Chapter 547: The Balderston Family Got Involved
The next day, Hannah received a call from Charles while at the office. She hadn't slept well, worrying about the post and Oscar. Even when she did sleep, her dreams were haunted by Oscar's haggard face, and she awoke easily, struggling to return to sleep.
She answered the phone, "Mr. Sawyer, what can I do for you?"
"Hannah, you're conspiring again, aren't you?" Charles barked.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, you don't? You know nothing about the post?"
"The post… I have no idea who would post such gossip. I can't believe it said you were involved in Mary's death. But Charles, did you have anything to do with it?"
"Enough!" he roared, his voice laced with fury. The post had severely damaged his reputation.
"Charles, I'm working, and I have a meeting. If this isn't serious, I have to hang up," Hannah said, maintaining a calm tone.
"You'd better pray no one finds evidence linking you to this!" Charles threatened before hanging up.
Hannah stared at her phone, her expression grave. She then called Manuel. "Hi, Manuel. What's the next move?"
"We've attracted enough attention. It's time to shape public opinion."
"Okay," Manuel agreed.
"Be careful. Charles is watching. If you're caught spreading gossip and hacking media, you'll be charged."
"Don't worry."
At 1 PM, another post ignited public attention. Headlined "Shall the Collins Do Something to Avoid Suspicion?", it highlighted the Collins family's secretive involvement. The post's thorough analysis pointed to two key conclusions: first, as Charles was both the Collins' son-in-law and a suspect in Mary's death, they had strong motives to avoid suspicion. The Collins controlled Kensbury City's judicial system; regardless of the verdict, misapprehension was inevitable. Furthermore, domestic law stipulated that the presiding judge should have no connection to the case. Second, Charles and Oscar were bitter rivals, yet the trial was overseen by the Collins-controlled system, closely linked to Charles—a clearly unfair situation.
The post immediately resonated on social media, sparking calls for the Collins to recuse themselves from the trial. Public opinion turned sharply against them.
Soon, Charles received a call from Rowan. "Charles, what the hell are you doing? You let Oscar turn the tables while he's imprisoned?"
Charles felt embarrassed. He'd believed he held all the cards, but Oscar had unexpectedly gained an advantage.
"If this continues, we won't convince the public, even if we get the desired verdict!"
"What do you suggest?" Charles asked respectfully.
"We need to involve the Balderston family."
Charles gritted his teeth. Another influential family would make manipulation far more difficult. He worried aloud, "Will the Balderstons also try to manipulate the case? They're as influential as the Collins, and far less predictable."
"They won't offend us. We've lived peacefully for years. Neither of us will cross the line. They're smart enough to know that. A confrontation would be disastrous, and they aren't powerful enough to win."
The Collins were confident the Balderstons wouldn't challenge them. Charles nodded; he understood the Collins' power.
"Even with the Balderstons involved, it won't change the case, just add some complications. But I can handle that. However, Charles, if Sarah weren't pregnant, I'd have dumped you. I'm disappointed. From now on, behave yourself!" The call ended.
Charles's hands trembled. The Collins had always despised him. With a venomous sneer, he vowed to build his success upon their ruins.
Later, Hannah received a call from Melvin as she left the office. Staring at her phone, she took a deep breath and answered, "Hello, Mr. Balderston."
"The Collins contacted me," Melvin stated plainly.
Hannah was surprised by the Collins' swift action, their decision made within hours of the post. Their decisiveness impressed her.
"They want me involved, overseeing the case, but the trial remains in Kensbury."
"Okay," Hannah nodded, knowing the Collins were unlikely to relinquish complete control to Melvin.
"I'm calling to let you know I'll play my part, but I won't offend the Collins unless they abandon Charles."
"Don't worry. I won't put you in a difficult position," Hannah replied.
"I want to know your limits," Melvin said before hanging up.
Hannah stared blankly at her phone. His words hinted at something. Gritting her teeth, she focused. More importantly, she needed to separate Sarah from Charles. The solution was obvious: a miscarriage. Determined, she knew she couldn't show Sarah any mercy.