Chapter 409: Henry's Identity

"Do you know why I suddenly forced Susan to marry me?" Manuel asked abruptly. "I didn't want to be the villain who destroyed their relationship."

Hannah, though confused, listened intently. She knew Manuel wouldn't intentionally ruin others' relationships, no matter how deeply he felt for Susan.

"When Susan and Henry were about to wed," Manuel continued, "a girl approached me at the gates of Phillips Manor. I don't know how long she'd been waiting. She stopped me, knowing my name, and said she had something to tell me. She claimed to be Henry's younger sister, though not by blood; both were adopted."

"Henry doesn't have a father?" Hannah asked.

"That's what I asked," Manuel replied. "She said his father was Barry Anderson."

"That name sounds familiar," Hannah murmured.

"The Anderson family," Manuel explained, "weren't one of the four major powers, but they were prominent. Their company created the SkyRainbow television brand, which, with an 80% market share, once dominated Northfield's television industry. It was practically a household name."

Hannah's memory clicked. "I remember! My family owned their TVs."

"Yes," Manuel said, "it was incredibly popular. But with societal advancements—network TVs, LCDs, RPTVs—SkyRainbow stagnated. They clung to their old technology, believing it low-maintenance. Soon, they were driven out of the market, failing to recognize the public's desire for innovation. The company teetered on bankruptcy."

"And then?" Hannah prompted.

"Barry inherited the business from his father," Manuel explained. "Still young, he pursued new technologies, revitalizing the company. However, facing imminent bankruptcy, they lacked operating capital. Barry sought a loan from Phillips Bank, leveraging his past friendship with Edward."

"Phillips Bank refused?" Hannah guessed.

"Worse," Manuel said. "Edward readily agreed, preventing Barry from seeking alternative financing. Confident in the loan, Barry continued development. But Edward reneged, diverting the funds elsewhere. Barry was left destitute and deeply in debt."

Hannah fell silent, sensing the complexity unfolding.

"Desperate, Barry's father tried to sell their new technology to alleviate their debt," Manuel continued. "But Barry, fiercely protective of his creation and confident in its potential, forbade it. His father, losing hope and faith in his son, sold it anyway. Enraged, Barry committed suicide."

Hannah stared, wide-eyed.

"You mentioned Edward also jumped from a building," Manuel said. "I suspect Henry forced him, similarly."

Hannah nodded.

"But that's not the end," Manuel continued. "Do you know who ultimately bought that technology?"

"Who?" Hannah asked.

"Felix Grant, the home appliance tycoon, owner of Good Luck House Appliance," Manuel revealed. "My investigation revealed Edward held 30% of Good Luck House Appliance's shares. Therefore…"

"Edward tricked Barry," Hannah concluded.

"My theory is Felix, wanting Barry's technology, manipulated Edward to break his promise and deny SkyRainbow the loan, forcing the sale. In return, he gave Edward shares."

Hannah was speechless. The ruthlessness of business shocked her; Edward's betrayal, especially.

"After Barry's death," Manuel continued, "the Anderson family was shattered. Barry's wife left their ten-year-old son; his parents succumbed to grief. Henry, originally Henry Anderson, became an orphan, later adopted and his name changed to Parker. He refused to call his foster parents 'mom' and 'dad', leading to his return to the orphanage, where he remained with his non-blood sister. Then he met Susan." Manuel paused, looking at Hannah. "You know the rest."

Hannah nodded. "Henry sought revenge."

"At ten, Henry understood his father's loss and his enemies," Manuel said. "Whether he knows about Edward's collusion with Good Luck House or not, he'll forever resent Edward for breaking his word."

"Henry's a victim," Hannah whispered.

"Yes," Manuel agreed. "That's why I didn't tell Susan the truth, even knowing Henry's intentions. Knowing the truth, she'd prioritize justice over family. But she deeply loves her father. If she helped Henry destroy Phillips Bank, it would devastate her. And if Edward were driven to suicide, as in your previous life, she'd face the same tragic outcome."