interests. Maintaining reputation was crucial. Turning Bill down would have damaged the Cooper Group's image, especially considering his role in securing the project. Business was a battlefield; alliances were better than enmity.

Hannah picked up the phone. "Rose, inform Sawyer Group. We'll negotiate here in half an hour. No more chances if they miss this."