Chapter 475: The Game (18) Hannah's Turn

Susan erupted at Manuel. Manuel wore a disapproving expression, while Edward appeared angry. He wished Susan would mature. Instead of stopping her, Manuel left Susan, taking Martina away.

Everyone was astonished by their departure. Susan felt nauseous, believing Manuel was colluding with Martina to cover up her mistake. He seemed unconcerned by Martina's insult to Hannah, a thought that enraged Susan.

To quell the disruption Susan caused, Edward shouted, "You can go out!"

Susan's eyes widened in disbelief. She didn't want to leave; a crucial moment to undermine Charles awaited Hannah.

"Susan!" Edward warned coldly. Susan stormed out, vowing never to assist him professionally again. She felt humiliated, furious that her father had scolded her publicly.

Passing the elevator, she heard crying. Curiosity piqued, Susan approached, finding Martina sobbing in Manuel's arms. Martina clung to him possessively, while Manuel remained impassive, a poker face betraying no emotion. He noticed Susan and looked back.

Their eyes met, and Susan felt exposed, as if caught in a clandestine act. She hadn't intended to eavesdrop; she couldn't explain her compulsion to watch. The sight of Martina's distress, however, fueled her anger.

Why had Manuel supported Martina when Hannah was insulted? Their childhood friendship meant nothing to him, and the realization hit her only after Manuel had noticed her. She stared, fixated on Manuel's eyes before looking away.

Manuel turned. He'd previously avoided touching Martina, but now he put an arm around her, turning his back to Susan. His actions communicated his dismissal of her.

Fuck!

Susan panicked. Did he think she'd been enjoying the spectacle? She didn't care who he was with; she felt betrayed by their broken friendship. Susan fled.

Seeing her go, Manuel pushed Martina away. He'd removed Martina to avoid her interrupting Hannah's negotiation, but hadn't anticipated her outburst. His initial impulse to dismiss her vanished upon seeing Susan. He allowed Martina's display to continue, preventing Susan from understanding his motives; hence his immediate dismissal of Martina afterward.

Martina was stunned by Manuel's indifference, mistaking his previous embrace for pity.

"Keep your distance," Manuel said coldly, disappointing Martina.

"What must I do to win your heart, your love?" Martina cried, desperate. The family turmoil, Hannah's provocations, and Manuel's coldness were pushing her to the brink. Tears streamed down her face.

Manuel looked away, saying coldly, "I will never have feelings for you, no matter how wonderful you become. Stop wasting your time."

"Manuel! Susan doesn't like you. Why not start a new relationship?"

"It's none of Susan's business. It's my choice."

Manuel sneered. "You look awful crying and laughing."

"Manuel, admit it!" Martina sobbed. "You still love Susan! You can't forget her!"

"It still has nothing to do with you."

Martina was defeated. The man she'd loved for years had no interest in her.

"I suggest you avoid further trouble in the conference room. You won't win against Hannah," Manuel said, his voice hardening. "Shape up." He left.

Martina's scream echoed after him.

"Manuel! One day, I'll win your heart, I swear!"

The conference room fell silent. Hannah felt grateful for Manuel's intervention.

Addressing Charles, Hannah said, "The bill is real. I've given you a deadline. I won't stop you from repaying Phillips Bank; it affects your father's sentence. Success means a shorter jail term for your father, while failure could mean over eight years—he might not survive that."

"Shut up, Hannah!" Charles snarled, irritated by her bluntness.

She was a nuisance, appearing just as things were settling. He knew the Collins family wouldn't lend him another two billion; his only option was to repay with shares, leaving his family with less than 50% of Sawyer Group.