Chapter 739: Striving for Rescue

Upon hearing the news, Manuel gripped his phone tighter, a flicker of bloodlust crossing his eyes. He had believed Henry wouldn't harm Susan, still harboring feelings for her. Indeed, Susan's intervention had prevented Henry from killing him earlier. However, Henry's actions now far surpassed his expectations. Had he noticed sooner, he would have recognized Susan's calls as cries for help. What if he'd answered? Perhaps she wouldn't have been kidnapped. His face darkened.

Edward continued, agitated, "Henry wants me to transfer the shares to Susan, then commit suicide."

"Are you home?" Manuel asked, striving for composure.

"Yes."

"I'm coming."

"Okay," Edward quickly added, "Don't call the police! Henry will kill Susan."

"Understood."

Henry, pushed to the brink, would likely resort to drastic measures. Manuel leaped from the bed, ignoring the pain in his back, and dressed. He raced to the Phillips Manor, where a distraught Edward awaited him at dawn.

Edward saw Manuel as a lifeline. "Manuel, what do we do? I fear Henry will harm her!"

"Tell me Henry's demands," Manuel said, his demeanor calmer than Edward's.

Taking a deep breath, Edward explained, "Henry targeted Susan to avenge his parents. I drove them to suicide—a ruthless business maneuver. I was playing dirty, and I'm responsible. Now, he wants me to transfer all shares to Susan, control the company, then kill myself."

Manuel remained silent.

"My life means nothing," Edward said gravely, tears welling. "But I can't let her die. That's my only wish."

"Comply with his demands. I'll rescue her," Manuel stated.

"Can you?" Edward doubted. A greater fear loomed—Henry noticing the rescue attempt.

"Call him. Agree to his terms, but insist on speaking to Susan. We need to confirm she's alive."

Edward was speechless, sharing Manuel's fear that Susan might already be dead.

"Let him know we'll refuse if he harms her."

Edward nodded.

"Don't kill yourself, even if I fail. Whether I succeed or not, he'll kill her to cover his tracks once he controls the bank. If you're alive, he might keep her alive longer—to leverage you. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Edward finally grasped the situation. Suicide would give Henry everything; his survival might offer Susan a chance. Henry wouldn't risk killing Susan if Edward could still call the police.

"Is there a laptop?" Manuel asked.

"Yes. Sasha, fetch the laptop from my study," Edward instructed.

Sasha quickly brought the laptop. Manuel connected his phone, typed furiously, and then addressed Edward. "Call Henry."

Edward obeyed. Moments later, Henry answered, drowsy but restless.

"Mr. Phillips," Henry murmured.

"I need to speak to Susan," Edward demanded.

Henry grumbled.

"I need to know she's safe," Edward insisted.

Henry got up, "Fine."

He approached Susan, who tensed. He held the phone out. "Speak!"

Recognizing her father's number, Susan remained silent.

"Don't play games," Henry threatened.

Susan stayed silent. Enraged, Henry pinched her jaw, tears springing to her eyes. She hoped her silence would imply her death, preventing further threats to her father.

"If you stay quiet…" Henry released her brutally reddened jaw. "I'll undress you and let your father listen to your screams."

"Henry, you bastard!" Edward roared.

Susan heard her father's fury. Humiliated, she wept.

Henry ignored Edward. "Lips or vagina first?" he asked Susan.

"Enough!" Edward yelled, nearly collapsing.

"Oh, your father's got high blood pressure," Henry sneered. "A stroke might be fun, wouldn't it?"