Chapter 594: Business Banquet II

Hannah couldn't tell Susan about her second life; the girl would likely go mad. She dismissed Susan curtly. "He's here. As his assistant, how can you wander around without attending to him?"

Susan complained, "Why can't I have some freedom?"

Secretly, Susan admired Hannah's shrewd choice of husband. Those who had scoffed at her divorce from Charles and subsequent marriage to Oscar were proven wrong; she’d made the best of a difficult situation.

"Manuel, here."

Susan rolled her eyes, incredulous that Hannah summoned Manuel after her plea for freedom.

Manuel approached Hannah, ignoring Susan. "Are you here alone?"

"Oscar isn't well enough to attend. My father's retired and prefers not to come," Hannah explained, then introduced, "This is my assistant, Tan, and my secretary, Rose. This is Manuel Johnson, the general manager of Phillips Bank."

Greetings were exchanged. Manuel was modest and urbane.

"We'll do things together later. Tan, keep in touch with Mr. Johnson," Hannah said, wanting to expand Manuel's social circle to better utilize his skills.

"Yes, Ms. Hannah."

Manuel noted her trust in Tan and understood how to treat him accordingly.

They conversed for a while, exchanging pleasantries, while Susan stood yawning beside them. She couldn't comprehend how her childhood friends had become so different.

"I need to speak with someone," Manuel said to Hannah.

Hannah saw Ollie Brown, president of Sway Bank in East Asia – Phillips Bank's biggest rival – who'd been in Northfield for a week. While there was no immediate impact, the long-term consequences were uncertain. Manuel likely sought a conversation with the competitor's head. Susan followed.

After observing them, Hannah directed Tan and Rose to mingle elsewhere.

Hannah planned to leave at 9:30 and would have told Susan, but she didn't notice Susan and Manuel engaging in conversation. She feared Susan would follow if she left. Susan could drink heavily, and Manuel, though not a drinker himself, seemed at ease with her help.

Hannah smiled, thinking they might be a good match, even falling in love eventually.

"I'm leaving. It's still early. You two can leave when you're ready," Hannah told Tan and Rose.

"I'll go with you. I have some work to finish tonight," Tan replied.

Rose, finding it dull to stay alone, agreed. Hannah didn't object; voluntary social engagement was preferable. She nodded. "I need to use the restroom." She'd had only water, and felt bloated.

"Me too," Tan said to Rose. "Wait for us in the car. I'll be out with Ms. Hannah shortly."

Rose readily agreed and waited in Jimmy's car.

The wait stretched on. Jimmy frowned. "Did Ms. Hannah say she was leaving?"

"Yes," Rose replied, feeling uneasy. "She said she needed the restroom. But it's been half an hour…"

Jimmy exited the car before she finished.

"Jimmy!" Rose, startled, ran after him.

They lacked an invitation. As Jimmy tried to enter, Rose stopped him.

"Let me call her first."

Jimmy waited.

Rose's fingers trembled as she dialed. No answer. Panic surged. What could have happened at such an elegant party?

She called Tan. Each ring felt agonizing. She was about to give up when he answered.

"Rose!"

"Where are you? It's been half an hour! Ms. Hannah isn't answering her phone!" Rose exclaimed.

Tan pursed his lips, glancing in the rearview mirror, reflecting Hannah unconscious in the back seat.

Orders had to be followed.

He'd planned to act on the return journey, but Jimmy's presence would complicate matters; the party offered the perfect opportunity. When Hannah mentioned the restroom, he'd acted, waiting outside the door. Upon her exit, he swiftly subdued her with a knockout drug-soaked handkerchief. He then discreetly moved her to his waiting car.

Twenty minutes had passed since he drove away. He was too far for Jimmy to catch him.

"Say something!" Rose raged, receiving no response. Hadn't he heard her about Hannah? Hadn't he gone to the restroom with her?

"Is Jimmy with you?" Tan asked.

"Yes, what?" Rose replied, shocked.

"Put him on the phone."

"Why?"

"Give him the phone!" Tan demanded.

Rose's heart pounded. He sounded different, making her question his identity, yet the voice was undeniably Tan's. She handed the phone to Jimmy. Tan's instruction was simple: "Tell Oscar to come."