Hannah nodded and waved Chloe away. "I got it. You can leave. I want to rest alone." The secretary departed understandingly. Hannah lightly tapped the phone, but didn't pick it up.

She didn't own a mobile phone; this one was provided only when she left the house, allowing Heather to contact her at any time with instructions. Upon returning home, it was confiscated. She was forbidden from installing apps or saving numbers; she was merely a shadow, without friends or a social life.

Though she couldn't previously contact Ralph, she had memorized his number. Cautious about using the wiretapped and tracked phone—a mere monitoring device—she knew company calls were recorded. After considering this, she dialed his number.

Ralph answered quickly, his voice breathless. "Hello?" He was hurrying, panting.

"Ralph Russell," Hannah said slowly, each word deliberate.

He was startled, then laughed. "Ms. Riggs! You called! What's the matter? Have you reconsidered? Decided to cooperate?"

Hannah gripped the phone. Instead of answering, she asked, "You called the office looking for me. Why?"

Ralph, noticing the landline number, was puzzled. "Haha. Heartless. You won't even use your phone? Fine. Since you called, we can still discuss this. I've told you everything. Have you changed your mind about cooperating?" He hoped Heather's call indicated wavering, leaving room for negotiation.

"What cooperation?" Hannah asked, carefully listening. She wasn't entirely clear on her sister's dealings with Ralph; Heather was secretive.

Ralph was speechless. He'd already explained everything; was she still asking for details? Ultimately, he needed her. He calmed down, stopped walking, and said, "I want 30% of your company's shares. Then I'll help you find the real handbook. Also, the Russell family has a meeting this Saturday. Come. See me become head of the family." He longed for her to witness his triumph, to regret rejecting him.

"I can't agree to such a significant matter over the phone," Hannah replied thoughtfully.

Though a refusal, Ralph was pleased. The fact she wouldn't agree over the phone suggested in-person discussion. This was better than outright rejection. He felt she was more receptive today; perhaps she'd reconsidered, even discovered the handbook in her possession was a fake.

"Okay, let's meet. You set the time," he said, grinning.