Chapter 467: The Game (10) Cornered
Henry was shocked and panicked. He hadn't expected to be caught so quickly. More importantly, Manuel, whom he'd always underestimated—seeing him as merely a nerd propped up by Edward—had exposed him so swiftly.
"You processed the Sawyer Group's one-billion loan, right?" Manuel asked.
Henry looked terrible. "What are you getting at?" he replied, knowing nothing good could come of this.
"According to Phillips Bank regulations, dereliction of duty results in demotion or dismissal. Accomplice liability, however," Manuel stated bluntly, "means fraud charges."
Henry clenched his fists, glaring at Manuel. He anticipated a trip to jail, believing Manuel, fueled by his hatred, would involve the police. The Sawyer Group, unwilling to shoulder the blame, would undoubtedly implicate him. Lacking proof of innocence, conviction seemed certain. He'd considered the long-term consequences, yet his downfall had been so sudden, so unexpected. He’d been doomed before he could even reassess his opinion of Manuel.
Manuel coldly observed Henry's shifting expression. "I can help you," he said.
Henry found this unbelievable. "You can help me? Manuel, you hate me! You want me dead!"
Manuel chuckled. "You're overthinking it."
"Why help me? I took your loved one! You're just waiting for my downfall! Stop pretending, Manuel! Bring it on!" Henry raged.
"I loved Susan, yes, but that's over. I've moved on. And I don't take it personally. You're talented, a long-time employee. Losing you would be a significant loss to Phillips Bank. I'll assess your value accordingly."
Henry stared, incredulous.
Manuel explained, "Sawyer Group defrauded us using fake property certificates. Our strategic partnership led to lax scrutiny. They claimed urgency, so we expedited the loan. Shortly after, you, as customer service manager, discovered the fraudulent certificates. We will sue Sawyer Group for fraud, demanding repayment with interest."
"You want me to sue Sawyer Group?" Henry sputtered, enraged.
"First, clear your name. Second, rectify your mistake. You discovered the fraud; I believe the board will be lenient," Manuel explained.
"The Sawyer family will kill me!" Henry exclaimed.
Manuel's gaze intensified, confirming his suspicion of an under-the-table deal.
"My solution: consider it. Refuse, and I'll hand the evidence to the authorities. They'll decide on dereliction of duty or criminal charges." Manuel stated, leaving the choice to Henry. "I'll call the police next Monday if I hear nothing. And don't seek advice from the Sawyer family; you'll be the sole fall guy."
Henry was speechless.
"You can go," Manuel said dismissively.
Henry left, feeling the pressure. He was astonished not only by Manuel's leverage but also his quiet, yet forceful, efficiency. Years in the business world hadn't prepared him for this.
Back in his office, Susan, playing a video game, looked surprised. "Done? That was quick." Meetings usually lasted over an hour, yet this one was only twenty minutes.
"Yes. Done," Henry replied.
"What was it?" Susan asked, preoccupied with her phone.
"Nothing much."
Susan frowned. "He made a fuss about it."
Henry remained silent, pretending to work, but his mind raced. Manuel had left him no choice. Complying meant abandoning his alliance with the Sawyer family. Desperation welled within him; he longed to destroy Manuel.
Manuel, having dismissed Henry, called Hannah. "I've spoken to Henry."
Hannah was surprised. "Already? You made a decision so quickly?"
"Yes. A long time ago," Manuel replied indifferently.
"What did he say?"
"He'll think it over, but I suspect he'll choose to sue Sawyer Group."
"So, Sawyer Group repays the loan and faces fraud charges?"
"Yes."
"I'll handle the rest. Keep an eye on Henry."
"Okay."
Hannah hung up, anticipating Sawyer Group's significant losses.
Manuel, finished with Henry, left the office, complaining of a stomachache. He entered the elevator, pressing the button for the underground parking. The doors opened a floor early, revealing Susan waiting hesitantly. She stepped inside.