Chapter 1022: The Conflict Between Doyle and Manuel

Manuel and Susan awoke together at Oscar's villa. Manuel only permitted Susan to stay with other men under the same roof because he was also residing there; he wouldn't allow his wife near other men otherwise. Living together was also the most practical arrangement, as it would have been awkward for Susan to live with another couple.

Upon entering the hall, they found Doyle and Besse enjoying breakfast in the open-plan dining room. Doyle was feeding Besse eggs, their intimacy evident. Susan discreetly photographed them. Doyle and Besse noticed the couple's arrival.

"Good morning," Besse greeted them.

"Good morning," Manuel replied, watching them with a faint smile.

"Won't you join us? There's plenty of food," Besse invited.

"Sure."

They joined the others, servants continually bringing more breakfast dishes. Susan, however, disliked eggs, refusing them despite Manuel's coaxing—even suggesting that eggs made babies smarter. She eventually relented, desiring an intelligent child.

Besse found it amusing that everyone assumed Susan was the dominant one in their relationship; Manuel, she knew, held sway.

"I'm full," Besse announced, wiping her mouth and leaving to avoid interrupting their conversation.

Manuel and Susan continued their meal. From a nearby couch, Doyle commented, "I never thought you'd end up living with Susan."

"There wasn't any other choice," Besse explained, vaguely citing hostility toward outsiders in Northfield, avoiding mention of Oscar. This led Doyle to believe Susan had helped.

"I shouldn't have returned, knowing you'd be targeted," Doyle lamented.

"Don't blame yourself. I asked you back," Besse replied. "Anyway, we only have a few more days until our lawsuit is settled."

"Yeah, we leave immediately afterward!" Doyle declared.

"Agreed! Have you discovered who's behind 'Phantom'?"

Doyle looked agitated. "It's hard to say. I've discreetly investigated several competitors, but so far, no one seems to be manipulating this."

"If not a competitor, then who?!" Besse exclaimed.

"Whoever it is, we'll prove our innocence and leave Northfield. This place feels… unlucky."

Besse laughed. "Do you still believe in luck?"

"I'm educated on the subject," Doyle chuckled.

The atmosphere between them was relaxed. Watching them, Susan sighed. "Oscar probably has no hope left."

"Don't you hate Oscar?" Manuel asked pointedly.

"I do, but… look at Hannah's parents; they don't mind Oscar remarrying. If he can find love and start over, even if I never speak to him again because of Hannah… I think I'd understand."

Manuel gazed toward the living room, silent.

After breakfast, Susan texted Oscar: "Give up on Besse!" She attached a picture of Besse and Doyle sharing food.

Oscar, in his office, opened the message, studying the intimate photo. He silently placed his phone down; her carefree smile was all he desired.

After breakfast, Susan exercised in the backyard, per her doctor's recommendation for an easier delivery. Besse accompanied her; Manuel went to Doyle. They exchanged pleasantries before Manuel asked, "I heard you grew up with Besse?"

"Yeah," Doyle replied. "Since childhood."

"Don't you think she's changed?" Manuel remarked casually.

Doyle showed discomfort.

"I heard Besse was in a serious car accident, in a coma for a year," Manuel continued, ignoring Doyle's reaction.

"What do you mean?"

"She lost her memory, right?"

"What do you want to know?"

"If you know the truth."

"What are you talking about?!" Doyle's anger flared.

"It's unfair to deceive someone into loving you," Manuel stated.

"What did I deceive her about?!" Doyle shouted.

Susan and Besse, hearing the argument, rushed inside.

"What's going on?" Susan asked.

"Nothing," Manuel said, rising to leave.

"Manuel, are you jealous because I find Doyle attractive?" Susan blurted, then added, "I like pretty guys, but my heart belongs to you! Why can't you be more confident?"

Manuel chuckled. "Yeah, I'm jealous."

"Damn it!" Susan cursed as he left.

Besse approached Doyle. "What did Manuel say?"

Doyle, still upset, confessed, "He said I deceived you, but I don't know what he means. And… I have a feeling he's known you a long time."