Dad, I'm not trying to tattle on Hannah. I know I should make peace with her, but I'm defending our family against this unfairness. When my older sister worked here, Uncle Miguel despised her. Now, his daughter is working here and taking it for granted. I think Uncle Miguel and Hannah agreed to let me work yesterday because Hannah was asked to work long ago, and they were afraid of gossip," Mary said cautiously.

Roger's anger flared as he listened. "Miguel has gone too far bullying us! I'm his older brother, but he abuses his position as chairman and shows me no respect. Mary, don't worry. I won't let them do this again!"

"Dad, will this put you in a difficult position? Uncle Miguel heads Cooper Group; I'm afraid he'll target you…" Mary sounded worried. "I can handle Hannah; being slightly oppressed isn't a major issue."

"Oppressing you is oppressing me. Don't worry, even as chairman, Miguel wouldn't dare to do anything to me! If he does, your grandmother will back me up."

"Okay," Mary replied obediently.

"I have to go. Focus on work, and tell me immediately if anything happens. Don't suffer in silence," Roger admonished.

"Alright, I won't disturb you then," Mary said sweetly.

After hanging up, her smile vanished. Her mother was right! The best way to manipulate a man was to appear vulnerable and agreeable. She'd use this tactic on others, Charles, even… Mary considered herself clever.

A wicked smile curled her lips. She vowed to take everything Hannah wanted and usurp her position as the Cooper family heir.

On a Kensbury City street, Roger hung up in his sedan, his face grim. Esther and Jane were also in the car. They were going to the Sawyer residence to finalize Jane and Charles's arrangement.

Hearing Mary had called, Esther's expression shifted. "Your precious daughter's been bullied again?" she asked, her tone unfriendly.

"She's defending Jane against unfairness!" Roger, duped by Mary, retorted.

"Why? She replaced me! Her plan succeeded!" Jane scoffed.

"Enough! With your situation, you have no right to criticize Mary!" Roger's face darkened. Esther glared at Jane, silencing her.

Jane seethed. Once she became the Sawyer heiress, she would retaliate against Mary!

The sedan arrived at the Sawyers'. Roger had contacted Lee earlier about the children, and the Sawyers had readily agreed, likely eager to resolve the matter. Lee and Charles awaited them in the living room, their expressions unfriendly.

"Roger," Lee greeted coldly.

Roger, feeling justified after Hannah's earlier words, carried himself with a sense of entitlement.

"Regarding my daughter and Charles, you must explain yourselves," Roger stated.

"Explain?" Lee sneered. "What do you want?"

"My innocent daughter was ruined by your son. Shouldn't you explain?" Roger's face hardened at Lee's tone.

"My son's reputation is ruined because of your daughter. I'm not seeking compensation, yet you demand an explanation? Do you want Charles to marry her? Look at yourself; how dare you ask!" Lee showed no respect.

"How can you say that? You refuse responsibility and criticize me? This is the Sawyer family? Irresponsible and ill-bred! No wonder you're the lowest of the four great families. With a family head like you, you won't last another two years!"

"Enough!" Lee rose, facing Roger coldly. "I invited you to resolve this, not to quarrel!"

"How do you propose to resolve it?" Roger asked, controlling his temper.

"Five million," Lee said. "Announce publicly that your daughter seduced my son."

"Are you mad? I'm not selling my daughter! Five million to buy me off and slander her? Insane!" Roger's anger boiled over.

"You're flattered to get five million!" Lee scoffed. "She's a mere collateral daughter; what's she worth?"

"You!" Roger was furious.

Jane was aghast.

"Uncle Lee, how can you say that? Charles and I are in love. Don't belittle me; it embarrasses Charles," Jane said, feigning tears.

"Nonsense! I'm not in love with you," Charles retorted.

"Charles…" Jane stared in disbelief. His words were a betrayal. While his wedding words had been unpleasant, she'd understood the circumstances. Now, with Hannah married, he should have accepted her. She couldn't comprehend his cruelty. At least, he hadn't said these things during their intimacy.

"Don't call me. Your voice and face disgust me! You shamelessly seduced me and demand responsibility? You're delusional."

"Charles Sawyer!" Jane cried. "You said you loved me! You used Hannah for her wealth, promising to be with me afterward. Have you forgotten?"

"You're imagining things! Would I love someone like you? Look in a mirror! Yes, I had no feelings for Hannah and used her, but I still invested time and effort, not only for her status, but because she's prettier than you. Where did you get the confidence that I'd fall for you?"

Charles's sarcasm shattered Jane. She wished for death alongside him.