Chapter 474: The Game (17) A New Crisis

Manuel, Susan, and Henry left the office after the meeting. Manuel departed first, leaving Susan and Henry behind, a move that irritated them both. Susan resented his indifference; Henry felt unjustly surpassed by Manuel, particularly given his recent arrival at the company and perceived lack of due recognition. He was utterly incredulous.

"Henry," Susan called.

Henry's expression immediately shifted. "Let's return to our office. The Sawyer family representatives are arriving."

"Okay," Susan nodded, then asked, "Are you frustrated?" She wondered if his frustration stemmed from Manuel's success.

"No," Henry replied calmly. "Nothing is more important than my duty and responsibility to our company. I'll be the next chairperson of Phillips Bank when my father retires, and I won't let you down."

"My darling," Henry gently touched her face, "Don't worry. I'll be fine. Being by your side is my greatest achievement."

"Thank you," Susan nodded. "Manuel has changed. I never knew he was so ambitious."

"Nothing remains unchanged," Henry observed, "but some people are adept at concealing their true selves."

Susan looked at Henry, and he sensed he should stop; criticizing Manuel openly was unwise. He said, "Let's focus on our own work and maintain a clear conscience."

Susan agreed. She sensed a subtle change in Henry, though she wasn't certain.

Charles arrived at Phillips Bank at 3 p.m., accompanied by Martina and two senior Sawyer Group executives. Edward, Manuel, Susan, and Henry received them in the conference room. After some conversation, Charles stated, "Mr. Phillips, I apologize for my father's actions and any inconvenience caused. I'm here to rectify our mistakes."

Edward responded politely, "We understand. We hope you understand our decision, as it protects the interests of all Phillips Bank employees."

"Of course, it's our fault," Charles conceded. "We've repaid your company with interest. Please find the check enclosed."

A check was presented to Edward. As he was about to examine it, a knock sounded at the door. Edward frowned. Manuel had staff open the door to reveal Hannah, Tan, and Rose.

Charles' face fell at the sight of Hannah. Her constant involvement in business dealings perplexed him.

Charles remained silent as Hannah apologized, "I'm sorry to interrupt."

"No problem. What is it, Hannah?" Edward replied politely.

Susan was pleased to see Hannah and greeted her with a smile and a wink, which Hannah ignored, leaving Susan slightly perturbed.

Hannah approached Edward. "I understand the Sawyer Group is settling their accounts today."

"Yes," Edward confirmed. "Here's their check. Is there a problem?"

"No, it's their responsibility," Hannah smiled, seating herself. "I want to remind Mr. Sawyer about the outstanding two-billion-dollar debt to the Cooper Group."

This revelation devastated Charles. They had forgotten the two billion, believing it a gift from the Cooper family—a belief fueled by his then-impending marriage to Hannah, which he assumed would grant him control of all Cooper assets, including the two billion. Since their engagement ended, they'd disregarded the debt until Hannah's intervention. Martina was furious. "Are you crazy? We don't owe you anything! You're obsessed with money!"

Hannah met Martina's gaze unflinchingly, startling her. Hannah calmly placed a bill on the desk. "This is the signed agreement. The deadline has passed by ten days. Failure to pay means forfeiture of your shares. I'm reminding Mr. Sawyer to pay immediately; otherwise, we'll pursue legal action."

"Hannah!" Charles exclaimed.

She had trapped him. He glared at her with furious eyes. Martina lunged to tear up the bill, but Hannah swiftly retrieved it. Martina glared at Hannah.

"The cameras are everywhere," Hannah sneered. "Think you can get away with destroying evidence? I can press charges!"

"You bitch!" Martina lashed out.

"And you and your family! You're all bitches!" Susan retorted, unable to tolerate Hannah's abuse.

"Fuck you, Susan!" Martina turned on Susan.

"Oh, you want it? I'll kick your ass!" Susan prepared to fight, but Manuel intervened, seizing her arm.

Susan struggled. "Let go, Manuel!"

"Calm down," Manuel insisted.

"Let go!"

Manuel held firm. "Hannah's your friend! You stand by while she's insulted? Are you really her friend? You abandoned her friendship over a woman!"