Chapter 632: Struggle With Closure

Manuel signed the documents, and they stamped their fingerprints. Both kept a copy.

"Manuel," Henry began, "I've suspected you like Susan."

Manuel remained silent, continuing his work.

"If you liked her, you wouldn't have chosen this path," Henry stated confidently.

"It's my business," Manuel replied indifferently. "You may leave now."

"What will you do with the evidence if Susan chooses me today?" Henry's tone was ironic. "Did you show me mercy because she chose me? Because you didn't want to upset her?"

Manuel's cold stare startled Henry. He straightened, a glint of defiance in his eyes; he would one day drive Manuel from Phillips Bank.

"Don't worry," Henry said, a deliberate satire dripping from his words. "I'll take care of her and make her love me very much." Manuel remained impassive.

Originally, Henry's criminal evidence was intended to encourage his voluntary departure, allowing Susan to move on. He aimed to resolve the lingering resentment of the past generation and protect Susan from further harm. Clearly, he'd overestimated his influence.

Manuel returned to his work, resolving to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Henry left Manuel's office, finding Susan waiting. She didn't immediately question him, instead glancing at the office and catching a glimpse of Manuel engrossed in his work – still the dedicated workaholic, seemingly unaffected by the events.

She pursed her lips, then looked at Henry. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go," he said.

Susan nodded.

"Manuel asked me to treat you well," Henry said abruptly.

Susan felt a pang of pain at the mention of his name, fighting back tears. Her voice was hoarse. "Did he say that?"

"He said since you chose me, it was your decision. He respected your choice."

"Why did he say this to you?" Susan suspected sarcasm. He'd said nothing on the phone, yet conveyed this to Henry. Was he overly kind, or deeply disappointed?

Her eyes were red, her lips bitten to suppress her sadness.

"He's probably afraid you'll overthink," Henry hugged her tightly. "Susan, let's focus on us, okay? I swear, I'll love you all my life."

Susan responded, but her thoughts remained on Manuel. Had he decided to forget her? Why hadn't he asked her why she'd made this choice? He'd accepted everything with surprising grace. Yet, she wondered if she would have even told him had he asked; she would only have said she liked Henry. Would that have caused him more pain?

Susan's distress mounted. She even considered that Manuel's silence stemmed from an expectation of this outcome. The thought threatened to overwhelm her.

"Henry, I need to rest," she said.

"I'll go with you."

"Leave me alone."

"I won't."

They locked gazes.

"I'm sorry, Susan," Henry said, remorse evident. "I'm selfish, but I'm terrified of losing you again. I…" He couldn't risk anything with Susan; without his shares, he had nothing left.

"Then let's go to work," Susan said.

Henry felt a stab of hurt. She preferred work to spending time with him.

"Sorry, Susan…" his guilt remained palpable.

"It's okay. It's over. We'll have a good life," Susan offered a forced smile, determined to endure the heartbreak, having made her choice.

Meanwhile, at Cooper Group, Hannah felt exhausted after a meeting. She'd been unwell lately. Was it overindulgence? The memory of her nights with Oscar brought a blush to her cheeks. She glanced at the calendar: Oscar's birthday was in a week. His and Thomas's official birthdays had already passed; Oscar had mentioned being half a month younger than Thomas, prompting her to plan a surprise. But what would surprise him?

She felt a pang of anxiety.

"Ms. Hannah," Rose called. "Here's the document."

"You don't look well," Rose observed, noting Hannah's unusual distraction. She was usually so energetic.

"I haven't slept well," Hannah replied, avoiding any mention of her active nightlife.

"You often work late, but you look… different. I wonder…" Rose’s words made Hannah nervous.

"Maybe you're pregnant!"

Hannah stared blankly.

"Pregnant women often experience fatigue, drowsiness, and changes in appetite. Do you feel nauseous? Any other symptoms?" Rose asked seriously.

Hannah's heart pounded. Rose's words triggered a realization. She and Oscar hadn't used contraception, yet there was no sign of pregnancy.