Chapter 619: Blindsided

Susan sat silently in the car, watching the sunset.

"It's just as you feel," Hannah said.

"I was just asking how you feel," Susan replied, but it was a weak lie.

"I suppose you know best. You should enjoy life and love while you're young, Susan," Hannah advised.

"Don't say that! I'm almost at the salon, I have to go," Susan retorted.

Hannah said nothing more; the implication was clear. She believed Susan loved Manuel—a conviction solidified by the last moments of Susan's previous life. Susan, however, remained unwilling to admit her feelings, perhaps believing herself unworthy or unwilling to intrude on his life. Hannah couldn't forget that Susan hadn't even sent Manuel a message before her death.

The thought of Susan's tragic end in her past life filled Hannah with sorrow. She vowed to protect this girl.

Susan, a top VIP at the salon, was wrapped in a towel, preparing for a soak when she encountered Justine. She hadn't seen Justine since her divorce from Manuel. She'd always assumed Justine would reunite with her father, given his wealth and their apparent affection. Yet, there was no sign of it.

Justine looked displeased. While she didn't mention Susan's abortion, she criticized her divorce.

"Your life hasn't been easy since Manuel left you," Justine remarked, eyeing Susan's acne-scarred skin.

"Work stress," Susan snapped. "You pursue pleasure and remain well-preserved. Who knows what old man you'll seduce next?"

Justine's face flushed, but she controlled her anger, regaining a haughty demeanor.

"I appreciate beauty," Justine declared eloquently. "A woman should live confidently and elegantly. I don't understand why young women believe beauty serves only to please others."

Susan bristled.

"Oh, and I hear you work for Manuel. 'Overworked,' you say? Under my son? Should I praise your diligence or criticize your incompetence?" Justine sneered.

"Justine Knight! You fawned over me as my stepmother. Now you turn on me? How hypocritical!" Susan exclaimed. "I cared for you as a child, overlooking your words and actions. But you're an adult now, with a career, marriage, and divorce. Why haven't you learned anything? I'm done humoring you."

Susan felt a fight brewing.

"Luckily, Manuel's heart is elsewhere," Justine said with a contemptuous smile, then walked away.

Susan stamped her foot in fury. Justine had the audacity to criticize her when she was the one who'd left Manuel.

The salon staff calmed Susan, and finally, she went to the spa. Exhausted from work, she fell asleep on the luxurious bed and drifted off quickly.

From time to time, Susan murmured in her sleep. The beautician, amused, wondered if she was having an erotic dream. Susan's cheeks flushed, her breathing grew heavy with occasional moans. The beautician blushed.

Susan awoke near climax, sitting up disoriented. She looked around, bewildered.

"Miss Phillips?" the beautician asked.

After a moment, Susan realized where she was. She hadn't had sex, but the vivid image of a man remained. It had been an erotic dream, which she found astonishing.

"Miss Phillips, another soak?"

Only then did Susan notice her thighs were wet.

"Okay, a bath."

She quickly got off the bed, somewhat embarrassed.

The beautician prepared a milk and rose petal bath. Susan felt refreshed. Gazing at her radiant reflection, she sighed, resolving to better care for herself.

Leaving the salon feeling physically and emotionally revitalized, Susan considered a drink. Before she could call, her phone rang.

Frowning, she muttered, "No overtime tonight." Then, reluctantly, she answered.

"Susan, Manuel needs the original data now. Do you have it? I sent a message," said Manuel's secretary urgently.

Susan looked at her phone impatiently. "I think so."

"Is it on your computer? Can I use it now?"