Chapter 733: Elevator Horror (4) Successful Rescue

Nervous, Susan waited for rescue inside the elevator. She occasionally glanced at Manuel, finding him even more anxious than before. The guard's call for help, however, only heightened her unease, suggesting a more serious danger.

"Manuel," she began.

He turned, noticing her composure.

"Don't blame me if anything goes wrong," he blurted out.

Susan was confused. "What do you mean?"

Manuel remained silent, his worry palpable. He seemed concerned about Henry's intentions.

"Manuel, what do you mean? Answer me!" Susan pressed, agitated by his silence.

"Nothing."

"What exactly do you mean?" she insisted.

"You need rest before the rescue team arrives. It may take a while."

"Manuel, are you hiding something from me?"

His silence, his usual response to uncomfortable questions, infuriated her. Despite the danger, she reached for his arm. "Manuel, talk to me!"

"There's nothing to talk about. Just wait," he replied coldly.

"You have to—" Before she could finish, the elevator lurched violently. Susan screamed, instinctively burying herself in his arms, shivering. "Why is it shaking again?"

Manuel's heart pounded; he feared Henry's conspiracy was continuing. Was Susan going to be abandoned?

"Manuel! What's happening?" Susan clung to him, her fear overriding their recent argument.

Manuel looked down at her, his expression solemn. He hugged her tightly, surprising her. The strength of his embrace, the fierce beat of his heart, left her momentarily frozen. She'd believed Manuel detested her, yet here he was, holding her close. She felt a warmth she hadn't expected, a reassurance of his protection. His chest offered a comforting weight; a place of safety.

She was reminded of a previous kidnapping—gagged, blindfolded, and silenced. Even then, she sensed someone risking their life for her. This felt the same. But when released, it was Henry she'd seen.

For days, she'd wondered if Manuel had been her rescuer. Now, she asked, "Manuel, was that you?"

His hesitation was evident. A pang of guilt stirred within him. He'd vowed to protect her, even if it meant risking his life if the elevator plunged. Survival wasn't guaranteed, but he would try.

"When I was kidnapped last time, was that you trying to save me?" she repeated, as he remained silent.

It had to be him, she believed, but she craved confirmation. Manuel finally understood. It was indeed him, who'd rescued her from Martina. He’d feared the guilt she might carry if she knew the truth—a guilt compounded by the fact that his actions had inadvertently led to her kidnapping. He felt responsible for her safety.

Faced with her question, hesitation warred within him. Death might be imminent. She deserved the truth.

Before he could answer, the guard interrupted. "Mr. Johnson! Miss Phillips!"

Their attention shifted.

"The team's arrived! They're fixing the elevator. Don't worry; it'll just take some time," the guard announced.

"Thanks!" Manuel replied, exhaling in relief. Henry, it seemed, still possessed some conscience; otherwise, they would have been killed before rescue.

The elevator descended slowly, reaching the ground floor. As the doors opened, they saw a crowd, including Henry.

Angry, yet driven by urgency, Henry had arrived. He witnessed Manuel's rescue, his survival from the brink. Conflicting emotions surged within him. Seeing them embracing ignited his rage.

He reached out, pulling Susan forcefully from Manuel's arms. Before she could react, she was against his chest. As she started to resist, she heard Henry's trembling voice, "Thank god, you're fine." His body shook.

Manuel watched them, his gaze cold before averting his eyes.

"Mr. Johnson, are you okay? Need a ride to the hospital?"

"I'm fine. Just check on Susan," Manuel replied, shaking his head. She seemed alright. He turned to leave, but a rescuer called out, "Mr. Johnson, you're bleeding!"