Chapter 489: A Tough Position
Charles fidgeted in his office, awaiting Martina's call. He had no choice but to enlist Bill's help, requesting early that morning a favor: persuading Hannah to take over the delayed e-commerce project. Bill, bearing the brunt of the project's losses, would exert maximum effort; Hannah, likely reciprocating a favor to Bill, might agree. But it was merely conjecture; he couldn't assume anything. Hannah's strength and tenacity were well-known; she was virtually unmanageable.
Full of nervous energy, Charles snatched up the phone. "Did they call?"
"Yes, they just called. Meeting at the Cooper Building within half an hour. Our last chance."
"Okay." Excitement lacing his voice, Charles urged Martina. "Go now! Be on time. Do you understand?"
"Charles! Is this necessary? Do we have to appease Hannah like this?"
"Damn it! Haven't you learned yet?" Charles exploded. "I swear, you'll regret being late!"
He slammed the phone down and rushed out, only to collide with someone.
Oscar, a frown etched on his face, eyed Charles's anxious expression and smiled coldly. "What's the hurry, Mr. Sawyer? Something wrong? You seem quite distraught."
Charles maintained his composure, though he'd never been in such a precarious position. Anger simmered as he glared at Oscar, a man he usually dismissed. Yet, Oscar’s presence forced him to swallow his pride, and he brushed past indifferently.
Oscar watched him go, guessing the reason for his panic: Hannah had likely relented, agreeing to negotiate. Though initially uninvolved, Oscar, having instructed Theodore to monitor the situation, could immediately assist Hannah if necessary. He'd underestimated his wife; dealing with Charles proved a simple matter for her. He decided to remain passive.
"It seems I'll be your direct supervisor now," Oscar remarked lightly, after Charles had left.
Charles stopped and turned. Over the past six months, he'd received several promotions while Oscar was in River Town—promotions shrouded in secrecy, rarely publicized. Their standing would soon be equal.
"Thanks to my performance in River Town, I've been promoted," Oscar said calmly. The nonchalant tone almost drove Charles to distraction.
Charles bit back his anger, said nothing, and hurried away. He sped to his car, fueled by frustration. He'd endured Hannah’s insults, but being outmaneuvered by Oscar was unanticipated and unacceptable.
His composure, however, prevailed. He knew he had to secure the e-commerce project; otherwise, the Sawyer Group faced ruin. He parked in the Cooper Building garage, calling Martina as he exited. "Where are you?"
"Parking."
"Hurry. I'm waiting at the gate!"
Martina hung up, feeling utterly wretched. Hannah's maneuverings had taken her completely by surprise. Never before had she felt such dread. Despite her usual fearlessness, she had to ingratiate herself with Hannah. She stormed out of her car and rushed towards the gate.
Charles gave her a cold look and escorted her into the building, their pre-arranged appointment granting them entry.
It was Martina's first visit to the Cooper Group. She was stunned by its grandeur, realizing Hannah came from far greater wealth and power than she'd imagined. The lobby surpassed even the Sawyer building's opulence, evoking a sense of awe.
They took the elevator to Hannah's office. Charles approached Rose. "Excuse me, we have an appointment with Ms. Hannah."
"Please wait," Rose responded politely. She knocked, then entered Hannah’s office. "Charles and Martina are here."
"Tell them to come in."
"Okay." Rose returned. "You may enter."
Charles nodded curtly, maintaining professional decorum. He knocked and entered.
Hannah sat behind a massive desk, impeccably dressed in a power suit. Stunningly beautiful, she commanded attention. Charles stared, momentarily acknowledging her superiority. Yet, he refused to yield.
He and Martina calmly approached Hannah.
Hannah put away her documents and made an internal call. "Rose, come in."
"Yes, Ms. Hannah."
Rose quickly appeared.
"I'm finished with these documents. Tell them to save, review, and verify the information," Hannah instructed.
"Okay." Rose exited, carrying a stack of papers.
Hannah, having completed her task, addressed Charles and Martina. "Please, have a seat."
Martina found Hannah's air of superiority unbearable.
"Mr. Jones called, informing me of your wish to sell the e-commerce platform," Hannah stated formally.
Charles presented the files Martina had prepared. "Here's the transfer contract. Please review it."
Hannah examined the contract. "Four billion?"
"It's the market value. Here's the valuation report," Charles added, handing her the document.
But Hannah didn’t read the contract. "I understand the market value," she said bluntly. "I planned to buy it for four billion initially, but people have feelings. Our previous dealings were unpleasant. Do you expect me to pay the same price after that? Who compensates me for the difficulties I've endured?"