Chapter 1180: Back to the Cooper Manor

After the dinner party, everyone departed in small groups. Hannah found herself confused, sitting in a black car with Oscar instead of her parents, who had offered a vague excuse for leaving her behind. Salem and Una were also in the car, which lessened the awkwardness, but Hannah remained uncomfortable, especially when she recalled Oscar kissing her while she was intoxicated.

"Hannah," Oscar said.

Hannah ignored him.

"I asked you," Oscar said seriously. "This afternoon. You told me to be gentle."

Hannah knew what he meant but didn't want to discuss it in front of the children. She covered his mouth with her hand. Oscar chuckled, leaning in to kiss her palm, causing Hannah to pull away sharply.

"Oscar!" she snapped, startling Salem and Una, who were chatting and now looked at them curiously. Hannah turned away, leaving Salem gazing at his father with a frown that seemed to question his treatment of his mother.

The car arrived at the Cooper Manor. Hannah immediately exited, followed by Salem, Una, and Oscar.

"Your parents said Sal and Una can spend the night here," Oscar said. "What about you?" Hannah asked.

"I'm their father; I'm responsible for their care."

Hannah took the children's hands and entered the house, her face sullen. Oscar smiled, knowing that a refusal would have been more direct. He couldn't be complacent, however, and maintained his composure as they entered the house, where Miguel and Michelle had already returned. They greeted Salem and Una warmly, restoring a lively atmosphere despite the late hour. The children went to wash up for bed; Miguel and Michelle took them, leaving Hannah and Oscar alone downstairs. Even later, while Salem and Una played, Hannah and Oscar remained largely uninvolved. Once the children were finished playing, Hannah started toward her room.

"Hannah," Oscar said.

Hannah turned.

"Where am I sleeping tonight?" he asked.

"It's not like I invited you," Hannah retorted. "How would I know where you're sleeping?"

After Hannah turned away, Oscar smirked. Hannah went upstairs to check on Salem and Una washing up. After they were all in bed, she intended to return to her room.

In the hallway, Miguel stopped Hannah. "Hannah, come to my study. I need to talk to you."

Hannah nodded, wondering what her father wanted.

In his study, Miguel was direct. "You and Oscar…"

"Dad, let us handle our own problems," Hannah interrupted, unwilling for them to interfere. She sensed their approval of their relationship and their matchmaking attempts.

"Okay, okay. I won't interfere, but there's something I need your opinion on."

"What is it?"

"Manuel came to see me a few days ago."

"Manuel?"

"Yes, about the Cooper Group."

"What else can be done? He's swallowed the Cooper Group."

"You're still upset about this after all this time?" Miguel laughed. "If Oscar hadn't been so ruthless, he wouldn't have convinced the Collins family."

"I don't know what kind of brainwashing he used to make everyone believe his lies," Hannah muttered.

"Dad's getting older, but my mind's still sharp. Unlike Charles; Oscar genuinely cares for our family."

"Can we get back to the point?" Hannah asked impatiently.

"Right. Susan recently had a baby. Manuel loves Susan dearly. He doesn't want her to handle everything, especially with a new daughter. He wants more time off, meaning someone needs to help manage the Cooper Group."

"Did you agree?" Hannah frowned, sensing complexity.

"It was hard adjusting after losing control of the Cooper Group years ago. But after these years at home, I've gotten used to it and don't want to return to work. So I didn't agree immediately. But this afternoon, alone, he explained his situation and lack of trust in anyone else. He convinced me. Refusing felt like letting him down. These past few years, while you were gone, Manuel and Susan often visited, like a son and daughter. It was hard to refuse."

"What are your plans now?" Hannah asked.

Miguel knew he couldn't hide anything from his daughter and smiled. "I agreed to help him manage the company."

Hannah waited, knowing her father had an ulterior motive— involving Oscar. Oscar was cunning and deceitful, with no history of kindness toward her family. If she refused, he could find ways to force her compliance.

"Hannah, if you're just at home, why not take on this role? Help Manuel," Miguel suggested persuasively.

"What if I don't agree?" Hannah asked angrily.

"I already agreed with Manuel. And these past few years, he's been so thoughtful to your mother and me that refusing would make us feel eternally indebted," Miguel reasoned.

Hannah wanted to refuse, but her father's efforts made it impossible to disappoint him.