Chapter 293 Leverage

Chapter 293 Leverage

When Hannah asked Shirley to compile the materials, she gave her a specific instruction.

"Include all the evidence against Manuel and Jason. Don't leave anything out."

Shirley looked at the thick stack of documents and frowned.

"These two didn't get very long sentences. Now with all this new evidence, their terms will increase by at least a dozen years."

"Good enough."

Shirley didn't ask any more questions and left with the files.

The press conference was scheduled for ten o'clock the next morning.

When Hannah arrived, the conference room was already packed with reporters.

Sophia was beside her, so nervous her palms were sweating, but Hannah remained calm.

She walked onto the stage, sat down, facing a laptop and a microphone.

"Everyone, I've called this press conference today to address the recent false accusations online about Harvey Corporation and myself."

"The court has already ruled on Manuel and Jason's cases. But someone has dug up events from over a decade ago, trying to pin these things on me."

She pressed the projector remote.

The big screen displayed document after document—Manuel's transfer records, Jason's bribery evidence, internal files of Harvey Corporation's violations from those years.

Each one was clear and verifiable, each one backed by solid proof.

"This is the criminal evidence against Manuel and Jason. I've compiled everything into a compressed file that you can all download right here."

She paused. "Manuel's assets will be liquidated according to the law and used to compensate the partners whose interests were harmed."

The reporters below looked down at their phones, some already starting to download.

Hannah stood up and looked at the cameras.

"Starting today, Harvey Corporation will thoroughly investigate all historical issues."

"We'll compensate what needs compensating, fix what needs fixing."

"I'm not doing this to prove my innocence. I'm doing it to tell those hiding in the shadows—you can't bring me down."

Ember sat in the living room of the Stone family mansion, watching Hannah on TV.

She bit her lip, her nails digging into her palms.

She thought digging up Manuel's old dirt would drag Hannah down with him.

She thought hiring trolls to manipulate public opinion would destroy Hannah's reputation.

But she never expected that not only would Hannah not be brought down, she'd use this opportunity to liquidate Manuel's assets and obtain compensation money.

Part of the compensation would go to the victims, as required. As for the rest, Ember didn't know exactly where it would end up, but she was sure of one thing—Hannah wouldn't come out of this on the losing side.

She picked up her phone, wanting to pay someone to publish more hit pieces.

The doorbell rang.

She ignored it. The doorbell rang again.

A servant went to answer it, then ran back in panic.

"Miss, the police are here."

"What are the police doing here?" Ember's face went white.

Two police officers walked in. The one in front showed his badge.

"Ms. Stone, you're suspected of inciting public opinion and spreading false information, causing serious reputational damage to others. We're summoning you in accordance with the law."

Ember clenched her fists. "You've got it wrong, I didn't!"

"Someone has already submitted evidence. You can say whatever you need to say at the station."

When Ember was taken away, her legs were weak.

She looked back at the mansion—empty, with no one coming out to see her off.

With such a commotion, the Stone family couldn't possibly not have heard, but no one came out.

She knew her grandfather wouldn't save her.

The Stone family wouldn't save her either. She was finished.

Vance stood upstairs, quietly watching her being taken away.

Then he said to the person beside him, "Have the board prepare. Let Ruben take over the domestic projects too."

"As for Ember." His voice was particularly calm. "Give up on her."

Hannah received Ruben's call while reviewing documents in her office.

There was laughter in Ruben's voice.

"Ms. Nguyen, that idiot Ember actually went to Stone Group people to buy trolls. Perfect—she handed me the evidence on a silver platter."

"So you got the evidence too?" Hannah asked.

"Got it." Ruben's voice was especially cheerful. "But you're still more impressive, knowing how she'd fan the flames. Otherwise I couldn't have caught her slip-up so quickly."

Hannah leaned back in her chair. "Deal with small-minded people enough, and their tricks are always the same."

Ruben laughed. "Alright, I'll handle things on my end. We'll talk about Kyrandor next time you come."

"Okay."

Hannah hung up and continued reviewing documents.

The door was pushed open. She didn't look up, thinking it was Sophia.

"Just put the materials on the desk."

The person didn't speak. The footsteps were heavy—not Sophia.

Hannah looked up to see Ethan standing in the doorway.

His clothes were wrinkled, his eyes bloodshot, stubble showing on his chin. He looked exhausted.

But his eyes were bright—so bright it was hard to look directly at them.

He walked in, closed the door, and sat down across from Hannah.

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Neither spoke.

Ethan spoke first, his voice a bit hoarse. "You're avoiding me again?"

Hannah looked at him but said nothing.

She lowered her head and continued reviewing documents.

Ethan didn't leave. He just sat there across from her, watching.

The office was very quiet, only the sound of turning pages.

After a long time, Hannah put down her pen and looked up.

"Ethan, go back."

"No." Ethan looked at her stubbornly.

Hannah sighed. "You can't help here anyway."

"Then I'll just sit here."

Ethan casually picked up a magazine from the side and started flipping through it.

Hannah felt a bit helpless. "What exactly do you want?"

Ethan pulled the earring from his pocket and placed it on the desk.

Hannah's fingers paused.

"Your thing. You left it at my place."

Ethan carefully observed Hannah's expression.

Hannah looked at the earring but didn't reach for it.

Ethan continued, "How long are you going to keep pretending?"

"Hannah, how long are you planning to lie to me?"

Hannah looked up, meeting his eyes.

Those eyes held many things—anger, grievance, unwillingness, and something else she didn't dare look at.

She lowered her head. "Ethan, I don't understand what you mean."

"We're just business partners. When have I ever lied to you?"

Ethan said nothing.

The office was very quiet—so quiet they could hear each other breathing.

The silence stretched on for a long time before Ethan finally got to his feet.

"Fine. We're just partners. I hear you, Hannah. I'll remember this."