Chapter 415: Oscar Comes Back

Susan stormed out, not lingering a second. Manuel, unseen by her, reopened the door, watched her leave, and then closed it again. Tia witnessed the scene but remained silent, unable to intervene. Manuel’s love for Susan was evident, yet his failure to communicate puzzled her. Susan's decisive departure was unexpected; her usually gentle nature seemed to have vanished. Tia, however, kept her silence, focusing on her duties.

Manuel retreated to his room and sat on the balcony, smoking incessantly, cigarette butts littering the floor. He remained lost in thought until the phone rang.

"Dad," he answered.

"Susan's here. Don't worry."

"Okay. Good."

"Manuel, you and Susan…"

"It's settled. I respect her decision."

"It wasn't easy for you to be together. Why? Manuel, don't give up. Maybe Susan will fall in love with you again. She's not as harsh as she seems. You know, she was crying when I picked her up. You must have had a fight, right?" Edward asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Um," Manuel mumbled, unwilling to elaborate. He believed Susan's tears stemmed not from the end of their marriage, but from a sense of injustice.

"Manuel, I've known you since you were a boy. I see how much you love and care for Susan. It was difficult for you both to marry, and it's a shame you're separating. I'll talk with Susan. Don't worry too much, okay?" Edward said sincerely.

"Dad, just respect Susan's decision. Further discussion won't help. It's too hard for us to be together."

"Manuel…"

"Right, Dad. I have something to discuss with you." Manuel abruptly changed the subject.

Edward sighed, realizing he couldn't persuade him at that moment. Still, he couldn't accept their separation after all the effort it took for them to be together.

"What is it?" Edward asked.

"Are you free tomorrow morning? I'd like to talk face-to-face."

"I think so. I'll see you at your apartment tomorrow."

"Okay. Sorry for the trouble."

"Nonsense. I consider you my son, regardless of what happens between you and Susan."

"I see," Manuel replied.

He sometimes found the excessive attention from his elders burdensome, a feeling he acknowledged as a weakness.

Manuel hung up and dialed another number. "Oscar."

"I heard about the baby." Oscar stated directly.

"Um."

"So sorry for your loss."

"It's over," Manuel said, his tone even. "I'm calling to say I'm open to any job offer."

"Oh?" Oscar questioned, a slight frown in his voice. "But you said you didn't want to get involved."

"I was too selfish."

"Admit it. Susan broke your heart, right?" Oscar chuckled, cutting to the chase.

Manuel smiled wryly. "You got me. Keep it to yourself, and we're still good cousins."

"Theodore and I can handle things. Don't worry. I'll call if I need help."

"Okay."

"How's Justine? Is she doing okay after losing her grandchild?"

"My mother's incredibly resilient."

"Then you should learn from her."

Manuel nodded. "You're right."

"I'll drink with you tonight if you're feeling down."

"Aren't you in River Town?"

"Just landed."

Manuel was surprised.

"I can't stay in River Town forever, right? I should visit my family occasionally," Oscar joked.

"I'm fine. You should spend more time with Hannah. My mother keeps asking when you'll give her grandchildren. Work harder on it!" Manuel teased.

"Tell Justine the babies are on their way."

Manuel laughed. "Okay. We'll be waiting for your good news."

"Okay," Oscar replied, his good mood evident.

"Okay. You should head home. Let me know when you arrive."

"Okay. See you around."

"Bye for now."

Oscar hung up. His return wasn't solely a family visit; he was concerned about Manuel.

Theodore's call regarding the loss of the baby had worried him. He'd planned to come to Kensbury City to offer support, but Manuel proved stronger than he anticipated.

Both Theodore and Oscar believed Susan wasn't right for Manuel. They saw Manuel moving on from Susan as a positive development.

The phone rang.

Oscar answered. "Theodore."

"Are you here?"

"Just landed, on the highway now."

"Coming straight over? I have the wine ready."

"Nope. Just called Manuel. He's fine. I won't be coming."

"So you stood me up again!" Theodore complained.

"Rain check."

"Seeing Hannah now?"

"Yeah!" Oscar admitted.

Theodore, exasperated, hung up abruptly. He'd prepared a lavish party, including attractive women for Manuel, only to find his efforts wasted.

He sat in his private club room, fuming. The women and staff remained motionless, afraid to approach him.

A knock came at the door. Theodore glared, startling his bodyguard.

"What?" he asked coldly.

The guard stammered, "A woman named Little Bunny wants to speak with you."

"Who the hell is Little Bunny?"

"She said she knows you."

"Knowing me doesn't mean I know her. I've had many encounters. Must I remember every one?" Theodore snapped.

"She said she's pregnant with your child."

"What!" Theodore leapt from the sofa. He'd always been cautious; he'd never gotten anyone pregnant. How could this be?

"She seemed sincere, sir…" the guard said meekly.

Theodore frowned, wondering who dared to deceive him.

"Let her in."

He had nothing better to do, so he decided to see what she wanted.

The guard left and returned moments later with a woman who looked vaguely familiar to Theodore.