Chapter 622 Another Sex Dream
Edward had advised Susan, then ended the call to avoid another argument. He'd been working to repair their relationship, seeing some small improvement in Susan's attitude toward him.
Susan hung up, understanding her father's intentions without explicit confirmation. This understanding prevented further conflict.
Frustrated, Susan stormed out of Manuel's office, only to turn around and return. She felt deeply wronged but, thinking of Henry, instructed her driver, "Go back to the company."
The driver, though surprised by the sudden change of plans, more curiously wondered why Susan, clearly still caring for Manuel, wouldn't reconcile with him.
Callie was shocked to see Susan return. Susan, slightly embarrassed, explained, "I suddenly remembered unfinished work. I can't sleep with work undone."
"Oh. Okay..." Callie replied.
Susan dared not reveal the truth: Manuel would handle any unfinished work for her; her job was essentially stress-free.
"Is Manuel still in the office?" Susan asked, though Callie's presence made the answer obvious.
"Yes, Miss Phillips. Do you need something from Mr. Johnson?"
"Nah. Just checking," Susan quickly denied.
Callie, secretly smiling, found Susan charming even in her little white lies, and returned to her work.
Susan sat, struggling. Returning had been impulsive, and now the prospect of humbling herself to speak to Manuel first felt daunting. They'd fought, yet she needed his help. As the Phillips Bank heiress, she found the situation absurd.
Gathering her courage, Susan knocked, but received no answer. She opened the door and entered.
Manuel lay asleep at his desk, a sight Susan had never witnessed before, even on his late nights. It was past 9 p.m. Was he simply exhausted?
Suddenly softened, Susan's anger dissipated. She tiptoed in, retrieved a blanket from the restroom, and gently draped it over his shoulders.
Manuel frowned slightly, but merely returned to sleep. Relieved, Susan turned to leave, only to remember her purpose for returning. Leaving now would be futile.
She decided to wait. She guessed he'd wake soon, so she sat on the couch, playing games on her phone. Sleep-deprived lately, and after a salon nap earlier, she initially felt alert, but eventually succumbed to sleep on the couch.
She dreamt, another sex dream. This time, the dream felt intensely real; she could almost feel his breath.
Susan awoke abruptly to Manuel's gaze. Startled, she nearly fell off the couch, exclaiming, "What are you doing here!" Instinctively, she closed her legs.
"Time to wake up and leave," Manuel stated impassively.
"I...," Susan stammered, realizing she'd fallen asleep. "I just didn't want to wake you."
"It's late. Go," Manuel said coldly, turning to leave. He touched his lips, as if wiping something away.
Susan's heart pounded. Had he discovered her dream? The thought of his mockery and humiliation terrified her. Yet, she felt a sensation of being kissed. Perhaps she was simply too aroused, she mused, considering their single encounter and her perceived lack of sexual experience.
Calming herself, Susan left Manuel's office. Outside, Manuel was speaking to a visibly nervous Callie. He glanced at Susan before resuming, "Get a good night's sleep. Come in tomorrow afternoon. Business dinner tomorrow night. Be there."
"Yes, Mr. Johnson."
Manuel departed, Susan following close behind. Callie watched, having witnessed Manuel kiss Susan earlier and initially fearing dismissal. Instead, Manuel only warned her to remain silent, giving her her assignments. Callie was simply surprised by Manuel's interest in Susan.
In the elevator, Susan finally recalled her original purpose. "Let Henry join your project team," she stated.
Manuel's gaze was cold.
"Henry's capable. He deserves a better chance, a more significant role. Please be professional, and don't take this personally. I've spoken to my father; he agrees, provided you do…" Susan continued.
Susan persisted, but Manuel remained silent. Finally, enraged, she shouted, "Are you listening? I said, let Henry join your project team!"