Hannah’s phone rang in the main hall. She glanced at it and answered. “Hey, Susan.”

“Hey, there’s a charity banquet tomorrow, would you join?” Susan had forgotten to ask earlier.

Hannah paused, recalling the annual Kensbury City banquet. She usually avoided such events, but this time, something felt different. Charles, her former fiancé, had always been tolerant of her aversion to social gatherings, a tolerance she’d previously attributed to his kindness. Now, she realized it was a form of control, a cage to prevent her from challenging her fate.

“I’ll go,” Hannah replied.

“Did I hear that right? I’m just asking,” Susan said, admitting her hope for company.

“Let’s choose our gowns tomorrow,” Hannah suggested.

“You’re not lying?” Susan remained skeptical, knowing Hannah's past reluctance.

“See you tomorrow,” Hannah said, ending the call.

Miguel, Hannah’s father, was surprised. “Hannah, are you joining the banquet? I thought you disliked such events.”

Hannah felt remorse for her past self. She'd focused solely on Charles, neglecting her family and ultimately contributing to its downfall. “Dad, from today onwards, I’ll protect our family,” she vowed. “I’ll help you manage the Cooper Group, ensuring its prosperity for generations to come. No one, including Uncle Roger and his family, will take it from me!”

Miguel was impressed. He’d considered involving her in the family business but never pushed it, knowing her devotion to Charles. He'd planned to let Charles manage the Cooper Group after their marriage, but this new Hannah was far preferable. "Good, I believe in you!" he said.

Hannah smiled. She would secure the Cooper Group herself, never allowing Charles to control it again.

The next afternoon, Hannah and Susan chose their gowns and prepared for the banquet.

“Have you gone normal?” Susan asked.

Hannah was startled. “What?”

“Yesterday, Oscar…” Susan began, but Hannah stopped her.

Susan mumbled, “I have no idea what’s so good about him!”

Hannah changed the subject. “I heard Manuel is coming back,” she said, worried Susan would reveal something important. The high-class gown area meant potential eavesdroppers.

“So what?” Susan responded dismissively. “How come I didn't know he's coming back? Why would he return?”

“I thought he’d be back after college,” Hannah replied vaguely.

“He better not come back,” Susan said, disgusted.

They continued their conversation, eventually finishing their preparations. As Hannah stood, Susan shrieked.

“Hannah Cooper! Could you not be that pretty? Do you want me to look like an ugly witch?”

Hannah was speechless. “Your beauty exceeds my tolerance limit!” Susan complained.

“Let’s go,” Hannah replied wearily. Susan, though pretty, paled in comparison to Hannah's stunning beauty, which was legendary in Kensbury City. Men desired her not for talent, but solely for her looks.

Susan’s chatter continued until they arrived. The moment Hannah stepped from the car, photographers flashed. Miss Cooper, the recluse, had arrived. She bypassed the press and entered the banquet hall.

She was the center of attention immediately, a dazzling vision. Charles approached, anger barely concealed. “Why are you here? Didn’t you say you dislike these events?”

“I suddenly felt like rejecting the role of a damsel in distress,” Hannah answered coolly, the memory of his betrayal still fresh.

She spotted Sandra Stein, one of Charles's lovers, clinging to his arm. The realization of their relationship’s true nature pierced her.

“Hello, Miss Cooper,” Sandra said humbly.

“I heard Miss Stein is exceptionally capable,” Hannah said with a smile. “Charles often praised you.”

Sandra responded modestly, though inwardly contemptuous. She considered Hannah a weakling.

“Seeing you with my fiancé, I wonder if it’s professional or… something else?” Hannah asked coldly.