Chapter 585: Manuel's Ability

Manuel's imposing words momentarily startled the ringleader of the troublemakers. He hadn't expected such a forceful confrontation. Manuel, without giving him time to recover, said frostily, "All Phillips Group welfare activities adhere to regulations. There's no self-dealing. If you doubt this, pursue legal action. However, any such action will result in legal countermeasures against your group for the harm caused to our bank."

"You're threatening us!" the leader exclaimed.

"I'm not threatening; I'm offering a solution," Manuel replied, undeterred by the group's hostility. "I invite you to the VIP room for a straightforward discussion to clear up this misunderstanding. Refuse, and we pursue legal action to protect the bank's interests."

Everyone stared, stunned. The instigator, sensing the situation's complexity, felt uncertain. He'd been ordered to disrupt Phillips Bank operations to attract media attention. Now, he was in a predicament. The others exchanged uneasy glances.

"I'll give you time to consider," Manuel compromised. "I'll wait in the VIP reception room for half an hour. Accept a peaceful resolution, and join me there. Refuse, and we meet in court."

Manuel turned and walked away without hesitation, entering the room with composed confidence. Susan, usually spirited but intimidated by significant challenges, was impressed by his composed demeanor in the face of this crisis. She quietly followed him.

In the VIP reception room, Manuel had his chauffeur bring in his laptop and calmly continued working, seemingly unaffected by the external turmoil. Susan admired his composure, finding him both intriguing and unattainable. She quickly dismissed the thought; she wouldn't become a fan.

Suddenly, his phone rang. He excused himself to answer. Susan, slightly upset by his seeming avoidance, wondered if it was Tia. She quickly refocused.

"Hannah," Manuel answered.

"Something's wrong at Phillips Bank," Hannah said.

"Uh-huh."

"Who's behind it?"

"Henry Parker," Manuel replied, choosing not to hide the truth from Hannah, preferring to speak privately rather than with Susan present. There were things Susan didn't need to know.

Hannah, unsurprised, nodded. "He's on a self-destructive path."

"This could force him to divest his shares," Manuel said calmly, seemingly unfazed by the difficulties.

"Can I help?"

"No, just focus on Oscar," Manuel replied.

"I heard you made a resolution, but it's proving difficult to achieve."

"Not really. We encountered some unexpected delays," Manuel clarified.

"..."

"If needed, I'll call on you," Manuel added, offering an escape route.

Hannah smiled. "I'm contemplating the ramifications of my involvement. Big Shot!"

From Oscar to Manuel to Theodore, none of them seemed ordinary.

"Don't worry, we're not bad," Manuel said calmly, maintaining his usual composure with Hannah.

From afar, Susan observed his smile, sensing it would not be directed at her again.

"Not good either," Hannah retorted, instantly recognizing the echo of Oscar's words from the night before her wedding in her previous life.

Manuel chuckled. "Good or bad? Let Oscar answer that."

Hannah didn't dwell on it, feeling relieved by her progress with Oscar, culminating in the successful retribution against Charles Sawyer and his family. She had achieved her goals and wouldn't let past experiences limit her.

"I look forward to it," she said, anticipating the unveiling of the truth.

"That's all," Manuel said, turning towards the newly arrived group in the reception room. He knew they were coming; ordinary individuals manipulated for personal gain, now facing unforeseen legal consequences.

"I need to handle something. I'll speak with you later."

"Okay, bye."

After the call, Hannah joined him from the balcony. Oscar, recovering from surgery, was frail and thin, relying on intravenous nutrition.

Hannah longed to offer him comfort.

"What did Manuel say?" Oscar asked.

"He said he'll handle it."

"Good," Oscar nodded, forgoing further questions.

Hannah sat beside him, leaning against him gently, careful not to put too much pressure.

"Should we tell your family?" she murmured.

"No," Oscar replied. "It's a minor procedure. I'll be out of here in a few days."

"Minor procedure? You're practically skin and bones!"

"..." Oscar looked at her.

Hannah quickly added, "But you're handsome, too."

"I don't want to worry them," Oscar explained.

"Oscar, the relationship with your family..." Hannah struggled to articulate her feelings. A distance existed, a subtle intimacy, hinting at a family secret. Yet, despite Oscar possibly not being their biological son, the Wells family treated him remarkably well.