Chapter 767: Susan's Change
Hannah smiled. "I have some business to attend to with Oscar. I'll be back later."
Miguel's hostility toward Oscar was evident. "But you don't need to be under the same roof! You're divorced!"
"He's not in Kensbury," Hannah replied.
"Then why go back?" Miguel asked.
"The house is mine, per the divorce agreement," Hannah explained. "It's no longer Oscar's."
"Who cares? We have plenty of houses," Miguel retorted.
Hannah chuckled. "Dad, it's unwise to refuse wealth, especially from a businessman. There's nothing wrong with owning another house."
"But you don't need to live there. Sell it!"
"Fine, Dad. I understand. Let's drop it. I have business to handle. Don't worry, I can manage."
Miguel didn't easily relinquish his objections, but Hannah's words, "Give me some time. I'll stay with you someday," disquieted him.
Finally, he relented. He knew his daughter; there must be a reason for her insistence. He didn't want to pressure her. Hannah, though the most vulnerable, offered him comfort. All he wanted was a safe and united family.
"No matter what, take care of yourself. You can always come home. We're always here for you."
"I know," Hannah replied, a sweet smile gracing her face. She wasn't alone; her parents were her greatest source of strength, a strength she shared with her unborn child, stroking her belly.
A busy week ensued. Hannah maintained a strict schedule at the office, working with HR to find a solution for the staff. The HR department was shocked by the impending acquisition, expecting better growth after Oscar's ascension to Commander-in-Chief. The sudden uncertainty about their jobs was unsettling.
But there was no time for questions. They diligently assisted Hannah in developing a comprehensive solution for every employee, a level of consideration uncommon in such situations. Even from a human resources perspective, Hannah's proposal was exceedingly generous, prompting repeated inquiries about budget cuts and concerns about the Cooper family's financial burden.
At day's end, Hannah sat at her desk, stretching her weary body. Gazing from the French window at the city bathed in sunset, she reflected on the last time she’d seen such a beautiful sunset in Kensbury. The world remained beautiful; indulging in melancholy over one person or thing was foolish.
She picked up the phone and dialed Manuel.
"Hi, Manuel, it's Hannah."
"Hello, Hannah," Manuel replied from his office at Phillips Bank.
The acquisition of Phillips Bank had been relatively straightforward, thanks to Manuel's substantial shareholding. A slight move on his part could force the board to sell, or risk bankruptcy. The Equity Transfer Letter was ready; only Susan's signature was needed. This, however, proved far more challenging than the acquisition itself. He wasn't prepared to present the plan to Susan yet.
"I've finalized a plan for the Cooper Group staff and I'll send it to you. I need your help, Manuel. I hope you can retain the essential and capable employees. Before the acquisition, I'll brief them to ensure their loyalty. For those less capable, I have a list. They'll receive fair compensation and won't cause trouble."
"Send it to me," Manuel agreed. "If it's feasible, I'll approve it."
He approved Hannah's proposal before even reading it.
"You can reply after reviewing it."
"Okay."
"I'll email it."
"Okay."
"And Manuel," Hannah said.
"Yes?"
"Are you pursuing Phillips Bank?" Hannah asked.
"Yes, it's underway," Manuel replied, glancing at the document. It was a matter of time, besides skill.
"Then I have a favor to ask."
"Yes?"
Hannah explained her idea. Silence followed. After a moment, Manuel said, "Actually, I had the same idea."
"And then?" Hannah asked.
"I'm afraid Susan might not approve."
"Try first. If she disagrees, let me persuade her."
"Okay." This time, Manuel agreed quickly.
"Thank you."
Manuel chuckled. "Hannah, your gratitude always makes me feel guilty." He truly felt guilty toward her.
"You don't need to be; you're not the one hurting me."
Manuel smiled helplessly. Sometimes he wondered if Hannah's unwavering reason was a kind of luck.
After the call, Manuel picked up the document. Delaying the Phillips Bank acquisition was pointless. He rose and went to the chairman's office.
Given Edward's health, Susan had taken over the bank, inheriting her father's office.
Manuel knocked. Even though it was after hours, he knew Susan was still there. Since starting her career, she'd worked tirelessly. Her dedication was incredible, yet hard work couldn't alter fate.
"Come in," Susan responded without looking up from her documents.
With limited business knowledge, the documents were a puzzle, regardless of her effort. Mastering business and becoming a competent chairman, easing her father's worries, seemed a distant goal.
But surrender wasn't an option. She'd keep fighting, refusing to yield to frustration. For the first time, she was fiercely determined to become strong.
Then she looked up and saw Manuel. She knew he'd returned to work a week ago, but they hadn't had time to meet, both absorbed in their own work. His sudden arrival startled her.
His presence momentarily quickened her heartbeat.