Chapter 822: A Decent Way

Sarah had never been treated so poorly. Unable to calm herself, she shouted, "Let me go! Do you know who I am? Do you know the consequences of treating me like this?"

Those present ignored her, gripping her more tightly. The humiliation was overwhelming, bringing her to tears.

Many company employees witnessed her forceful arrest. As she was led away, onlookers lined the corridor. A sudden outburst of applause startled her. Someone shouted, "Well done!"

A wave of elation swept through the crowd. Approbation and cheers erupted. It was joyous news for everyone except Sarah, who watched their reaction with mounting fury. Initially defiant, she now felt like a clown, fueling her rage.

"Shut up! All of you!" she screamed, but the crowd only grew more excited by her anger.

Rose, having witnessed everything, frantically called Hannah. "Ms. Hannah, Sarah was arrested by the prosecuting authorities. It was utterly shameful, and you wouldn't believe how thrilled our clerks are! They're delighted to see Sarah punished!"

"Yes," Hannah replied calmly. She felt a sense of relief. At least, Sarah would no longer disrupt the staff.

"But what if the Collins family intervenes?" Rose worried.

"That won't happen. The Collins family will distance themselves from Sarah. The closer they get, the angrier the public will become. They're not stupid."

"Perfect! I've never hated anyone so much; I wish her in hell!" Rose exclaimed excitedly.

Hannah chuckled. "Now that Sarah's gone, I expect Manuel will return soon. It's quite a spectacle, but don't forget you're working."

"Yes, Ms. Hannah!" Rose responded hastily.

Hannah hung up, her smile vanishing. She had orchestrated Sarah's arrest, but regardless of the Collins family's resentment toward Sarah, they would never allow her to be falsely accused. Once the dust settled, they might investigate further.

Hannah pursed her lips, lost in thought.

That afternoon, Manuel called. "Hannah, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"On the phone?"

"I'll come to your home."

"Okay."

Manuel arrived shortly. "Sarah's under arrest. The Collins family will hold a press conference, stating they will give her the harshest punishment—likely no less than five years."

Hannah sneered. "The Collins family will do anything for self-preservation." She loathed powerful families; they abandoned anyone, even their own, to protect their interests, just like Oscar.

"Sarah is ruined," Manuel concluded.

"What do you want to say?" Hannah knew this wasn't a casual visit. There was something she could help with, something that also benefited her.

Manuel hesitated, reluctant to hurt Hannah again, but the responsibility had to fall somewhere.

"Just tell me," Hannah urged impatiently. "After seeing what Oscar did, there's nothing I can't accept." She seemed to anticipate his words.

Manuel took a deep breath. "While self-preservation is the Collins family's priority, they will investigate Sarah's secret filming and exposure. Their first suspect will be my cousin." Hannah laughed, understanding.

"Their power is nearly equal. My cousin might hold a slight advantage due to his leadership role, but a conflict could benefit neither. We must avoid any clash between him and the Collins family."

Hannah listened quietly.

"My cousin wants to avoid conflict with the Collins family, but they dare not antagonize him either. However, Sarah's frame-up is a disgrace they must address. To maintain balance, they may resort to drastic measures. They might not want to, but their position compels them. We need to give them a 'decent' way to retaliate."

"And what's that?" Hannah asked, already understanding.

"You need to take responsibility for framing Sarah," Manuel finally said, avoiding eye contact.

"It was me. I'll take it," she stated calmly. Being hated by the Collins family was a risk; they would retaliate eventually.

"Don't worry. They only need a suitable scapegoat; they won't harm you. If you take responsibility, it'll be treated as a private matter. As long as it doesn't reach a larger platform, it can be resolved quietly."

"You believe that?" Hannah questioned. Would the Collins family truly accept that? They wouldn't let it go, even if it remained private. But Oscar's relationship with them would remain intact.

"I trust my cousin," Manuel said firmly. "He won't let you be harmed."

"Manuel, be honest. Did you also want to frame Sarah?" Hannah asked seriously.

Manuel had expected her to understand. "Yes," he admitted. "That's why I thanked you."

Hannah murmured, "So I couldn't escape Oscar's plan."

Oscar's scheme had encompassed everyone and everything.