Chapter 142: A Proposal
The lobby buzzed when Hannah returned. She glanced around, spotting Oscar conversing with Theodore, who seemed to notice her and deliberately turned away. Hannah was speechless; his childish act irritated her, so she ignored him and approached her father.
Suddenly, the lights went out. A spotlight illuminated a man in a suit, who quickly became the center of attention. It was then Hannah remembered Henry's planned proposal to Susan. It had been so long, she'd almost forgotten, especially since she hadn't attended such lavish banquets in her previous life, only learning about them through news reports.
"Susan," Henry said, microphone in hand, a bouquet held before him. Surrounded by darkness, Susan gazed at him, her heart pounding. The entire room focused on this unassuming man, none expecting such an impressive proposal.
"We've been together for six years, yet I've never had the courage to propose. I feared I couldn't provide a suitable marriage, that I'd fail your expectations or you'd regret it. So many things held me back… Forgive me, Susan, I can't hide my love, pretend to be indifferent to your happiness, I can't wait to marry you…" Tears welled in his eyes.
The guests, aware of Henry's background, were moved by his heartfelt confession. Hannah, however, remained emotionless, viewing it as a performance, much like Charles's previous theatrics. She saw it as another target for retaliation.
"Susan, will you marry me?" Henry asked warmly.
Overwhelmed, Susan, who'd envisioned a low-key wedding, was surprised by this grand gesture. Without hesitation, she rushed into his arms. He spun her around, holding her close for a long moment before releasing her, though their eyes remained locked.
"Susan, though I have little, I vow to provide for your well-being," Henry declared.
"I trust you," Susan replied tearfully.
Henry knelt, placing the bouquet and microphone down, then produced a delicate box containing a sparkling, if not overly large, diamond ring. Again, he proposed, "Susan, will you marry me?"
"Yes!" she answered instantly.
Thunderous applause erupted. He stood, kissed her gently, a kiss signifying their enduring romance.
Manuel, watching with a bittersweet smile, was lost in thought. He'd left the city, vowing not to return until he'd forgotten Susan. Four years had passed; he thought he had, but his mother's pleas and his own weakness brought him back. He'd intended to remain composed, but he'd overestimated himself. The intensity of his feelings throughout the evening, culminating in the pain of witnessing their kiss, proved he hadn't let go. He quietly slipped away, unnoticed amidst the celebrations.
Hannah found it difficult to watch, unable to intervene. As she looked away, she saw Manuel leaving. She considered speaking to him but remained silent. She then noticed Oscar and Theodore leaving after him, surprised by their apparent acquaintance.
The banquet concluded. Miguel, weary, left early. Hannah, sensing Susan's happiness, followed the crowd. Jimmy waited at the gate, a surprise she attributed to Oscar’s childish behavior. She entered the car, and they drove off.
The city lights were breathtaking. Hannah stared blankly out the window, wondering if Oscar was with Manuel.
"Madam," Jimmy said gravely.
Startled, Hannah asked, "What's the matter?"
"We have a tail," he said, each word deliberate.
Her face hardened, her heart pounding. She knew Jimmy's seriousness indicated trouble—was someone trying to kill her? The answer was obvious: Charles.