Chapter 407: Hannah Tells Him Her Secret

"Hannah, don't go. I'm frightened," Susan whispered, clinging to Hannah's clothes.

"I won't go. I'll stay here with you. Just sleep," Hannah soothed gently.

"Thank you."

Susan slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep. Hannah remained by her side. Susan's exhaustion likely contributed to her quick slumber. Soon, Hannah heard her breathing evenly. After a gentle check, finding Susan unresponsive, Hannah rose and left the ward.

Jimmy followed. Hannah didn't leave the hospital immediately. She went to the information desk, inquired about Henry's ward, and then found his doctor.

"Hello, I'm a friend of Henry's. May I ask about his injuries?" Hannah stated directly.

The doctor consulted Henry's file. "He was in a car accident. Mostly bumps and bruises. The most serious injury is a deep laceration to his right leg, requiring eight stitches. He also received four stitches on his chest and sustained a minor fracture of his left wrist. Other injuries are superficial."

"I see. Thank you, Doctor," Hannah said gratefully.

The doctor nodded curtly; it was late, and he needed rest. Hannah and Jimmy left.

Henry had been in a real accident. If coincidental, she wouldn't dwell on it. But if not...Henry was suspect. He was ruthless in pursuing his goals. It seemed impossible Charles would injure himself, but Henry's actions were beyond her expectations.

Hannah entered the car and called Manuel. After a prolonged unsuccessful attempt, she instructed Jimmy to drive to Manuel's apartment. She needed to speak with him in person. His ultimate decision would be respected.

In the hospital, Henry lay in bed, discomforting injuries hindering his rest. He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought, when Martina entered.

His face hardened. "Why are you here?"

"Henry, guilty conscience?" Martina taunted.

"Shut up."

"Who are you to tell me to shut up? Know your place, Henry. You're a dog relying on my family!" Martina spat.

Henry glared coldly.

"You can't intimidate me," Martina said indifferently. "I don't take you seriously."

"Why are you here?" Henry gritted his teeth.

"To congratulate you! You finally made Susan lose her child. No more facing the fact your beloved is pregnant with another man's!" Martina sneered.

Henry's voice was cold. "This was all planned by you, wasn't it?"

"Yes, but I didn't expect it to be so realistic. You even got in a car accident! I thought it would be a minor charade," Martina approached, her tone changing slightly. "Are you badly hurt?"

"Do you think we could fool them without making it convincing? Susan miscarried because of me. Do you think no one will investigate?"

"So what? Who can find out anything? With my brother's influence, nothing can be traced. No one will uncover the truth, even if they try," Martina boasted. "Even the surgeon has been bribed."

"You underestimate Hannah," Henry countered. "Susan might not discover it, but Hannah might. Don't forget, your brother has been nearly cornered by her recently!"

"Enough!"

Martina despised two women above all: Susan, for stealing her man, and Hannah, for her brilliance. Hearing Henry praise Hannah's abilities ignited her fury.

"Sooner or later, we'll make Hannah suffer. You focus on your job!" Martina hissed. "My brother has a message: secure the Phillips Bank. If you need his help, let him know."

"I understand."

"Henry, someone of your humble origins is incredibly lucky to work for my brother. Cherish this opportunity," Martina patronized.

"I don't need your warnings."

Martina sneered, her contempt unconcealed. If Henry became useless, she would dispose of him. She left.

Henry's pallor deepened, partly from Martina's scorn, partly from guilt over Susan's miscarriage. He'd always believed he wouldn't fall for Susan. Then, a thought struck him: loving Susan didn't conflict with acquiring the Phillips Bank.

Hannah arrived at Manuel's apartment and rang the doorbell.

Manuel opened the door, his initial displeasure evident. "Mom, I told you not to come...Hannah?"

"Yes," Hannah smiled. "Did Justine come by?"

Manuel nodded. "She called, but I refused. I assumed it was her. Instead, it's you."

"May I come in?"

"Yes."

Hannah told Jimmy to wait. She entered the apartment, immediately noticing the scent of disinfectant. A medical kit on the coffee table and bloody, swollen wounds on Manuel's hands caught her eye.

Manuel instinctively hid his hands. Hannah didn't call attention to it; he kept such pain private.

"Have a seat," he offered.

Hannah sat.

"Manuel, I know about Susan's miscarriage."

"Oh," Manuel responded simply from his wheelchair.

"I know it'll create a rift between you and Susan. I don't believe she acted correctly either; she should accept full responsibility. I'm not here to reconcile."

"Get to the point," Manuel said, a slight smile playing on his lips. He was always direct.

Hannah inhaled deeply. "Manuel, I've been reborn. Can you believe it?"

Manuel stared, clearly disbelieving.