Sandra was stupefied. She felt guilty; she never expected such a remark from the usually gentle Hannah.

Hannah, unconcerned with appearances, glanced at their intertwined arms. “Miss Stein, do you think you’re more suited to remain at my fiancé’s side?”

Charles reacted instantly, pushing Sandra’s arm away.

Sandra, mortified, offered a wry smile. “Miss Cooper rarely attends such banquets; therefore, I accompanied Mr. Sawyer. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

“Are you saying I’m not open-minded?” Hannah raised an eyebrow.

Sandra wanted to argue, but Hannah continued, “The only thing I noticed is that, from the moment I entered, Miss Stein has held my fiancé’s arm. That suggests an assertion of authority.”

Sandra’s face paled, but she dared not retort openly, given their disparate social standings. She could only continue explaining and apologizing. “No, Miss Cooper, that’s not my intention. I behaved inappropriately; I’ll remember this.”

Hannah chuckled, but showed no sign of forgiveness.

Susan was dumbfounded. Was this the Hannah she knew? Hannah was utterly dominant! She had previously warned Susan that Sandra was a flirt, clearly not well-intentioned in her close proximity to Charles. Yet, since Hannah professed trust in Charles—and Susan found him agreeable—she remained silent. Still, she disapproved of Sandra. Sandra, relying on her attractiveness, prestigious university degree, and early success as the Sawyer Group’s special assistant, was complacent and arrogant, even mocking Susan and her peers as useless beyond their fortunate circumstances. Susan reveled in Sandra's public chastisement.

“Hannah,” Charles said, taking her hand. Hannah felt internal disgust but endured it. “I didn’t expect you here; I’m happy.” He ignored her criticism of Sandra, offering no defense of Sandra or explanation for allowing her to hold his arm. Charles was adept at avoiding conflict.

Hannah, equally astute, remained silent. Her criticism of Sandra had already wounded Charles's pride; further confrontation would be detrimental.

“Come, I’ll introduce you to my parents. They’ll be delighted,” Charles smiled, his usual gentle self.

Hannah nodded, informed Susan, took his arm, and entered the banquet hall. Their striking appearance immediately drew attention.

Whispers circulated: “Hannah Cooper is indeed Northfield’s most beautiful woman. I thought it was just a rumor.” “She rarely appears publicly; this is my first time seeing her. I thought the rumors exaggerated her beauty, but I was wrong.” “I always thought Hannah Cooper undeserving of Charles Sawyer, but now I see… she's the superior one.”

Hannah and Charles overheard the gossip. Because Hannah rarely attended such events and Charles was a master of self-promotion, Kensbury City society had deemed her unworthy of him. These comments clearly displeased Charles; he was self-centered and intolerant of criticism, or anyone surpassing him—including Hannah. However, he was a master of pretense.

They reached Charles’s parents and greeted them. Hannah had initially believed the Sawyers sincere, caring for her, only to later realize it was a ploy to gain her trust and steal her family's property. She concealed her feelings and remained courteous.

Many people thronged the banquet hall. The Sawyers were prominent, attracting numerous flatterers. Hannah quietly slipped away unnoticed; Charles didn't realize she was gone. She used to excuse his obliviousness as being overwhelmed by work. She constantly made excuses for him.

Hannah sought the tranquility of the back garden. She preferred quieter spaces, feeling more relaxed there.

“Miss Cooper.” A voice startled her. She turned to see a man emerging from the shadows, his striking features immediately captivating.

Hannah quickly averted her gaze. “Why are you here?”

“I’m waiting for you,” Oscar smiled charmingly.

Why was he waiting? And how did he know she would be in the garden?

“What do you want?” she asked impassively.

“Give me back the card!” he demanded.

Hannah’s expression shifted. Her expectations of him were clearly unfounded.

“Aren't you always generous with women?” she retorted.

“So you admit you're my woman?” Oscar moved closer, attempting flirtation.

She dodged him.

“Playboy,” Hannah said curtly, “the card’s at my home. I’ll return it later!”

She turned to leave. Her post-rebirth goals were clear: no time for complacency; she needed to refine her social skills.

She then saw Charles emerging from the banquet hall, apparently searching for her. His initial expression, sullen at her absence—perhaps expecting her unwavering presence—quickly shifted to a gentlemanly demeanor. “Why are you out here alone? I was worried.”

“I was bored and came for some air. I was just heading back,” Hannah replied calmly.

“Let me stay by your side next time,” Charles said, drawing her intimately into his arms.

Hannah felt uneasy, particularly under Oscar's watchful gaze, a disquieting feeling that she couldn't quite define. They were merely partners pursuing mutual advantage, weren't they?

Charles also sensed Oscar's presence. Maintaining his composure, he greeted him. “Mr. Wells, didn’t expect to see you. It’s been a while.”

Oscar merely glanced at him, not extending his hand. He passed them dismissively. “Your fiancée is beautiful; keep a close eye on her.”