Susan hung up the phone and returned it to Manuel. She wondered when Hannah and Manuel had become close. She recalled Hannah's earlier dislike of Manuel, a contradiction she couldn't reconcile and chose to ignore. Hannah had changed so much, and not just in her relationship with Manuel. She lay down to sleep, though sleepiness wasn't the reason. Early pregnancy nausea made her sick, and sleep offered the only comfort; she slept more than ever.

"Susan," Manuel called out.

Susan remained silent.

"I'm not what you think. I have a company…"

"I want to sleep," Susan interrupted, silencing Manuel. He wondered how long it would take Susan to overcome her prejudices. He lay down beside her, moving closer and cuddling her.

Susan wanted to push him away; his closeness was unwelcome. Yet, she accepted his presence each time he visited. His warm hands on her belly, especially, eased her discomfort.

Hannah returned to work the next day. Her arrival surprised everyone, despite the knowledge of her return. Company rumors had circulated about her depression following the project loss, making her quick recovery unexpected.

Hannah ignored the speculation and walked directly into her office. Rose followed quickly. "Ms. Hannah."

"Black coffee… black tea today," Hannah corrected.

"Okay," Rose nodded, now reassured of Hannah's normalcy. "Anything to say?" Hannah asked, noting Rose's lingering presence.

"There's a board meeting at 10 o'clock. Mr. Chairman requested your attendance if you returned; otherwise, no call was necessary," Rose explained.

"Remind me later."

"Yes." Rose hesitated. "Ms. Hannah, are you okay?"

Hannah looked puzzled.

"The project…" Rose prompted.

Hannah chuckled. "I couldn't feel better."

Rose remained confused by Hannah's attitude.

"You can go now," Hannah dismissed her. Rose, hesitant to inquire further, left.

Hannah turned to her computer, ready to work, when the phone rang. "Hi, Manuel."

"I've emailed you what you asked for."

"So soon?" she exclaimed, surprised.

"Sawyer Group's firewall is not secure," Manuel replied casually.

For a genius like you! Hannah thought.

"Thanks," she said.

"No problem."

"Manuel," Hannah said before he could hang up, "I think you should show Susan your true self." She remembered Susan's disdain the previous night.

"I tried, but she wouldn't listen," Manuel said, unconcerned. "She probably wouldn't believe me."

"So you let her misunderstand?"

"It's not bad," Manuel explained. "If I told her I'm the one supporting her, not her father, she might leave. It's fine. Her attitude has changed, and I don't want to rush things."

"I don't know what Susan did in a past life to deserve a husband like you."

Manuel blushed. After a pause, he said, "Actually, yours isn't bad either."

"What?"

"Nothing." Manuel laughed. "I'll take Susan for a checkup at the hospital. Talk soon."

"Okay, bye."

Hanging up, Hannah realized Manuel had completed her work early to spend the day with Susan. The thought filled her with joy. But Manuel's words reminded her of Oscar, altering her expression. Unexpectedly, she couldn't sleep in her comfortable bed; she missed Oscar's hard bed in River Town.

Hannah pushed aside these thoughts. She turned to her computer, logged into her email, downloaded Manuel's file, and meticulously reviewed Sawyer Group's financial records.

She noticed a fund allocation to South Bay New Town, indicating project commencement. Charles must have acted swiftly, fearing project changes.

At ten o'clock, Hannah arrived promptly at the board meeting. Her presence, as expected, drew attention. Whispers, loud enough to hear, filled the room.

"I thought she wouldn't return. A setback knocks her down. She doesn't deserve to be a temporary leader," a director sneered.

"Ability? Intelligence? Pure luck. Lose the luck, and that's what she is."

"She should thank her father, or how could she get that position?"

The boardroom buzzed, but Hannah remained composed. Wayne observed her calmness, impressed.

"Silence!" Miguel couldn't tolerate the gossip. The room fell silent.

"Today's meeting reviews recent income and expenses. The finance department will present a report."

The finance head began, and everyone listened attentively. The hour-long report, overall positive, satisfied most until a voice interjected, "It's internal analysis. Yes, we did well, but what's our market advantage? That's the true measure of a company's health!"