Chapter 581: Anger

Edward agreed with Manuel. "Indeed," he said, "Sway Bank is quite influential globally. However, Northfield residents favor local banks; a foreign bank might not be their first choice. Of course, Sway's considerable clout could sway public opinion with a successful campaign, giving them a strong chance to capture market share."

"Yes," Manuel replied. "Here are three possibilities: first, normal business expansion—they're moving in due to their growth strategy and market competition. Second, intentional conspiracy—someone deliberately brought Sway into the picture."

"On purpose?" Edward questioned, surprised.

"Their entry into Northfield seems oddly timed," Manuel continued. "We must consider the possibility of a plot."

Edward nodded. "I'm investigating Sway's internal motivations. If it's the first scenario, we can treat them as a normal competitor. Given Phillips Bank's long history in Northfield, they won't easily surpass us. However, the second scenario presents a real challenge. If Sway's entry is deliberate, they must have identified a vulnerability, giving them the confidence to seize our market."

Edward's expression grew somber. Susan, standing nearby, was puzzled by their conversation. The terms they used sounded like riddles. She remained silent, listening to their continued discussion about upcoming scheduling. After a lengthy deliberation, they reached an agreement, while Susan nearly fell asleep.

Before their discussion, Edward had appeared irritable, though he tried to remain calm. Now, he was composed and confident. Susan was struck by the contrast between Manuel's business acumen and his unassuming appearance.

Edward suddenly interrupted. "Susan," he said, "Manuel is a skilled businessman; you should learn from him."

Susan was speechless. Seemingly dissatisfied with his simple suggestion, Edward continued, "You're Manuel's assistant starting today. I've seen no progress from you after six months of studying finance. Let's focus on something practical."

"No, I refuse!" Susan retorted.

Edward's face fell.

"I'll quit if you keep forcing me," Susan threatened.

"Fine," Edward said, annoyed. He'd hoped indulging his daughter in her childhood would foster her happiness, but it had resulted in indolence. His anger grew. "You can quit if you can support yourself."

Susan flushed with anger. Edward's threat hit home; cutting off her financial support would leave her destitute. She glared at him. Neither budged. Finally, Susan surrendered. "Fine. But don't expect miraculous progress."

"I dare not," Edward replied coldly. "I'm grasping at straws anyway!"

He felt a pang of disappointment. Susan left angrily.

Edward, appearing somewhat helpless, said to Manuel, "I apologize for my spoiled daughter."

"Don't worry," Manuel replied. "Phillips Bank needs her. Sometimes, extreme measures are necessary."

Edward sighed. "She ignores everything you've done for her. It's a shame."

"It's my duty," Manuel said nonchalantly.

The conversation ended there. Manuel returned to his office. He'd barely sat down when there was a knock. Tia stood at the door. "Why are you here?" he asked, surprised.

"I brought you lunch," Tia said, smiling. "Ms. Knight asked me to deliver it earlier, but you refused. Given your injury, I thought you needed extra nutrition, so I tried again without telling you. It also gave me driving practice."

Manuel, unable to refuse kindness, nodded. "Leave it on the tea table."

"Yes," Tia replied, starting to leave.

"Wait," Manuel said. "Could you check my wound?"

Tia was surprised. "The medical kit is under the cabinet."

"Yes," Tia responded, quickly fetching the kit.

Manuel removed his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and shirt. Seeing the bloodstained bandage, Tia gasped. "Mr. Johnson, your bandage is stained with blood!"

"Yes, could you open it and see where it's cracked?" Manuel asked. The wound had likely reopened.

Tia carefully began to unwrap the bandage, mindful of the wound. The office was silent except for their breaths.

Then Susan's voice cut through the quiet. "Where is my seat...?"

Manuel reacted swiftly, pulling Tia into his arms and turning to face the door, concealing his wound. Susan, entering angrily, saw Tia lying intimately on Manuel's bare chest. Stunned, she regained her composure and fled, yelling, "I didn't see anything!" The door slammed shut.

Manuel winced in pain. Tia was frightened. "Lock the door," Manuel instructed. Tia, flustered, quickly released herself from his embrace and locked the door. Susan, having left and returned, heard the lock click.