Chapter 290: Her Tactics

Manuel, in his wheelchair, emerged from his room to Susan’s desperate screams. Justine frowned, asking, "What's wrong with her?"

Manuel avoided mentioning Susan's distress over their shared bed the previous night, replying, "Why are you here?"

"I returned last night and came early to see if Susan had bullied you," Justine said frankly, smiling. "I didn't expect your relationship to progress so quickly."

"Susan was drunk last night; nothing happened as you think," Manuel explained, wanting to avoid his mother's misunderstanding.

"She slept in your bed drunk—she's not exactly defensive," Justine observed. "I knew Susan would love you someday."

Manuel offered a bitter smile. "If she doesn't like me, she must be mad," he added, a touch helplessly. "You know I'm disabled."

"Even disabled, you're still better than average," Justine declared confidently. Mothers, after all, often believe their children are the best. Manuel didn't argue. They conversed for a while.

Susan emerged, freshly made-up and dressed, a stark contrast to the woman who'd moments before been banging her head against the wall. She’d seemingly reverted to her arrogant, though harmless, persona.

Tia, seeing Susan, hurried forward. "Ms. Phillips, I'm sorry to disturb you this morning. Madam arrived, and I wanted to wake Mr. Johnson. Had I known you were sleeping together, I wouldn't have entered without knocking..."

Susan fought to forget the incident. Was this about shifting embarrassment? Had Tia deliberately mentioned it to upset her?

"Shut up!" Susan snapped at Tia.

Tia, intimidated by Susan's temper, fell silent; her explanation had been an attempt at damage control.

Ignoring them, Susan stormed toward the door, eager to leave.

"Susan," Justine called, "where are you going?"

"It's none of your business!" Susan retorted.

"Susan!"

Manuel restrained his mother. Justine felt a pang of disappointment in her son, watching Susan’s angry exit. Susan seemed even angrier.

Indeed, Susan was furious. How dare Justine speak to her like that? Driving away aimlessly, she had no destination. Nightclubs weren't yet open; the drive was tedious.

Her phone rang.

"Hi, Hannah."

"You're up early," Hannah remarked.

"It's all because of Manuel," Susan replied.

"What happened?" Hannah asked curiously.

"Nothing. Why are you calling?" Susan dismissed the subject, wanting to believe it would quickly fade.

"You should start working," Hannah stated directly.

"What?" Susan protested.

"Will you play around forever?" Hannah challenged.

"I don't want to work. I hate waking early and spending days in a boring office."

"So, your dad supports you indefinitely?" Hannah's eyebrow arched.

Susan pursed her lips, aware this wasn't sustainable.

"As discussed, if you were with Henry, and he helped your dad manage Phillips Bank, you could rely on him. But now, married to Manuel—who won't be working at Phillips Bank for a while—the bank will depend on you."

"There's still a possibility with Henry," Susan admitted.

"What possibility?" Hannah's tone sharpened. She knew Susan hadn't given up on Henry, but hearing it still bothered her.

"I'll divorce Manuel someday."

"Susan!" Hannah warned, "The more you hurt Manuel, the more you'll regret it. Be kind to him."

"I'd be happy with Henry, if not for Manuel."

"Hell, you would be!" Hannah exclaimed, surprising Susan with her outburst.

Hannah took a breath, regaining composure. "I'd have told you everything if not for Manuel."

"What do you mean?"

"Start working at Phillips Bank now, stop playing around. I don't want to see you cry when your family's property is taken!"

Hannah hung up, knowing persuasion was futile while Susan clung to Henry. Hannah considered drastic measures; Susan needed a harsh lesson. She called Edward.

"Hi, Hannah," he answered gently. Edward genuinely cared for Hannah, always puzzled by the chasm between her and Susan.

"Edward, I need to get Susan working at Phillips Bank."

"I'm trying, but she's resistant," Edward replied.

"Persuasion's useless; we need to force it."

"That's useless too. She won't be threatened by me."

"You're not using the right method," Hannah countered.

"What do you suggest?" Edward asked urgently.

"Block all her cards, so she has no money. Tell her she gets a salary if she works, nothing if she doesn't," Hannah said bluntly.

"Will that..." Edward hesitated, "...worsen our relationship?"

"Have we ever had a good one?" Hannah asked.

Edward felt a pang of guilt, but Hannah had a point.