Chapter 666: A Dinner Party (5) Jealous

A tense silence, punctuated by occasional gasps, filled the car. Susan feared an escalation, but a sudden cell phone ring interrupted them. The sound jolted the man back to his senses. He released his hold on her and looked into the eyes of the rosy-cheeked woman beside him. He saw her desire, mirrored in his own, but managed to restrain himself.

Perhaps the drinks, or a vivid dream, had fueled his erratic behavior. As a man, physical needs were normal, and Susan, he felt, had repeatedly tempted him. He couldn't be sure if her actions in the restroom were intentional, but he'd struggled to regain his composure before returning to the dining room, barely quelling his overwhelming desire. He'd maintained his control until Susan provoked him in the car, shattering his self-possession in an instant.

As he prepared to leave, his clothes were tugged. Manuel saw the small hand pulling him close; her intent was clear. But a harsh ring tone cut through the moment, extinguishing his desire. "Answer the phone," he said, forcefully pushing her hand away. He distanced himself, feeling the cool night air restore his sanity.

Susan watched his indifferent back, incredulous at the swift change. Moments ago, his desire had been palpable; now, it felt like a phantom. She straightened her clothes, sat up, and stared at Henry's name on her phone. She hesitated to connect, unsure how to face him, how to explain her near-betrayal.

The ringing phone was the only sound. Manuel wondered if Susan would ignore, hang up, or turn off the phone; he imagined what might happen. But there were no such uncertainties. Susan finally answered, calmly saying, "Hi, Henry."

Manuel scoffed. The events were simply a hormonal reaction, a loss of control—his, and Susan's. It had nothing to do with genuine feelings, he thought.

"Why is it taking so long? Are you drunk? Do you want me to pick you up?" Henry asked.

"No, I'm not drunk. We're still drinking."

"Still?"

"Yes. Mr. Stern hasn't left, so we can't leave."

"Then when will you come back?"

"I don't know."

"Don't drink too much, or you'll feel bad tomorrow," Henry cautioned. His voice, clear in the quiet car, was audible to everyone.

"Okay," Susan replied, her voice trailing off. She considered explaining things in person, confessing her reluctance to be with Henry. Each interaction with Manuel strengthened her resolve. She didn't know what her breakup would mean for Henry, only that continuing as they were would cause them all suffering. Even if Henry drove her to ruin, enduring the shame would be a worthwhile price for Susan. She'd made her decision.

"Henry, I'm arriving."

"Take care of yourself."

"Okay."

Susan hung up, looking at Manuel. As she started to speak, the car stopped. She saw him open the door and reached for his hand. At her touch, he immediately withdrew.

"Manuel..."

The door closed.

Susan bit her lip. She sometimes questioned his feelings for her. She exited the car, watching Manuel enter the club without waiting or looking back. She felt it was unfair to him, considering she wasn't single, and she felt bad. She resolved to talk to him after ending things with Henry.

She composed herself. Touching her lips, she felt a sharp pain, realizing Manuel had bitten them, leaving them swollen.

"Miss Phillips," a man's voice startled her.

She collected herself and entered the private room with him. Drinking resumed.

As soon as Susan sat down, a man approached to offer a toast. She glanced at Manuel, who was engrossed in conversation with Stephen, ignoring her. Susan joined in the drinking.

Manuel's complete disregard, as if they were strangers, infuriated her. The memory of his actions in the car fueled her anger. She stood, intending to confront him, but the room's door swung open, and a young woman entered, approaching Stephen and taking his arm.

"Dad,"

"Clara," Stephen smiled, "let me introduce you. This is Manuel Johnson, general manager of Phillips Bank. Manuel, this is my daughter, Clara Stern."

Susan rolled her eyes. A blind date?

She watched Manuel extend his hand. "Nice to meet you, Miss Stern."

"You too, Mr. Johnson." Clara's demeanor was poised and confident. They shook hands.

Shit!

Seeing their firm handshake, Susan's rage intensified, contrasting Manuel's aversion to her touch in the car with his current amiable interaction with Clara.

Susan retreated to her seat, averting her gaze.