Chapter 587: Susan Realizes the Change in Her

Susan would only interact with Manuel at work. She assumed this reflected his professional demeanor: distant yet courteous. She never expected him to join her for dinner at Heroic, a restaurant known for its spicy food, especially considering his dislike of spice. Had she known he'd accept, she might have chosen a different restaurant.

Soon, she realized she was developing feelings for Manuel. She attributed this to his impressive performance on their recent assignment. Indeed, he'd exceeded expectations, earning her high praise.

"What will you have?" Susan asked Manuel across the table, after ordering her own dish.

"Whatever."

"You still don't eat chili?"

"Don't worry about me," Manuel replied indifferently.

Susan rolled her eyes; it had been a simple, polite inquiry. She ultimately ordered two chili-free dishes and a beer for herself.

"Do you drink?" she asked.

"No."

So she drank alone. Manuel seemed about to speak, but changed his mind.

Minutes later, their food arrived. Susan began eating immediately. Manuel ate little, due to his chili allergy, as the initial dishes contained it. Susan ignored him. They ate in silence.

Suddenly, Susan's phone rang. Annoyed, she frowned, reluctantly removed her gloves, and put down her spicy shrimp. She answered, "Hi, Henry."

To Susan's surprise, while she spoke, Manuel picked up a pair of gloves and began peeling shrimp from the spicy dish, maintaining a neutral expression. His peeling was precise and elegant, a stark contrast to her own messy technique.

"Susan?" Henry's voice cut through her distraction.

"What did you say?" Susan quickly replied, averting her gaze from Manuel.

Henry's tone suggested he felt neglected lately. "I asked where you are."

"Having dinner."

"Dinner? Now?"

"Yes, work just finished with Manuel. We dealt with some troublemakers," Susan explained.

"Where?"

"Heroic," Susan answered.

"Alone?"

"No, he's here too."

Henry's voice tightened. He knew Manuel had swiftly resolved the troublemaker issue, and resented Susan being with him at this hour. Her attention was clearly divided.

"Want to join us for dinner?" Susan sensed Henry's displeasure; she understood his jealousy, just as she'd likely feel the same in a similar situation.

"Already ate," Henry replied. "I'll pick you up."

"...Okay."

They hung up. Manuel's expression remained unchanged.

"Henry's picking me up," Susan announced.

"Okay."

"I'm finished. It's late; I want to go home," Susan said, signaling the waiter for rice. Manuel, she thought, feared Henry misinterpreting their encounter.

Unexpectedly, Manuel tossed his pile of peeled shrimp into the trash.

"What are you doing?" Susan exclaimed.

"Don't want them."

"Why peel them then?"

"Something to do."

Susan was speechless. "I'll eat them."

"I don't want to."

Manuel abruptly stood. "I'm leaving."

"Your food's still coming!"

His unpredictable behavior angered her. Ignoring her, he left. Susan vowed to dismiss him from Phillips Group upon inheriting her father's company.

She finished dinner quickly. Henry's car was waiting. He opened the passenger door for her; she felt a vague guilt, unsure of its source.

"Manuel leave?" Henry asked during the drive.

"Yes, long ago."

"How did it go, with the troublemakers?"

"Fine. Manuel's very capable," Susan replied.

"Oh?" Henry's slight smile concealed his displeasure. Susan tried, but couldn't fully explain.

The car stopped. As she unbuckled her seatbelt, Henry pulled her towards him. Stunned, she turned her head as his lips neared hers. He kissed her cheek.

Susan was surprised, as was Henry. She sensed a shift in his mood, but offered no explanation.

"It's late. Get some rest," he said, his usual gentleness unchanged. This only deepened her unease.

"Henry, I feel our relationship..."