Chapter 550: Instigation

Sarah felt embarrassed. She had to admit Hannah was exceptional: beautiful, alluring, talented in business, and from a privileged family. While the Collins family held more power, the Coopers were still prestigious enough to be Charles's in-laws. Hannah's remarkable rise to prominence after a scandal further fueled Sarah's displeasure. Hannah was undeniably superior to other women, incredibly attractive to men.

Yet Sarah insisted, "Love isn't measurable. Perhaps it's destiny."

Hannah scoffed, "Destiny? A pragmatic man like Charles believing in destiny? And every woman he's dated has been wealthy and noble? Coincidence?"

"Family is a factor," Sarah countered.

"He only chooses women beneficial to him!" Hannah declared.

"You're just jealous," Sarah retorted. "Since Oscar failed, you're trying to reclaim Charles. I'm not a fool; I see your machinations."

"Whatever happens with Oscar, Charles has always been a jerk," Hannah retorted.

"Watch your language!" Sarah warned.

"Do you know how many women he's been with?" Hannah challenged.

"That was before our marriage. He's not responsible for the past," Sarah defended.

"Mrs. Sawyer, your devotion surpasses my expectations. He certainly knows how to charm a woman," Hannah conceded.

"No, it's because he loves me," Sarah insisted.

"How can you be so sure?" Hannah questioned.

"Only those involved truly know," Sarah replied.

"I bet you still don't know enough about him," Hannah countered.

"I don't want to talk to you anymore," Sarah said.

"Test him," Hannah suggested.

"Why should I?" Sarah asked.

"It's your choice. But in my opinion, he doesn't deserve you," Hannah added.

Sarah sneered, "You can't drive us apart."

Hannah continued, without directly responding, "You helped him repeatedly when he was in trouble. Coincidence? Or part of his plan?"

Sarah's face fell.

Hannah pressed on, "To know if his love is genuine or driven by the Collins' power, test him—using your pregnancy."

"How do you know I'm pregnant?" Sarah gasped.

Hannah smiled, "I'm well-informed—enough to see his true feelings."

"What do you want?" Sarah demanded.

"Charles deserves retribution," Hannah stated frankly.

Sarah eyed her suspiciously. Hannah then showed her a video.

Sarah erupted in fury. The video depicted the trap Hannah had set for Charles at his wedding, a trap she’d seemingly deleted, but had secretly backed up. Desperate measures were needed to fight Charles.

Hannah watched Sarah's mounting rage, then said, "Some natures are hard to change."

Sarah felt a surge of anger. The video revealed Charles's attraction to Hannah. Sarah had believed she was his only love, never doubting his devotion. He had always seemed so caring.

"I was fooled too," Hannah said, rising. The conversation was over.

Before leaving, she added, "Test his love if you wish. But I'm not helping you. I hate Charles for trifling with women's affections and paying no price. He deserves the worst!"

Hannah left, confident Sarah would follow her suggestion. Sarah gritted her teeth, then replayed the video in her mind, her body trembling with rage.

Hannah exited the restaurant. Outside, Martina confronted Manuel wildly, "Susan and Hannah are both bitches! Birds of a feather! Don't you see? After all you've been through, you still don't understand? I love you the most!"

Manuel remained impassive, utterly indifferent.

"It's none of your concern," he said.

"What must I do to make you see how much I love you? What can I do?" Martina cried.

"Nothing," Manuel replied.

"Prove it with my life?" Martina asked, tears streaming down her face, overwhelmed with despair.

Manuel felt a pang of sympathy for her tears.

Hannah interrupted, "Manuel," noticing his suppressed emotion. He'd moved on from Susan, but Hannah knew he could never be with Martina, whose malicious nature remained unchanged despite her professed love. She was not a good match for him. That’s why Hannah intervened.

Hannah took Manuel’s arm. "Let's go. I don't want to be here."

"Hannah, I'll kill you!" Martina screamed, lunging at Hannah. Manuel pushed Martina away, shielding Hannah.