Chapter 139 Lucky Susan

"She's with Henry now," Edward said, looking around. "She should be in the hall. Do you want to talk to her? I can ask someone to call her."

Hannah smiled easily. "It's okay, I'm just asking. What do you think of Henry?"

"I opposed them at first," Edward admitted. "I wanted my daughter's boyfriend to be a suitable match. But I figured no 'dandy boy' would fancy her, so I stopped interfering. I underestimated Henry. He's hardworking, and I'm rather impressed. The Phillips property will eventually be transferred. Manuel clearly stated he won't take over, leaving only Susan. Though she's unreliable, having Henry with her is reassuring."

Hannah listened silently, reflecting that Henry was indeed far from simple; he had deceived everyone, including her, in her previous life.

After some conversation, Miguel offered, "Hannah, I'll introduce you to some friends." His eagerness to cultivate her was evident.

Hannah released Oscar's hand. He seemed more restrained around her father, keeping his distance. When she let go, he readily followed suit.

"Oscar, are you joining us?" Miguel asked.

"No, Dad. My older brother's over there; I'll say hello," Oscar replied, departing with self-assured ease.

Upper-class society adhered to certain unspoken rules. Spouses often gave each other space during business discussions to avoid suspicions of self-interest. Oscar possessed exceptional social skills, adept at deflecting and complimenting.

Hannah accompanied her father, effortlessly navigating the social scene under his guidance. From afar, Susan watched, struck by Hannah's dazzling presence. She had noticed Hannah and Oscar upon their arrival, and would have approached, had Henry not needed her. She chose to remain with him.

"Hannah's changed a lot," Henry observed, noticing Susan's gaze. He, too, looked toward Hannah, seeing a confident and radiant woman, a stark contrast to the reserved woman he remembered.

"She's become strong, indestructible," Susan agreed.

"Perhaps Charles's actions deeply affected her," Henry speculated.

Susan nodded in silent affirmation, contemplating that if similarly betrayed, she might change like Hannah, or perhaps choose a different, more tragic end.

She had always relied on luck. Life had been easy, aside from her mother's death. Even her academic struggles ended with a fortunate university acceptance. She considered herself blessed, protected from betrayal.

"Mr. Wang is arriving," Henry said, spotting a middle-aged man entering. "We're working on a loan project. Shall we greet him?"

"Yes," Susan replied, intending to stay by Henry's side all evening. She wanted their relationship known throughout the Phillips family's domain.

Mr. Wang bypassed them, enthusiastically greeting Manuel: "Mr. Johnson, it's been a while."

Henry felt a pang of awkwardness. Susan, witnessing Mr. Wang's fawning over Manuel, asked, "Do you plan to join Phillips Bank, assisting Mr. Phillips?"

"No," Manuel replied. "I have no such plans."

"Ah, then I must wait a few years," Mr. Wang said. "Young people have their own ideas, and I support that. I'm working on a loan project with your bank; I assumed you'd be at Phillips Bank, hence my approach."

Manuel gestured toward Henry. "Henry handles much of the bank's work. Speak with him directly."

"We've discussed it several times; it's almost finalized," Mr. Wang said politely.

"Excellent," Manuel responded curtly. "A friend's calling me." He left, leaving Mr. Wang to conclude, "When you take over Phillips Bank, please don't forget me."

Manuel, seeing no need to clarify his lack of involvement with the bank, did not bother. Half the guests likely assumed he was the heir.

When Susan insisted on being with Henry, Edward Phillips had threatened to disinherit her, leaving his wealth to his stepson, Manuel. Susan always proved her detractors wrong, thus her relationship with Henry. Edward's words, though, reinforced the prevailing belief in Manuel's inheritance.

This belief stemmed not only from Edward's words but also from his deep affection for Justine Knight, Manuel's mother. Edward indulged his wife’s desires, and Susan's lack of business acumen made Manuel's ascension seem inevitable. Still, it was preferable to Henry inheriting the bank. The upper class disparaged a man of his humble origins.

Therefore, after Manuel's departure, Mr. Wang made no effort to approach Henry. Susan seethed at this blatant disregard for Henry’s dedication and hard work. Was his humble background sufficient reason for such disdain?

Henry, sensing her anger, soothed her gently, "Don't be upset. I'm fine." He would one day prove them all wrong. A fleeting, icy gaze flashed in his eyes, then vanished.