Chapter 217: Justine's Offer

“Damn, that’s cheesy!” Susan rolled her eyes. “Come on, Oscar, be honest. Are you having issues with me? Don’t deny it! I can tell when you’re lying. You ignored me and even opposed me at every turn. I wanted to watch a reality show, but you insisted on the news. I wanted a drama, but you chose a military documentary. You must have issues with me! Just say it!”

Hannah glanced at Oscar, then at the television. “But it’s playing an animal documentary now, isn’t it?”

Unable to agree, they settled on a program they both disliked. Hannah was speechless at their childish behavior.

“Oscar, just tell me. What’s your problem with me? For Hannah’s sake, I won’t be mad.” Susan adopted a generous tone.

Oscar looked at her. “Because you’re stupid.”

Susan was momentarily stunned, then comprehension dawned. Burning with anger, she leaped from the couch, ready to fight. “Stupid? How dare you? You asshole!”

Hannah rushed to restrain her.

“Hannah, whose side are you on? You’re stopping me for him?” Susan stared, incredulous.

Hannah held her back, longing to knock Susan unconscious. She only stopped because Oscar still had gunshot wounds; Susan, in her rage, might worsen them.

“Hey, come on, he’s been stupid too. Be a little more generous.”

Susan paused. Oscar, meanwhile, looked displeased.

Susan suddenly laughed. “You’re right. An asshole like him deserves to be called stupid.”

Oscar’s scowl deepened.

Fortunately, Max arrived, announcing lunch. The tension eased. Hannah took Susan to eat. Oscar followed. Hannah turned to him.

Oscar rarely commented on others unless offended; Susan hadn't likely offended him. However, she had offended Manuel. Hannah wondered about a connection between Oscar and Manuel.

During lunch, Susan continued to provoke him. At Hannah’s subtle urging, Oscar didn’t retaliate. Though displeased, Susan admitted Hannah’s strict discipline over him. Everyone had a master, and Oscar was no exception.

Susan suspected Hannah had lived a stifled life during her marriage to Charles, but with Oscar, she was finally herself.

After lunch, Susan received a call from her father. She hesitated, but Hannah insisted she answer.

Reluctantly, Susan answered. “What?”

“Come home. I need to discuss you and Manuel,” Edward said gravely.

“There’s nothing to discuss. I’d rather die than marry him. I’m no longer a Phillips!”

“Susan,” Edward’s voice was sharp with anger.

Hannah took the phone. “Hey Edward, this is Hannah. Susan’s with me. I’ll drive her home later.”

Edward sighed. “Okay, thank you, Hannah.”

“No problem. She’ll be back in thirty minutes.” Hannah smiled.

“Okay.”

After hanging up, Hannah said, “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”

“I’m not going back!”

“It needs resolving. You can’t run away. Just go home and see what your father’s planning.”

“No.” Susan remained defiant.

“Susan!” Hannah’s tone was petulant.

Susan usually yielded to Hannah’s anger. She still looked aggrieved. “Hannah, I don’t want to marry Manuel.”

“I know. But we need to hear his opinion. He’s still your father. He loves you.”

“No, he only loves Justine.”

“If he loved Justine more, he would have had another child with her. He didn’t because he didn’t want to hurt you. Have you considered that?” Hannah asked.

Susan, pouting, was speechless.

“Believe me, your dad won’t hurt you. Come on, let’s go.”

Reluctantly, Susan complied. Oscar sighed, left alone again. Jimmy drove them to Phillips Manor.

Edward and Justine awaited them, looking weary. They likely hadn’t slept.

Susan remained sullen. Hannah greeted them. “Hi, Edward, Justine.”

“Please sit,” Edward said.

Hannah smiled, seating Susan.

Edward continued, “Justine and I consulted a doctor about Manuel’s leg. He told us his right leg is unlikely to recover. He’s disabled.”

“I’ll pay the price for him! Cut off my right leg!” Susan cried.

“Calm down!” Edward snapped.

“Isn’t that what you want?” Susan retorted sarcastically.

“I mean…what offer would make you marry Manuel?” Justine asked plainly.

“Never!”

“What if I divorced your father?” Justine asked.

Susan was stunned. Hannah felt sympathy. Edward and Justine had a loving marriage for decades, yet Justine was willing to sacrifice it for her son.

“Will you marry Manuel if I divorce your father? Is that enough?” Justine asked earnestly, looking at Susan.