Chapter 473: The Game (16) – The Crushing Defeat of Henry

Charles, after leaving the lockup, orchestrated a press conference with Martina and Loretta. They confessed to the Sawyer Group's loan fraud, skillfully shifting blame to Lee. Their convincingly repentant demeanor persuaded many of their innocence. The media reported the Sawyer Group's expressed guilt and willingness to accept legal repercussions, framing their actions as a moment of honesty deserving a better future. Hannah, however, noticed a paid online campaign amplifying the positive narrative, finding the distortion of the crime into a model quite interesting.

Later, she received a call from Manuel.

"Hannah, Charles just called Edward, saying he'll pay Phillips Bank in full by 3 p.m. today."

"I see," Hannah replied.

"How did he get the money? Another illegal act?" Manuel asked.

"No, I doubt it. Probably the Collins family," Hannah responded.

"Sarah helped?" Manuel guessed.

"Yes. Charles is a sly fox, achieving his goals by any means. An excellent 'girl hunter,' after all," Hannah sneered.

"But he never succeeded in hunting your heart," Manuel countered.

"Did you forget my rebirth?" Hannah quipped, reminding him of her past claim. Manuel chuckled, finding the story amusing despite his mild skepticism.

Suddenly, Susan entered. Manuel's smile vanished, his sudden coldness leaving Susan perplexed.

"My father wants you in his office," Susan said sharply.

"I see," Manuel replied.

Susan left, irritated by her father's request. Later, Manuel called Hannah, "Edward's summoning me; you can come later."

"Okay," Hannah said, hanging up. Outside his office, Manuel found Susan waiting.

"I had to bring you personally," she explained. They rode the elevator in silence. "Who were you talking to? You seemed delighted," Susan probed.

"A friend," Manuel replied evasively, unwilling to mention Hannah or risk endangering her given Susan's relationship with Henry.

Susan asked, "Martina?" Manuel remained silent.

"Isn't she involved in the afternoon's loan?" Susan pressed, her calm demeanor masking her growing irritation. Manuel’s continued silence pushed her to the brink. Finally, he said flatly, "Please knock next time."

Susan was speechless. As they exited the elevator, Manuel's indifferent departure left Susan staring after him. Despite his disability, she found him attractive. Her anger flared; no good men existed, she thought, recalling his past charm and current coldness.

Despite her anger, Susan followed Manuel to Edward's office where Henry waited. Edward began, "Before the Sawyer family arrives, I have something to say."

"May I leave?" Susan asked, claiming it wasn't her concern.

"No," Edward stated firmly.

"It's not my business!" she insisted.

"As the chairperson's only child, you participate in every aspect of Phillips Bank's operations!" he retorted.

Susan's annoyance grew.

"Leave, and Manuel replaces you," Edward threatened.

"Are you crazy? Manuel running our company?!" Susan exclaimed.

"Your choice," Edward said, impatient.

Susan, reluctantly, conceded. "I'll stay!"

Edward, cold and dismissive, addressed Manuel and Henry. "While we succeeded, Henry's oversight almost cost us. Fortunately, there were no losses, and you acted swiftly. However, a warning is necessary. Reflect on your mistake."

"Yes," Henry replied submissively.

"Manuel, as Henry's superior, you bear some responsibility. Given your recent appointment and prompt reporting, I'm not overly concerned. But to clarify, Henry reports to you first; only projects outside your purview come to me directly. Remember that, Henry."

Henry paled. The implication – needing Manuel's approval for everything – was bitter, but unavoidable. "Yes, sir," he replied.