Chapter 514 Conspiracy (7): A Despicable Man

Hannah was speechless. Theodore, realizing his words had been inappropriate in his excitement, coughed. "Oscar didn't take those women seriously," he added. Hannah didn't protest; she knew Oscar's past. She had resolved to "close the book and live a good life with Oscar."

"But they want to kill us," she said. "Doesn't that mean their evidence isn't as airtight as we think? If everything were perfect, they wouldn't be so nervous. Finding the evidence shouldn't be difficult."

"The problem is, investigation is difficult now," Theodore countered, his annoyance rising. "We've avoided detection, but we'll be noticed immediately if we go out. We need to find the right place, plan carefully. A purposeful, efficient plan will make it harder for them to stop us."

"What's your plan?" Theodore asked, sensing Hannah's potential to play a significant role.

"First," Hannah began, "the witnesses are likely under police protection; we can't get information from them. Second, the police stopped us at Oscar's apartment immediately. Something's wrong there—the cash found—how did it get there? That's our focus. Third, we need to check the River Town City Hall financial statements against the evidence. If they're falsified, we'll find clues. Manuel can get the statements." She concluded seriously, "The priority is gaining access to the apartment and searching for evidence."

"Okay," Theodore agreed, admiring her clear-headed assessment of the situation.

"We need to get there unnoticed," Hannah said, her voice serious. Theodore, equally concerned, considered the problem.

"Many of them are likely hiding near Oscar's apartment," Hannah murmured, pondering how to avoid detection. "How do we relax their vigilance?"

Silence descended, broken only by a sudden phone ring. Both Hannah and Theodore were startled. It was nearly dawn.

Hannah, her expression grim, looked at the phone. "It's Charles. Should I answer?"

"Your call," Theodore replied, unhappy.

"Can he track us via the signal?" Hannah worried.

"No," Theodore reassured her. "We tampered with the base station. He'll get a location thousands of miles away."

Hannah nodded, though still uneasy. The Wold family's unpredictability, even manipulating the Northfield base station information, was a concern.

She answered. Charles's taunting voice filled the line. "What took so long? I thought you were up all night."

"What's the point?" Hannah retorted.

"Don't you always boast about marrying a good man? Satisfied? I know you crave power. I thought Oscar was as amazing as you claimed—master of time management, advanced degrees, business acumen, a lawyer. Humiliated now?" He spoke excitedly, venting his bitterness. "Hannah, are you humiliated?"

Hannah sneered, understanding his motivation. He'd been oppressed by Oscar and her for so long, and Oscar's downfall gave him an outlet for his anger.

"That's his problem. What are you showing off about? The Sawyer Group's failing and your poor performance at City Hall? Even if Oscar's in trouble, you're far worse off, Charles! What's so funny? You think Oscar's fall gives you a chance to rise?" she countered scathingly.

Charles's rage was evident. "If you think so, it only proves you're inferior to Oscar. Always have been."

Hannah cut him off. "Hannah! You're arrogant!" Charles fumed. "You think you suppressed our group, suppressed me at City Hall using Oscar? You underestimate me. You think you got where you are by luck? I'll make you regret it!"

Hannah frowned. This threat felt different, hinting at a deeper conspiracy.

"What are you going to do?" she demanded, gritting her teeth.

"Want to know?" Charles sneered.

"Do I have to tell you?" he continued. "Hannah, honestly, if you joined me, you could enjoy a few more years of the good life. But if you choose to compete, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Charles!" Hannah exclaimed.

"You'll see just how powerful I am tomorrow."

He hung up. Hannah looked unwell.

"Did Charles threaten you again?" Theodore asked grimly. They had previously underestimated Charles; now they realized his true, despicable nature.