Chapter 556: A Quarrel
The car arrived at Futuring. Henry and Susan proceeded to their reserved table in the restaurant. Susan focused on ordering food while Henry, sitting opposite, was suddenly surprised.
"Henry, would you like beef steak or—"
"Susan…" Henry interrupted, winking.
Susan followed his gaze and saw Manuel and Martina at a nearby table. Manuel was pulling out a chair for Martina, who was elegantly dressed and visibly excited.
Susan returned to the menu. Henry, averting his gaze, murmured, "What a coincidence!"
"Kensbury is a small city," Susan replied.
"Indeed," Henry said. He paused. "Are they together?"
"Have no idea," Susan said sarcastically. She'd asked Manuel before, and he'd claimed they were just friends. Clearly, that wasn't true; Martina's affection for Manuel was evident. But it didn't bother Susan. She had nothing to do with Manuel, and his relationships were inconsequential to her.
"I'll have beef broth, thanks," Henry said, noticing Susan's indifference. They then conversed and laughed together.
At their table, Martina had noticed Susan and Henry upon entering the restaurant and kept glancing at them. Manuel had also seen them. Sometimes, people you least expect appear unexpectedly.
"When will they get married?" Martina suddenly asked.
Manuel, ordering food, said without looking up, "It's their business."
"Don't you care?" Martina pressed.
"Nope," Manuel said bluntly.
"This isn't just a dinner date, is it?" Martina challenged.
Manuel swallowed. It was a coincidence, but he welcomed the misunderstanding if it served a purpose.
"You're not over Susan yet?" Martina asked emotionally.
"I just can't let them laugh at me," he replied.
"So, this date is to show Susan she's not the only one?" Martina inquired.
Manuel remained silent.
"I'll do it," Martina declared emotionally. "I'll do it even if you're using me."
Manuel looked up at her sincere, eager face.
"Let's order first," he said.
"Manuel, I'll be with you as long as you want, for whatever reason," Martina stated firmly.
Manuel remained silent. Martina knew she couldn't force him, but believed he would eventually fall for her. She would wait, even a lifetime.
Their quiet interaction contrasted sharply with Susan and Henry's lively conversation. The silence only broke when Susan rose to go to the restroom. Martina immediately reached for Manuel's hand. He tried to pull away, but she held on tighter.
"Oh dear Manuel, I want to taste the caviar on your plate," Martina said.
Susan blinked, finding it excessive. Martina's clinginess and coquettish voice gave her goosebumps. She doubted Martina was Manuel's type.
Turning back, Susan was stunned to see Manuel feeding Martina caviar with his spoon. Disgusted, she quickly left.
Martina, having achieved her goal, smiled brightly. "Excuse me, I need to powder my nose." Her plan was obvious, yet Manuel didn't stop her. He sat watching as Henry approached.
"You planned this?" Henry asked coldly.
Manuel merely glanced at him.
"You want to make Susan jealous?" Henry asked, a wry smile playing on his lips.
"Are you doubting yourself?" Manuel countered.
Henry's expression darkened.
"That's why you think Susan will be jealous?"
"I'm just warning you. Don't play games. Susan won't love you."
"Whatever," Manuel said, rising. His youthful handsomeness belied his height; he was taller than most, and certainly taller than Henry.
"I wouldn't have divorced Susan if I still loved her. You can't marry Susan unless you give up your shares in Phillips Group. Do you think Susan will still love you in time?"
"You!" Henry exploded.
"Patience runs out, no matter how much you love someone," Manuel said, heading for the restroom.
Henry glared at his retreating back, seething. Manuel wanted Phillips Group, but Henry wouldn't let him have it.
In the restroom, Susan emerged to find Martina waiting.
"What do you want?" Susan snapped.
"Nothing much. I just wanted to tell you I'm with Manuel."
"It's none of my business," Susan said dully.
"Yeah," Martina said complacently. "I just wanted you to know."
"What's the big deal? He's the man I dumped," Susan retorted sarcastically.
"You!" Martina exclaimed.
"Only you think Manuel's a dreamboat," Susan sneered. "A stupid woman like you, who goes for the worst kind of men, can't understand my happiness."
Susan glared, realizing Martina was targeting Henry.
"Are you out of your mind? What do you see in that Henry?" Martina continued. "But I should thank you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have this chance with Manuel."
"Watch your mouth!" Susan fumed. "Manuel's good for nothing except his looks. He's a nerd, a cold fish, silent for days. You're cursed to be with him!"