Chapter 671 Oscar Back

Susan’s heart felt as if it had been stabbed. She felt intensely guilty for Henry.

“You’re sick. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m fine,” Henry smiled. “The doctor made a fuss.”

“How did you catch a cold?” Susan asked.

“Probably from neglecting the temperature change,” he replied.

“Was it because you were waiting for me last night?”

“Susan…”

“If you were waiting, why didn’t you call?” Susan’s voice was edged with excitement.

Henry looked speechless, a little afraid of her anger.

“Henry, if I’m not around in the future, how will you take care of yourself?” Tears welled in Susan’s eyes. She hadn’t expected this from him; she didn’t love him anymore, she was in love with another man. She was a betrayer.

“Susan, don’t be angry,” Henry took her hand. “I’ll take care of myself. Besides, isn’t there still a month? Maybe you’ll change your mind.”

“Henry, I…”

Suddenly, Henry erupted in a violent, uncontrollable coughing fit.

Susan recoiled. The coughing intensified, as if he might expel his stomach. It took him a long time to regain his breath; he looked even weaker.

“Susan, what were you going to say?”

Susan opened her mouth, then shook her head. “Let’s talk after you’re better. Now, rest.”

Henry smiled, but inwardly vowed never to let Susan return to Manuel.

At Phillips Group, Manuel sat in his office, preoccupied.

After his secretary finished her report, she asked, “Mr. Johnson, black coffee as usual?”

He hadn’t been paying attention. This was unusual for him.

Callie, feeling embarrassed, repeated her question. “Mr. Johnson, black coffee as usual?”

“Yes, please.”

“Certainly.” She started to leave.

“Wait.”

“Yes?”

“Call Susan. I need to discuss some work matters with her.”

Callie was surprised. “Do you mean Miss Phillips?” she clarified.

“Yes,” Manuel replied calmly.

“Okay, I’ll notify her immediately.”

After Callie left, Manuel took a deep breath, leaning back. His body ached. Yesterday’s events had left him drained. He regretted his behavior towards Susan; now, fully awake, he realized the hickeys on her neck were likely his, not Henry’s. Susan had even called Tia for him, though he’d sent Tia away. This realization prompted his decision to come to the office, despite his desire to sleep all day. He needed to clarify things with Susan face-to-face.

He waited. Callie knocked, entering with his coffee. Manuel looked behind her.

“Mr. Johnson, Miss Phillips hasn’t arrived yet,” Callie said, noticing his search. “I’ve informed the customer service department to send her in when she arrives.”

“Right.” He asked casually, “Is Henry in?”

“Mr. Parker doesn’t seem to be here either.”

Manuel frowned slightly.

Callie left after setting down the coffee.

Manuel tried to focus on work, but his lack of sleep hampered his efforts. An important meeting loomed in the afternoon. He went to the restroom to rest, but sleep eluded him. He opened his social media.

He paused at a picture posted by Henry: two hands clasped tightly, one clearly Susan’s. The caption read: “Wishing to win one heart, grow old together, never separated.”

Manuel laughed, lowering his phone. He’d likely misunderstood Susan last night; she hadn’t chosen between him and Henry. Perhaps she didn’t even know her own feelings. He, however, no longer cared. He would simply consider it a fleeting infatuation.

At Cooper Group, Hannah felt exhausted. Three months pregnant, lethargy weighed heavily upon her. She sat at her desk, yawning repeatedly.

Rose finally intervened. “Ms. Hannah, why not rest and attend to work later?”

Almost everyone knew she was pregnant; she hadn’t made an effort to hide it, though Oscar was superstitious. Hannah considered her workload, shaking her head. It wasn’t that she wanted to work hard, but she couldn't sleep. The problem was easily tiring. She continued reading files.

The phone rang.

Hannah smiled—a smile so evident even Rose recognized it as Oscar’s call. She discreetly left the office, but glanced at Jimmy, still seated on the sofa, a man oblivious to others’ needs.

“You’re calling during the day? Aren’t you busy?” she answered.

“Afraid you’d miss me,” a magnetic voice replied.

“I don’t miss you,” Hannah denied, though Oscar had been gone a month, their phone calls infrequent. She told herself she’d adjusted to solitude.

“I’m back.”

A surge of joy overwhelmed Hannah, quickly suppressed. She feared he was teasing her.

“Theodore and I are at the airport. Want to pick us up?” Oscar asked.

Hannah frowned. Couldn’t they get home themselves?

“I need to see Laird first,” Oscar explained, “but I want to see you beforehand.”

“Why not call when you boarded?”

“Surprise!”

“Then surprise me by appearing!”

“Oh,” Oscar said, unrepentant.

“I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Good.”

Hannah hung up, telling Jimmy, “Come with me. Let’s pick up Oscar.” She headed for the door.

As she opened it, the man who claimed to be at the airport stood before her.