Chapter 286 Perfect Sense

“That’s good,” Edward said, though he seemed slightly disappointed. He’d expected Justine to be at least a little sad about the divorce. But as long as she was doing well, he was okay with it.

Manuel understood Edward’s feelings. If Edward knew Justine had never loved him, he might find the divorce unacceptable. The divorce, forced by Susan, would impact Edward significantly, but Justine seemed unconcerned.

“Let’s go. I’ll introduce you to some business associates. It might be beneficial if you’d like to join Phillips Bank someday.”

“No, thank you, Dad. I have no such plans yet. I think Susan is better suited to make those decisions. Giving Henry too much power at Phillips Bank isn't wise.”

Edward nodded. “I know, but Susan doesn’t want to manage the company, and I can’t force her.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks,” Edward replied quickly. “If Susan joined the company, that would be ideal. The entire family business will eventually be hers anyway.”

Manuel nodded in agreement.

From a distance, Susan watched Edward and Manuel conversing. She deliberately avoided them, unwilling to be seen. She felt irritated by their camaraderie; they were two of the men she despised most. Their easy rapport wasn't surprising.

She glanced around. Despite her harsh words to Henry, she still harbored expectations of him. He stood alone in a corner, minimally engaging with others. Susan imagined him feeling inadequate in this business setting, and inexplicably, she felt a pang of sympathy.

She was the one who'd sent Henry to Phillips Bank. She'd wanted to prevent Justine and her son from taking over the family's assets. She never anticipated her own separation from Henry.

She worried about his situation at the bank. Would he be ridiculed? The more she considered it, the more uncomfortable she felt, the stronger her desire to reach out to him became.

But she couldn't. As Manuel's wife, reconnecting would only add to the sadness. She turned and walked towards Hannah.

Hannah, on Oscar’s arm, was the undeniable center of attention—a striking couple, noticed from afar.

“Hannah,” Susan called.

Hannah whispered to Oscar, released his arm, and joined Susan. Oscar continued mingling without concern.

“I want to leave,” Susan said abruptly.

“Leaving so early?” Hannah asked.

“Staying isn't enjoyable.”

Hannah, finding the event tedious, suggested, “You could leave with Manuel.”

Susan hesitated, then reluctantly agreed, “All right.”

Hannah smiled. “Be careful getting home.”

“Okay.”

Susan left, found Manuel, and practically propelled him out of the banquet hall.

Hannah watched them go but didn't immediately return to Oscar. Instead, she went to the restroom to touch up her makeup, applying powder lightly.

Mary emerged from a restroom stall, surprised, then greeted Hannah with practiced ease, even a hint of flattery: “Hi, Hannah.”

Hannah glanced at Mary. “How’s Grandma?” she asked.

Mary was taken aback by Hannah’s immediate concern for Lorie.

“She’s not in a good mood,” Mary admitted, omitting Lorie’s outburst at home after her public humiliation.

“Are you still living with them?” Hannah inquired.

“Yes. Esther’s been kind to me, even with Dad in jail.”

Hannah sneered inwardly; Mary’s facade was transparent. Esther’s kindness was merely a performance for others. Without Roger, Mary's life with Esther wouldn't be easy.

“Think carefully about your future,” Hannah advised, without directly exposing Mary’s pretense.

Mary feigned incomprehension.

“Contact me after you’ve thought it over,” Hannah said, smiling subtly. She knew Mary understood perfectly.

Mary knew her life with Lorie, Esther, and Wayne would be difficult after Roger’s imprisonment. Leaving them meant losing everything. She felt this was unfair yet hesitated to act. Currying favor with Hannah risked appearing opportunistic and ruining her carefully cultivated image of innocence. So, she would endure Lorie, Esther, and Wayne’s torment for now.

Hannah understood Mary’s apprehension. Regardless of Mary’s actions, Hannah couldn’t truly trust her, remembering Mary’s cruelty in her past life. Her current kindness was strategic; it served Hannah's purpose while allowing her to exact revenge.

Hannah packed away her makeup and left. Mary would readily fall into the trap, with minimal effort from Hannah.

The banquet ended around midnight. As guests departed, Hannah rubbed her shoulder, appearing tired yet relaxed. Miguel and Michelle also looked weary.

“Oscar, Hannah, you must be exhausted,” Miguel said.

“I’m fine,” Oscar replied promptly.

“Me too,” Hannah said. “But you two are getting old. You should rest.”

Their car waited outside.

“Who says we’re old?” Miguel asked fondly.

Hannah smiled. “Okay, okay, you’re young enough to give me younger siblings.”

Michelle’s face flushed under her daughter’s playful teasing.

Hannah urged them again, worried about their fatigue. Miguel agreed, “You should go home early too, Hannah…don’t stay up late.”

“Okay, okay. You just take care of Mom. I have Oscar.”

Miguel, a little speechless, took Michelle’s hand and entered the car.

Watching them, Hannah felt immense gratitude for her second chance at life, allowing her to witness this precious moment with her parents.