Chapter 273 Susan Likes Manuel

In the car, Hannah glared at Oscar. He wore a calm, even complacent expression. Thinking about his actions, he felt rather proud of revealing Susan's true feelings to Manuel.

“Susan likes Manuel,” Hannah declared, needing Oscar’s agreement. It was just a feeling, but since Oscar was close to Manuel, he might influence him. She couldn't allow him to become an obstacle between Susan and Manuel.

“Which eye of yours saw that?” Oscar scoffed, disbelieving. If Hannah hadn't known how Susan died in her previous life, she wouldn't have believed it either. Before Susan died, her last unsent draft message read: "I'm sorry, Manuel, I love you." She wondered why Susan hadn't sent it, respecting her choice to remain silent. She believed those alive should live well; perhaps that was Susan's final wish—that Manuel forget her and live a happy life.

“Susan isn’t good enough for Manuel,” Oscar explained his attempts to separate them, receiving no response from Hannah.

“Susan will change.”

“No one’s obliged to wait for her to become better.”

Hannah was speechless. She admitted to favoring Susan, knowing what had happened in her past life and fearing a repeat of past mistakes. But she couldn't fully disclose everything; Susan might not accept it.

“All right,” Oscar hugged her. “You have so much to handle, why focus on this? I'd rather you think about falling in love with me.” He seemed unwilling to argue about others’ affairs.

“Who wants to fall in love with you?” Hannah retorted, slightly angry.

“Women are duplicitous.”

“Don’t be so confident. Hey, don’t kiss me!” Hannah covered her mouth. Oscar's intentions were instantly clear.

He smiled. “Don’t you want to praise me?”

“No, you lied,” Hannah distanced herself.

“Huh?” Oscar raised an eyebrow.

“You said you never won a college debate. Your performance today proves otherwise!”

“I quit before the competition started!”

“They were too weak, unworthy of my participation,” he declared. “The only person worthy of my effort is you.” His voice softened, becoming magnetic.

Hannah’s heart fluttered. He was flirting again. She felt she would one day be completely captivated by him.

Jimmy drove, glancing briefly in the rearview mirror before quickly looking away. Since marrying Oscar, he seemed reborn, Jimmy thought.

Eventually, Susan went home, feeling sleepy from rising early. She decided to nap. The living room was empty. Manuel rarely used the common areas, preferring his room. She wondered who was avoiding whom, but was glad to avoid seeing him.

Passing Manuel's room, she peeked inside. She saw Tia, a young maid Justine had recommended, a twenty-year-old who wasn't beautiful but wasn't unattractive, with an innocent, slightly plump figure. Tia was massaging Manuel's calf with essential oil, her body nearly pressed against his leg. Susan stared, though she knew it was likely just physical therapy. It was difficult not to overthink the scene.

Her sudden appearance startled Manuel, who saw her before she turned and fled. He watched her go, having just received a call from Oscar, who'd relayed Susan and Hannah's conversation. He knew she disliked him, yet her indignant pronouncements still stirred something within him.

“Sir, thigh massage?” Tia asked.

“No, thank you. Please clean up the oil,” Manuel replied.

“Sure,” Tia quickly complied, cleaning the oil. She then helped him into his wheelchair. “Sir, a walk?”

“No, thank you. You may go.”

“Understood.”

Tia left. Manuel accessed his laptop on the balcony and resumed working. During lunch, Tia announced that lunch was ready. He allowed her to wheel him to the dining table. Just as Tia seated him, Susan appeared. Both Manuel and Tia looked at her.

Susan frowned. “Why are you staring?” She’d woken up hungry, drawn by the aroma of food.

Manuel looked away. Tia quickly averted her gaze, asking respectfully, “Mrs. Johnson, lunch together?”

“Who’s Mrs. Johnson? Call me Ms. Phillips,” Susan snapped.

Tia glanced at Manuel. Seeing his slight nod, she repeated, “Ms. Phillips, lunch together?”

“Do you think I’m here to watch you eat?” Susan’s temper flared. Tia felt unjustly accused; she’d never seen Susan eat with them before.

“Tia, get Ms. Phillips a bowl of rice,” Manuel said gently, his voice noticeably kind toward Tia.

Tia nodded and went to the kitchen. Susan seemed to notice Tia, yet showed no particular concern. She sat as far from Manuel as possible. He quietly moved his food closer to her, as normally only he and Tia ate, leaving few dishes. The table's size made it difficult for Susan to reach the food from her seat.

Tia brought Susan a bowl of rice. Without ceremony, Susan began eating. Manuel ate slowly, mostly from the dishes closest to him.