Chapter 655: Susan Speaks for Manuel

Hannah added, "Actually, I turned Theodore and Manuel down, but they came to the party uninvited, just like you. They were here earlier."

Susan doubted this. "Really?"

Hannah said seriously, "Yes, you're my best friend. Why would I turn only you down? That's impossible!"

Susan, believing Hannah wouldn't abandon her, accepted the explanation. Her anger subsided. "See you tonight?"

"Yeah."

"Will Oscar be home?"

"He has a dinner party."

"That's why you thought of me."

"Didn't you say you didn't mind?"

"But I'm too proud to be a backup."

"Don't be silly; there's no such thing as a gorgeous 'backup.'"

Susan relented. "Fine. I know you need me. I'll drop by after work. Tell Max I liked his broth."

"You got it."

"Great. See you soon."

"Okay. See you soon."

Susan hung up, feeling good. Checking the time, she realized she had three hours left at the office. Boredom quickly set in, and she browsed entertainment news on her phone. She had no interest in work and couldn't understand why her father forced her to take the job. Was he trying to keep her occupied?

A financial news item caught her attention—something she usually ignored. She saw Manuel's name in the headline and clicked it.

Similar articles had appeared over the past week, claiming Manuel, the new General Manager at Phillips Bank, was incompetent. He'd made a promise and should have addressed the public, even if he couldn't keep it. His silence was making him a terrible General Manager.

Susan read the article and the comments. Few people had engaged with it, but some gossiped. She realized Manuel's silence was harming Phillips Bank and could implicate her father, making him look foolishly supportive of Manuel.

Susan hesitated before approaching Henry in his office. He always made time for her, regardless of his workload.

"What's up, sweetheart?" Henry asked gently, assuming she was tired of work.

"Withdraw the news," Susan stated.

Henry's eyes narrowed, concealing his displeasure. "What?"

"Withdraw the news you planted in the media," Susan clarified. "Manuel is qualified for his job, and my father knows what he's doing. You don't need to do this."

Henry attempted to explain, but Susan interrupted.

"And it's ineffective," she continued. "This news barely impacts Manuel; he can handle it. But your actions involve Phillips Bank."

Henry was stunned by Susan's insight. He'd assumed she was indifferent to the company. He'd tried to pressure Manuel using the media and involving Phillips Bank.

"Susan, please trust me. I did this for the group…"

Susan looked at him calmly.

"It might have negative consequences, but the impact is negligible. I wanted to expose everything and pressure Manuel. He harbors ill will towards the company, so I couldn't stand idly by. I was under immense pressure," Henry admitted, looking guilty. "I know it's harmful if it escalates, but I insisted because I know what Manuel wants. And I won't let him hurt you and your father!"

Susan replied bluntly, "Even if my father gets hurt, he's asking for it. Phillips Bank is his; he decides who gets it. What can I do if he gives it to Manuel? I'm his daughter, I inherit his name. Besides, I haven't done anything for the company. How can I take over Phillips Bank? If he wants Manuel to have it, let him. I don't care anymore."

Henry stared at her in disbelief.

"So, stay out of it," Susan said.

Henry's lips tightened. Susan and her father clearly didn't care; as an outsider, his involvement was unwarranted.

Henry was furious but controlled himself.

"Okay. I'll stay out of it, since you and your father have decided."

Susan felt guilty, sensing she'd wasted Henry's efforts.

Henry made a call in front of her. "Stop publishing the news about Manuel."

An angry voice erupted from the phone. "Are you fucking kidding me? I fought to publish it, and now you want me to stop? What do I tell my boss…"

Henry apologized as Susan watched silently. A moment later, he hung up. "It's done. No more news."

"I'm so sorry, Henry."

"Silly girl," Henry said affectionately. "Whatever I did, I did it for you. If you're upset, I'll stop. It's okay. I just want you to be happy."

"Uh-huh."

"I'll take you to dinner," Henry offered. "I went to a great restaurant with a client; you'll love it."

"Sorry, I have plans tonight. Dinner with Hannah."

"Oh. Okay." Henry looked disappointed.

"Tomorrow?" Susan asked.

"Good," Henry agreed. "I'll make a reservation."

"Okay. I'll leave you to it."

"Okay."

After Susan left, Henry felt gloomy and furious, punching his desk. He sensed Susan was growing closer to Manuel and knew he needed to act.