Chapter 429: Look After Him

"Why are you so sure Susan will listen to you?" Oscar asked, his expression impassive, unlike Hannah's.

"I know Susan," Hannah said firmly. "She's kind, though sharp-tongued. She helps those in need and, most importantly, she keeps her promises to me."

After hearing this, Oscar made a call, noticing the chauffeur as Hannah had requested. He then asked, "Why are you trying to bring them together?"

"Because I believe they're a perfect match."

"You're risking Manuel."

"Don't be biased against Susan. Actually…"

"Actually what? She crippled Manuel and even killed his baby! Give me a reason to believe she deserves to be his wife," Oscar said scornfully.

Hannah remained silent. Indeed, Susan hadn't done anything good for Manuel; she hadn't felt anything for him. Their vastly different backgrounds had created a significant rift. Susan had no reason to be kind to him.

Yet, despite her kindness, Susan was fully aware of Manuel's efforts on her behalf. She cherished this, though she never spoke of it. But would Manuel's efforts be repaid with Susan's love?

Hannah still considered the unsent text—Susan's confession from a past life—genuine proof of her love for Manuel. Therefore, Hannah believed Susan would strive to make amends for past hurts.

"But Manuel loves her," Hannah said, offering her only explanation.

It was a compelling argument.

"Since he loves her, he needs to win her love. I'm trying to help him achieve that. Isn't that reasonable?" Hannah asked seriously.

"Sophistry."

"It's not sophistry; it's a fact. Manuel loves Susan. Even years abroad haven't erased her from his mind. He won't forget her. So why shouldn't I try to bring them together? It's the best solution for him. Am I wrong?" Hannah insisted.

Seeing her determination, Oscar felt his resolve waver. Instead of arguing, he kissed her.

"Um…" Hannah gasped, eyes wide.

A kiss? What a stubborn, perfunctory answer! She struggled, but his hold only tightened, until her resistance faded.

Jimmy had grown accustomed to this. Once, he would have blushed, but now it seemed commonplace. He continued driving as they kissed.

When Manuel returned home, he was dizzy and could barely walk with his crutch. He should have used his wheelchair; he knew Theodore would be drunk.

As he stumbled, a man said, "Mr. Johnson, hold on. Let me help you."

"Thank you," Manuel replied, knowing he desperately needed assistance.

Minutes later, a car pulled up. Susan stepped out. "Ms. Susan?" the chauffeur asked.

"Yes. Where's Manuel?"

"In the car. Too drunk to walk," the chauffeur said.

Susan, speechless, knew Manuel was a terrible drinker.

"I'm here to pick him up."

"You'll need help. Let me assist," the chauffeur offered.

"Okay."

They walked to the car. Manuel was drowsy, almost asleep.

"Let me carry him. You lead the way," the chauffeur suggested.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." The chauffeur hoisted Manuel onto his back.

Susan constantly checked Manuel for signs of vomiting. Luckily, he seemed soundly asleep. She guided the chauffeur to his room, where he placed Manuel on the bed. Susan generously tipped the chauffeur for his tiring work—Manuel, though thin, was heavy; she remembered the effort it took to restrain him in the past.

She studied his flushed face. Seeing he was asleep, she turned to leave. Now that they were separated, she had no desire to spend even a night with him.

The memory of his cold expression that day angered her. Yet, after considering, she knocked on Tia's door. It opened; the room was empty.

She searched the other rooms. Tia wasn't home.

Had he dismissed her? Despite his recovering leg, he remained crippled and needed care. Had he dismissed the servant? What was wrong with him? Did he want to struggle alone?

Despite her conflicting emotions, Susan decided to leave. Then she heard a loud thud from his room. She rushed in, panicked, to find Manuel had fallen off the bed.

"Manuel, are you okay?" Susan knelt beside him.

He didn't seem to recognize her, murmuring, "I wanna puke…"

He’d tried to reach the bathroom but had fallen.

"Wait here. I'll get a trash bin." Susan quickly returned with one and helped him sit up.

Manuel vomited profusely for several minutes. Susan was shocked by how much he’d drunk.

Afterwards, she helped him back to bed, emptied the trash bin, and brought him water. As she was leaving, she saw him trying to remove his clothes.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to help him one last time.