Chapter 288: Entering the Wrong Room

Oscar took the basin to the bathroom, just as Max brought in desserts. Hannah devoured them quickly. As she was preparing for bed, the phone rang.

Oscar emerged from the bathroom. Hearing the ring, his expression changed. "Who's calling at this hour?"

"Manuel," Hannah replied.

Oscar frowned.

"I'll take it on the balcony," Hannah said, heading straight for the door.

Oscar pursed his lips, then decided not to dwell on it.

On the balcony, Hannah answered. "Hi, Manuel."

"Are you asleep?"

"Thanks to Oscar, I'm still awake," Hannah said wearily.

"Did I interrupt you?" Manuel asked hastily.

There was clearly a misunderstanding.

"No, it's not what you think," Hannah explained awkwardly.

"What do I think?" Manuel chuckled. Uncharacteristic of him, he teased her.

"Anyway, it's not what you're thinking," Hannah said, unwilling to elaborate further. She abruptly changed the subject. "Why are you calling at this hour?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Susan."

"Tell me." She felt this was the opportune moment to discuss Susan with Manuel.

"I met Susan's father tonight. He wants Susan to join Phillips Bank, but she refuses. Besides Henry, you're the most likely person to persuade her."

"Why do you want her to work there?" Hannah asked.

"Susan is Edward's only daughter; Phillips Bank will be hers. If she doesn't learn the business now, how can she manage it later?"

"You're not just worried about Susan inheriting the bank; you're worried about Henry taking it for himself, aren't you?" Hannah stated directly.

Manuel was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated her insight.

"Why didn't you tell Susan?" Hannah asked.

She hadn't interfered because she respected Manuel's choices. He was protecting Susan, albeit excessively, shouldering the burden himself.

"What do you know?" Manuel asked.

"Everything you know," Hannah replied.

Manuel was silent. He'd thought he was the only one privy to the situation. Was Hannah's unwavering support due to this knowledge?

"You should consider telling Susan everything. She's not as weak as you think," Hannah suggested.

"If I told you I wanted Susan to fall in love with me first, would you think I was delusional?" Manuel asked abruptly.

Hannah smiled. "No."

"Susan believes Henry treats her best. She hates her father and me. It's hard for her to find someone she likes, so I don't want her to know he's lied to her. If she fell in love with me, she wouldn't feel so hurt," Manuel explained.

Hannah understood his reasoning. But when would Susan understand his sacrifices? In her past life, she only learned of Susan's love for Manuel from her last message after her death.

"Henry's up to something, but I can't act against him now. For Susan, the more miserable Henry is, the less likely she is to leave him. I hope work will give her focus and, eventually, she'll need to run Phillips Bank."

"Have you considered managing it for her?" Hannah asked.

"Not now," Manuel replied. "If I joined Phillips Bank, she'd think I only wanted her family's fortune."

"Manuel, I don't know what to say," Hannah sighed, feeling immense sympathy and a sudden urge to confront Susan. Why couldn't she recognize who truly loved her?

"That's why I called," Manuel said, unconcerned. His kindness toward Susan seemed instinctive, profound and selfless. How deeply did he love her to endure so much without regret?

She'd loved Charles, but it felt transactional. At least, Charles's kindness had been partially genuine. How could Manuel be so selfless?

"I'll try to persuade Susan," she said, "but she might not take it seriously."

"It'd be better than spending her nights at bars," he said.

"Does she still go clubbing often?" Hannah frowned.

"Yes."

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

Hannah hoped Susan would mature. Susan had left the banquet early with Manuel, only to part ways later; it made no difference.

"Not back yet?" Hannah asked, annoyed.

"Not yet... I think she just arrived," Manuel paused. "I heard the door open."

"Okay, I understand. I'll talk to her tomorrow. You should rest."

"Thank you."

"Goodnight."

"Good night."

Manuel hung up. He didn't bother to see Susan; his disability made it difficult. Susan's late nights were commonplace. He switched off the light and lay down.

He was drifting off when the door burst open. Someone jumped onto his bed in the darkness. Susan pounced on him.

Manuel's lips tightened. Besides the surprise, he smelled alcohol. Susan must have been drunk; otherwise, she wouldn't have entered his room.