Chapter 283: An Agreement to Connive

Susan greeted Miguel and Michelle, then ushered Manuel into the banquet hall. She paused at the refreshments, asking, "Is there anything you'd like to eat?" while selecting items for herself. She wasn't being kind; she merely wanted to avoid accusations of mistreatment, given Manuel's wheelchair and his difficulty serving himself.

"Something with cream," Manuel replied.

"Chocolate?" she offered.

"No, I dislike chocolate; it's too bitter," he explained.

Susan questioned her own palate. "Chocolate tastes bitter?"

Manuel nodded. She didn't argue, simply asking, "More cream or less?"

"More, please."

"You like cream?"

"I have a sweet tooth," Manuel admitted. He'd be a suitable bottom, she mused.

Susan selected a cream-laden cake and gave it to him.

"Thank you."

"Don't overthink it," Susan said bluntly. "I just want to avoid accusations of abusing an invalid."

Manuel understood. He simply found the term "invalid" difficult to accept.

He sat, elegantly consuming the cake. Susan thought him gentle, innocent, and elegant—too refined for this world.

A male voice interrupted, "Susan."

Susan and Manuel both turned. Manuel's gaze drifted back to his cake.

"Henry," Susan replied, her voice betraying excitement and a whirlwind of emotions.

Manuel left, placing his cake on the table. Sometimes, he preferred not to see, preferring to deceive himself into believing his life wasn't so bad.

"How have you been?" Susan asked Henry, feeling suddenly nervous and overwhelmed. Their estrangement felt profound, considering their impending marriage. The thought intensified her unease.

"Not bad. And you?" Henry asked gently.

"Not well," she answered directly.

Henry hesitated, unsure what to say.

"If I said I'm unhappy, would you take me away?" she challenged.

His silence spoke volumes. His decision to relinquish her to Manuel hadn't been impulsive; he'd intended it.

Susan smiled sarcastically. "If not, don't ask how I am. It'll only mislead me into thinking you want to reconcile."

She walked away, her eyes slightly red, but stronger than anticipated. She'd expected tears at the sight of Henry, yet none fell.

Henry watched her go, seemingly carefree, having let go of the past. Then, a serious look hardened his features. He'd invested years in Susan and wouldn't let his efforts be in vain. He suppressed his emotions and turned to leave.

"Henry," a woman called from behind.

He frowned, recognizing Martina. She stood at a comfortable distance, asking, "Can you accept it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Henry replied cautiously, his alertness evident.

"You were to marry Susan. Phillips Bank would have been yours. Now, it's gone. Can you accept that?"

"That's my business," Henry rejected her firmly.

"It is my business," Martina retorted. "If you hadn't been dumped, I might have married Manuel! Your failure caused our separation."

Henry's face darkened; her mockery was clear. Her condescending attitude was familiar.

"It's done. Blaming won't change it. Cooperation is better for us 'victims.' Agree?" Martina proposed.

"Cooperation?" Henry showed interest despite his cold demeanor.

"We can break up Susan and Manuel."

"Never crossed my mind," Henry refused outright.

Martina's face fell. Her brother had been right; she'd underestimated Henry. His rise from nothing proved his cunning. His immediate refusal stemmed from caution.

"Cooperation benefits you," Martina persisted. "I'm from one of the four powerful families. You'll need my business connections. My brother's courting an aristocratic family; I can introduce you. With his influence, controlling Phillips Bank becomes possible. And, we'd be with those we love!"

Despite her compelling argument, Henry remained wary, neither agreeing nor refusing.

"Don't worry, I won't use you," Martina said, maintaining her condescending tone. "With your status, it's beneath me. I'm here because of mutual benefit, otherwise, I wouldn't bother."

Her words stung his pride, yet simultaneously lowered his guard. She was right; there was no benefit for her without mutual gain. He'd lost Susan and lacked the means to regain Phillips Bank alone. Support was crucial.

Charles, despite his recent tarnished reputation, still held considerable power. And if Charles gained status within an aristocratic family, collaborating with Martina offered significant advantages.

"But," Henry remained cautious, "you love Manuel deeply. How can I trust you won't help him get Phillips Bank?"