Chapter 448: The Wealth of Your Family Will Do, If I Fail to Get You

Susan burst into her father's office without knocking, finding Manuel already there. He turned to see her furious face.

"Why did you let him in?" she demanded, her voice laced with anger. Manuel turned away, ignoring her.

Edward frowned. "I am the chairman," he stated, "and in charge of everything. It's none of your business."

"Do you know how embarrassed I am? How embarrassed Henry is? He was supposed to be assistant general manager, and this man just took it from him! How could he?" Susan exclaimed, her voice loud and unconcerned with anyone's presence. Even Edward felt uncomfortable; her candor before Manuel was excessive.

Edward said sternly, "Don't meddle in company affairs. I'll speak with you later about Manuel. Now, return to your work."

"It's not a secret!" Susan shouted. "It's all for Justine! Since Manuel and I divorced, you and Justine can be together again. This is all for her! You think I don't know that?!"

"That's enough!" Edward snapped, his patience exhausted by her disrespect. "I am the boss here, and your opinions don't matter!"

"After all," Susan raged, knowing she couldn't change anything, "the only one you care about is Justine! You'd give her the entire company if it brought her back."

She stormed out, slamming the door. Watching her go, Edward worriedly murmured, "I don't know what to do. When will she act like an adult and stop being so impulsive?"

"Take it easy," Manuel said. "She'll change."

Manuel smiled. "I should go."

"Ask if you have any problems."

"Certainly," Manuel replied, bowing politely as he departed.

Once settled in his office, a knock sounded. "Come in," Manuel said.

Susan entered. He guessed it was her; on his first day, few others would seek him out.

"Manuel, what do you want?" she demanded. He remained silent, picking up the phone to order black coffee.

After hanging up, he began working.

"Manuel, answer me! What do you want?" Susan's anger intensified by his continued ignoring of her. He hadn't even glanced at her since she left Edward's office.

"You want my family's business, don't you?" she accused.

A slight smile played on Manuel's lips; Susan couldn't decipher its meaning—sarcasm or sadness? He reflected that he was likely always the villain in her eyes.

A knock came, and the secretary entered with the coffee. Seeing Susan, she stammered, "Ms. Phillips."

Despite her relatively low position, Susan held considerable sway; few dared offend the chairman's daughter.

"Get out!" Susan barked, her anger causing her to lash out at the secretary, who quickly retreated.

Once the door closed, Manuel finally looked at Susan and said, word for word, "You are right." She stared, speechless.

How could he admit it? How shameless!

"I'm here for Phillips Bank," he stated. "Are you satisfied?"

She felt like strangling him. "Could you be more shameless?"

"Why not? Since I failed to get you, your family's wealth will do."

"Manuel!" Susan was too furious to articulate her rage.

"Now, if you have nothing further to say, please leave, Ms. Phillips. I have much to learn, and I hope you'll allow me some time on my first day."

Susan stared icily. He seemed a different person—unreasonable, cold-blooded. Her eyes burned, and she felt close to losing control.

"Let me tell you, Manuel," she seethed. "You will never get my family's business. You will never get me. Neither!" She left, slamming the door.

Watching her go, Manuel returned to his work. Susan was right; he wouldn't have her, nor the Phillips family business.

The phone rang. He took a deep breath and answered, "Hi, Hannah."

"Are you at Phillips Bank?"

"Yes, it's my first day."

"Assistant General Manager?"

"Especially focusing on group business."

"Excellent," Hannah replied. She knew he'd join Phillips Bank and they'd collaborate extensively. "The Sawyer Group is heavily invested in international e-commerce and likely spending a significant amount."

"Meaning they want loans from Phillips Bank?"

"Yes. Phillips Bank and Sawyer Group have a close relationship. Most of Sawyer's loans come from Phillips Bank. Check their current loans for me. I want to assess their assets and see if I can 'kill' them this time!"

"Okay," Manuel said. "When do you need it?"

"In three days."

"No problem."

"Thank you."

"It's alright," Manuel said. "I'll help you unconditionally. After all, you are my cousin."