Chapter 539: The Capital (3) Negotiation
At the dazzling restaurant, the couple enjoyed their dinner. Sweet exchanges between them hinted at a blossoming romance.
Hannah, a diligent waitress, refilled Melvin's wine glass.
"Thank you," he replied politely. Then, in a gentle tone, he added, "My pleasure. I hope you enjoy your drink," Hannah smiled, responding professionally before stepping back.
Melvin turned from Hannah as a sweet melody began on the piano. He rose, extending a hand to Wendy, and they danced. Hannah watched, observing their graceful movements. She had read about them; they were a beloved couple. Wendy, a remarkable diplomat from humble beginnings, was often compared to Cinderella.
Hannah initially believed their bond was solely romantic. However, she now saw a deeper reason: Wendy served as a perfect cover for Balderston's ambition. Melvin aimed to create the illusion of Balderston's relinquishing power; an ambitious competitor needed a suitable spouse, ideally from a comparable family. Like Sarah Collins, who married a wealthy plutocrat.
Lost in thought about the Balderstons' strategy, Hannah only realized the couple had finished dancing when Wendy whispered to Melvin before leaving the dining hall, presumably for the restroom. Melvin casually resumed his meal.
Hannah returned to refill his glass.
"Mrs. Wells, would you mind joining me for a conversation?" Melvin asked unexpectedly.
Startled, Hannah spilled some wine.
"My apologies," she stammered.
"Not at all," Melvin said, looking at her. "It's my honor to have you serve me this evening."
Hannah chuckled; he had seen through her. But when? It didn't embarrass her; her actions were for a purpose.
"Please," Melvin gestured to Wendy's empty chair. "She's left."
Hannah was stunned. She hadn't anticipated this.
"I believe you want a private conversation," Melvin stated plainly.
Hannah sat, stating directly, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Balderston. I'm Hannah Wells, daughter of Miguel Cooper, chairman of Cooper Group, and wife of Oscar Wells. I apologize for this unconventional meeting, but I require your assistance."
"Please," he replied with a gentle smile, his suave manner impressing her. Hannah proceeded efficiently, knowing brevity was crucial.
"Oscar Wells has been framed, and I suspect Mr. Balderston knows the culprit. I have evidence proving Oscar's innocence, and I hope you can help restore justice."
Melvin put down his cutlery. "Northfield is a nation governed by law and justice. Why do you need my intervention if you have evidence?"
"My evidence proves Oscar's innocence but doesn't definitively implicate the perpetrator. Your involvement would ensure the culprit cannot escape."
"I believe the culprit is Charles Sawyer," Melvin stated.
Hannah, after a brief pause, said, "You seem interested in this case."
"I've reviewed the documents."
"It is Charles Sawyer," Hannah confirmed.
"Considering Charles Sawyer is now a Collins," Melvin said, gazing at her, "acting against him would pit me against the Collins family. For a hundred years, the Balderstons and Collins have lived peacefully in Northfield. Can I interpret your proposal as an attempt to incite conflict?"
Hannah's lips tightened; she'd anticipated his resistance.
Melvin continued, "I regret your predicament, but my position and the circumstances limit my actions." He stood to leave. He'd offered her a chance to speak and declined her request; that was all he could do. His explanation made his predicament clear.
"Mr. Balderston, what if you were forced to judge this case?" Hannah interrupted.
He frowned. "What do you mean, Mrs. Wells?"
"I can use public opinion to compel you to preside over the case, eliminating the need for direct intervention, thus avoiding conflict with the Collins."
"Interesting, but how?" Melvin asked, intrigued.
"My attorney will target Charles during the initial trial. Regardless of our evidence, we can implicate him, prompting a backlash from the Collins. Public opinion will then pressure the Balderstons to act, and you're the most suitable candidate within your family."
"Why a private conversation if this is your plan?"
"The question is whether to investigate, and you're the decision-maker," Hannah added, "I hope you'll pursue it to the end."
"If I comply, am I directly confronting the Collins?" Melvin questioned.
"I believe you to be an impartial and honorable lord."
"Mrs. Wells, put yourself in my position; I'm not as powerful as you believe." Melvin rejected her proposal directly.
Hannah was speechless.
Melvin added, "Mrs. Wells, I admire your wisdom and courage, but regarding Mr. Wells' case, I'm sorry; this is beyond my capabilities."
"But isn't this a beneficial opportunity for the Balderstons?"
Melvin paused.
"Is it wise for the Balderstons to remain passive, ignoring the Collins' growing arrogance and ambition?" Hannah pressed. "Isn't this a chance to enhance your standing by curbing the Collins' tyranny?"
Her questions silenced him.
She continued, "While not exceptionally talented, Charles Sawyer is wealthier than 90% of Northfield. The Collins aim for market dominance through him, targeting Oscar first. Their true prey is the Wells family, followed by the Coopers and Phillips. Eventually, the four most powerful families will fall under Collins' control."
Melvin stared at her.
"Will you simply stand by and watch the Collins rise to power?"