Chapter 549: Provocation
Hannah deliberately walked past to attract their attention, feigning indifference as she passed.
Martina immediately turned hostile. "Why is that bitch here?"
Sarah glanced in Martina's direction, spotting a woman in a shimmering slip dress walking with a coquettish air. Although she only saw her back, Sarah recognized her undeniable charm. Jealousy quickly flickered across Sarah's face. She herself was dressed casually today, her pregnant belly dictating her attire; she wore no makeup, having only planned a simple dinner with Martina. Yet, beside Hannah's radiant beauty, Sarah felt decidedly plain. Her jealousy was palpable, mirrored by Martina's own simmering resentment towards Hannah.
After leaving the restroom, Hannah bumped into both Sarah and Martina. Affecting surprise, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a coincidence!" Martina and Sarah responded with cool indifference. Hannah, seemingly unfazed, smiled and said, "Have a nice dinner." Her voice, though pleasant, felt pointedly sarcastic to Sarah and Martina, who interpreted it as a mocking display of false generosity.
Hannah elegantly returned to her seat. Watching her, Sarah remarked, "She's dining with Manuel."
Martina's reaction was immediate and dramatic. She whirled around to see Hannah and Manuel engaged in animated conversation.
"That goddamn bitch!" Martina raged.
Sarah stared coldly. "She's looking for a backup, knowing Oscar's conviction is imminent."
"The conviction isn't final! How dare she start with Manuel?" Martina sputtered.
Sarah frowned. "You mean she's…hooking up with Manuel?"
"What else? Look at how she's dressed! She's practically flirting with him!" Martina's anger escalated. "That bitch is planning her escape. The upper-class gentlemen in Kensbury… my brother's married, and she wouldn't dare try Oscar's brothers. Manuel's the only viable option. He might not own Phillips Group yet, but he's likely to inherit it. That shameless bitch! She's cheating on her husband with her best friend's ex!"
Sarah understood Martina's fury—she was infatuated with Manuel, her pursuit unsuccessful. She loathed any woman who attempted to get close to him. Yet, Sarah couldn't shake the suspicion that Hannah was seeking a way out, having given up on Oscar. If that were true, Oscar's situation looked bleak.
"I can't bear it!" Martina shrieked.
"What are you doing?" Sarah asked.
"I'm going to kill that bitch!"
"Martina, control yourself! You represent the Sawyers!" Sarah warned.
Martina ignored her. "No, I have to do something!" She stood to confront Hannah. Sarah tried to restrain her, but concerned about her own reputation and her child, she remained seated.
Hannah, sitting with her back to Martina, received a subtle warning from Manuel. A sneer played on Hannah's lips; Martina had walked right into her trap.
"Hannah, you slut! You can't wait to sleep with another man before your husband's conviction, huh?"
Hannah calmly regarded Martina's fury. "Miss Sawyer, my decisions are none of your concern. Don't act like a shrew."
Martina's anger choked her, but Hannah remained composed. Martina felt a surge of rage, but abruptly grabbed Manuel's arm. A subtle shift in Manuel's expression was noticeable. Martina struggled to pull him away. After a moment's hesitation, Manuel glanced at Hannah, receiving an unspoken cue to leave.
Sarah, observing this, disapproved of Martina's impulsive actions. Left alone, she maintained a composed demeanor in public. Then, to her surprise, Hannah approached and took Martina's seat opposite Sarah.
Sarah's displeasure was evident.
"We've both been abandoned. What a coincidence. Shall we dine together?" Hannah suggested.
Sarah sneered. "Ms. Wells, I presume this is part of your plan?"
Hannah smiled, unperturbed by Sarah's perception. "If you think so…"
Sarah gritted her teeth, wondering about Hannah's motives, while reaching for her phone.
Hannah continued casually, "Don't worry, princess of the Collins family, no one will dare harm you. I simply want a conversation."
Sarah, embarrassed at having her intentions detected, flushed slightly.
"Mrs. Sawyer, what do you think of Charles?"
"What do you mean?" Sarah asked, her tone sulky.
"Just…Charles."
"We love each other. Don't try to drive a wedge between us," Sarah huffed.
"I know how much you love him. But are you sure he feels the same?"
"Absolutely."
"I used to believe that, just like you. Never did I expect his feelings were…false." Hannah added.
"I'm different from you."
"So, Mrs. Sawyer, do you believe you're superior enough to make him fall for you? Superior to me?"
Sarah's sulk deepened.
"Are you sure, considering appearance, figure, capabilities, family, talent… everything…" Hannah repeated, looking intently at Sarah, "Are you sure, after considering all of that?"