Chapter 507: Manuel's Threat

Susan entered Henry's car. A heavy silence fell as Susan, unusually, remained quiet. While driving, Henry considered speaking, but ultimately refrained. An awkward tension settled between them. He worried Susan would question his refusal to sleep with her, preferring silence instead. The car stopped several times before continuing.

Suddenly, Henry's phone rang. He answered, "Hello?"

"This is Manuel. Come to my office when you return."

Henry's expression hardened. Manuel, his superior, was a man he resented.

"Okay," Henry replied, ending the call.

Susan noticed the shift in his demeanor. "Manuel wants me to go to his office when we get back," she said.

"What for?" Henry asked.

"He didn't say."

Watching the passing scenery, Susan mused, "Are you taking me home now?"

"Yes."

"Head to the office first. I feel much better now," Susan declared.

Henry turned to look at her. Susan explained calmly, "I don't want to delay your work. Besides, Dad doubts I was sick. I need to see him and show him how I look."

Henry nodded. "...Okay." He was acutely aware of her changing feelings for Manuel and vowed to prevent any further shift in her affections. He drove in silence.

Upon arrival, Susan went to her father's office, while Henry proceeded to Manuel's. He opened the door to find Manuel working at his desk. Before Manuel's arrival, Henry had been lauded for his diligence and capabilities. Since Manuel's induction, however, the praise had increasingly shifted to him. Henry knew Manuel aimed to usurp his position.

Approaching Manuel's desk, Henry sat opposite him. "Mr. Johnson, what can I do for you?"

Manuel merely nodded, his fingers flying across the keyboard. Henry was astonished by Manuel's typing speed, but maintained a composed exterior, waiting patiently.

Finishing his work, Manuel closed his laptop. "Let's be direct. We've offered you considerable compensation to break up with Susan. Consider the money and property a gift. However, the 20% shareholding must be returned if you resume your relationship with her."

Henry sneered. "How despicable you are!"

"It's a fair trade," Manuel countered coldly.

"Fair trade? Demanding the return of what you promised is fair?" Henry mocked.

"You know the limitations on owning those shares," Manuel stated plainly.

Henry, resentful, remembered leaving Susan alone last night because of those limitations.

"She came to my house last night," Manuel continued, unconcerned.

Henry clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger. "Of course, she was drunk and went to the wrong place. But I assure you, it won't damage your relationship. However, if you refuse Susan for the sake of the shares, your relationship won't last."

Henry didn't reply, instead asking, "Aren't you attracted to her?"

"Be frank. Don't waste my time," Manuel pressed.

"If you love her, how can you stand by while she wants to sleep with me? You're just like me, Manuel—you only want the Phillips' wealth."

Manuel didn't deny it. He nodded. "You're right. I believed winning her heart would secure the Phillips Group, but she disappointed me. So I changed tactics. The Phillips Bank is mine. If you and Susan want it, compete for it."

"You overestimate yourself. Do you think Edward will give you the company for your mother's sake? You're pathetic. Susan will inherit everything, regardless," Henry retorted.

"No one knows the outcome. This discussion is about the shares. Come back when you've decided. Now leave."

Henry, sullen, rose to leave, then paused. "Manuel, are you sure you have no feelings for her anymore?"

"No," Manuel replied firmly.

Henry stared at his unwavering face. He had considered Manuel cowardly, but now saw him as far more unpredictable than he'd imagined.

Hannah felt upset on Tuesday; Oscar was leaving the following morning. The time together felt too short, the impending separation, too long. At the office, she called Oscar.

"Honey?" he answered, as usual. Hannah was accustomed to his endearment.

"Will you be working late tonight?"

"No, but I have a dinner engagement followed by another event. I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Okay," Hannah replied, her voice revealing her disappointment. She'd planned on working late and spending the night with him before his departure, but hadn't anticipated his social engagements.

"My flight's at 10 AM. I can drive you to the office before heading to the airport," Oscar said, sensing her distress. At least, she knew he wouldn't leave before she woke up.

"Why is the flight so late this time?" she asked curiously.

"Because I don't want to leave you."

"So you're saying you want to leave me back in the old days?"

"No… you'll know why someday," Oscar said evasively. She disliked his vagueness, yet sensed he had his reasons.