Chapter 778: Sarah Comes to Visit

Manuel respectfully opened the gate for Hannah and Miguel. Miguel, harboring some resentment, found it difficult to relinquish the company. He patted Manuel hard on the shoulder, saying earnestly, "You have it now. You have Cooper Group now. It's our family business. Don't ruin it."

Manuel nodded, concealing his sorrow. Hannah felt a fresh wave of sadness, imagining her father's desperation. Miguel, silent, entered the car, Hannah beside him. She watched as Manuel smiled, waving them off.

As the car pulled away, Hannah saw tears in Miguel's eyes. The emotion he'd suppressed since the sale had finally surfaced; the loss of everything he owned was too much to bear. Hannah looked away, understanding his need to maintain his composure in front of his daughter. Every father, regardless of age, strives to be a hero to his children.

Downstairs, a woman emerged from the building after the car disappeared. She had arrived with Manuel that morning. Hannah, ignoring her, noticed the woman didn't acknowledge her presence.

"Unbelievable! Hannah did a great job. It almost got to me," Sarah said sarcastically.

She and Oscar had arrived in Kensbury City the previous day. Oscar, though not rejecting her outright, had refused her access to his villa, forcing her to stay in a hotel. She'd come to Cooper Group hoping to witness Hannah's despair, only to find the family had secured exceptional benefits for their staff before departing—a move destined to become industry legend.

Sarah snorted, clearly displeased. Manuel ignored her and entered the building, his indifference infuriating her. She vowed to one day prove her superiority.

She hailed a car and instructed the driver, "To Oscar's villa." She intended to defy Oscar's previous ban on her visiting his Kensbury residence.

Hannah directed the driver to take Miguel home, then excused herself. Miguel remained silent, needing time to process everything. He, too, wished to avoid displaying weakness before Hannah.

Returning to the villa, Hannah found Oscar in the living room. Despite her reluctance, she remembered their lunch plans. With eight hours until his departure, she steeled herself.

She passed him silently, ascending the stairs. Oscar, swallowing back his words, watched her go. His phone rang, but he hung up after checking the caller ID. A moment later, he reluctantly answered.

"Hello, Oscar?" Lilian asked.

"What's up?"

"Sarah's at the gate. She wants to talk, but the guard won't let her in. She called, but you didn't answer," Lilian said anxiously.

"What's the matter? Wait till I come back."

"Sarah's alone in Kensbury. Please, look out for her," Lilian pleaded.

Oscar remained silent.

"She has painful memories there. I'm worried," Lilian added, sensing his reluctance.

"I won't let her go to Kensbury City again," she continued.

"Fine."

Lilian, having manipulated Oscar into compliance, smiled. Oscar, aware of her tactics, conceded to avoid breaking their prior agreement.

"Thank you, Oscar."

Oscar hung up. Soon, Sarah appeared, her anger at being stopped momentarily masked by a friendly smile for Oscar.

"Sorry for the trouble, Oscar. But I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" Oscar's hatred was barely concealed.

Sarah, maintaining her composure, sat beside him. She kept a physical distance, aware of her allure and the power of playing hard to get.

"I went to Cooper Group with Manuel this morning," she said.

Oscar raised an eyebrow.

"I know Manuel's busy with Cooper Group, Phillips Bank, and Wells Group. It's a huge undertaking. I want to help."

"No, thanks. Manuel can handle it," Oscar responded immediately.

"I know Manuel's capable, but I want to help."

"I said no."

Sarah, momentarily disheartened by Oscar's resistance, regained her composure upon seeing Hannah descending the stairs.

Hannah, upon reaching the staircase, remained calm and composed, treating Sarah like a stranger. This deliberate slight further angered Sarah.