"So, what if she were capable?" Hannah asked Miguel. "If that's the case, we have no reason to fire her. But if she helped Roger disrupt Cooper Group, it will be difficult for us."
"What can she do?" Miguel didn't consider Mary a threat. After all, Mary was illegitimate and lacked influence in higher society. Even Miguel, knowledgeable and well-mannered, harbored prejudice against her.
Based on their prior impressions, Mary posed no threat, explaining Miguel's previous lack of vigilance. However, no one anticipated Mary's role as mastermind behind the Cooper Group's downfall.
Now that Hannah knew this beforehand, she prepared for the impending storm.
"Dad, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover," Hannah said seriously.
"What should I do then?" Miguel didn't take her seriously, but her seriousness prompted him to play along.
"I want a job at Cooper Group," Hannah smiled.
Miguel, Michelle, and Oscar were surprised. Oscar gave Hannah a penetrating look, sensing a change in her.
"I told you I'd help," Hannah said, unimpressed by their reactions.
"I was thrilled! Are you sure you'll work there? To help me?" Miguel asked.
"Yes," Hannah nodded, having decided long ago. She simply lacked the time to manage details until now, after her marriage.
"When do you want to start?" Miguel asked aggressively.
"Tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow? What are you talking about?" Michelle interrupted. "Who starts work immediately after marriage? That's not right."
"There's no conflict," Miguel countered softly.
"Of course there is!" Michelle insisted. "Newlyweds enjoy a honeymoon, then consider a baby. You should start family planning now. Have one baby, then another in a few years."
Hannah nearly choked. 'Having a baby? There's nothing between Oscar and me,' she thought.
"Mother, I'm young! That's too soon," Hannah protested.
"You're almost thirty!"
"I'm 22!" Hannah was exasperated. (Though 32 in her past life, she was 22 now, with youthful skin.)
"It's best to have babies young. It was late for me having you. We might have had a second child if we'd met younger."
"Mom, are you unhappy with me? Is that why you want another grandchild?" Hannah was frustrated.
"Hannah," Michelle said, frustrated herself, "What's wrong with having babies young? Your father and I can help. What's wrong with that?"
"If you want another baby, why don't you have one with Dad? I won't mind..."
"Nonsense," Michelle said, flushing.
Hannah smiled, about to continue arguing when Oscar spoke, "At the age of 25..."
Michelle, Miguel, and Hannah stared.
"We'll have babies when Hannah turns 25," Oscar finished.
Hannah was confused. Who said that?
"I want Hannah to enjoy being young a few more years," Oscar said, his tone indulgent.
Hannah blushed. She knew Oscar was charming, but felt embarrassed by his display of affection in front of her parents. He sounded as though he were spoiling a daughter.
"You kids nowadays..." Michelle sighed, but was pleased Oscar was so attentive to Hannah. She conceded.
Oscar then said earnestly, "I had a fortune told. It said Hannah will have a daughter if she conceives at 25."
Hannah stared. 'Who wants a daughter? Can fortune tellers predict gender?' she wondered.
"You like daughters?" Michelle asked, distracted.
"Yes," Oscar nodded. "I liked them even when Hannah was born. She was so chubby! I have photos..." Michelle exclaimed excitedly.
"Sure," Oscar readily agreed.
Hannah rolled her eyes. Michelle hadn't been this excited about Charles' visit.
Hannah returned to the main topic. "Dad, we were discussing my job. I'll be there tomorrow."
"No honeymoon?" Miguel wanted Hannah at the company but also considered her situation.
"No. We didn't plan to travel," Hannah replied.
Oscar pouted. The wife had the final say.
"Alright. Come to the office tomorrow, I'll give you a job."
"I want to supervise Mary," Hannah declared.
Miguel was surprised.
"With her under me, what more can she do?" Hannah smiled.
Miguel clapped. "Great idea!"
"It's settled," Hannah confirmed.
"Start tomorrow," Miguel affirmed.
Hannah nodded. Meanwhile, Michelle descended with a photo album. She excitedly showed Oscar photos of a young Hannah. Everyone's attention was captivated.
They saw a newborn Hannah. Hannah felt embarrassed. Why did they keep such an old photo? Oscar seemed to enjoy them. As they flipped through, the girl grew into a beautiful woman.
"Is this Charles?" Oscar asked, emotionless.
"Hannah and Charles knew each other through their grandfather. We kept some childhood photos. But...who's this boy?" Michelle pointed to a photo.
Hannah frowned. She didn't recognize the boy, yet he seemed familiar. She looked at Oscar. 'Oh my!'