Chapter 741: The Sinister Man

Manuel acted cautiously. After locating Susan, he waited in his car, monitoring her through traffic cameras. At noon, she emerged from the building, seemingly satisfied that her surroundings were unremarkable. Seeing her leave, Manuel immediately exited his vehicle. He checked the cameras again, finding her alone. He concluded that Henry and his sister had kidnapped Susan, a realization that simplified his rescue plan.

He entered the building quietly, concealing himself near the exit. He surmised she’d gone for lunch, having noted her morning breakfast run; the lack of cooking implements suggested no one resided there permanently. This confirmed his decision to observe from outside.

About half an hour later, the woman returned with takeout, as he anticipated. She entered the building and waited vigilantly for the elevator, carefully scanning her surroundings before entering and closing the doors.

Manuel sprinted from his hiding spot, checking the floor indicator. The elevator stopped at the 23rd floor. Acting prudently, he pressed the button for the 22nd floor.

Few people lived in this building due to planned redevelopment and government relocation efforts. Henry had chosen this location precisely for its low occupancy.

Manuel studied the floor plan, noting seven suites per floor. He memorized their locations, planning his escape route after rescuing Susan. He then climbed the stairs to the 23rd floor, his nerves taut. The lack of residents made it easy to identify occupied suites by the dust on the floors.

Inside, Emily had returned with lunch. Henry sat in the drawing-room where Susan was bound. Silence reigned until Emily's return.

"Anyone suspicious?" Henry asked, a cautious man whose business acumen had been hampered by his family's decline.

"No," Emily replied, "very few people around."

"Did you exit the elevator early?" Henry pressed.

"Yes, on the 23rd floor."

"Good." Henry nodded, glancing at Susan, who bit her lip, her hatred palpable.

"Know why I'm so careful?" Henry sneered. Susan remained silent.

"Frankly, Manuel terrifies me," Henry admitted with a self-deprecating smile. "Do you know how many times he's beaten me?"

Susan met his gaze coldly, unspeaking.

"Without him, I'd have controlled the bank long ago. You and your father wouldn't be in this mess. It's all Manuel's fault. It's understandable you hate him."

"You're a madman!" Susan exclaimed.

"No, I'm not," Henry countered. "I did what I had to. Susan, consider my situation. Family shattered, parents dead… would you accept that or fight back?"

Susan hadn't considered his perspective; her hatred stemmed from his betrayal.

"You'd do the same. We're ordinary people, not saints. Even if you and your father die, you shouldn't hate me; you'll die well," Henry declared.

Susan stared icily. "Your father killed himself."

"Yes," Henry sneered, "but he was forced to by your Edward. I'll make Edward kill himself!"

"How dare you!"

"Now, let's check in with your father."

Henry used Susan's phone to call her father. Edward, in the process of transferring shares to Susan with his lawyer, was startled by the ringing. The slightest sound unnerved him, yet he answered swiftly. "Henry."

"Progress?" Henry demanded impatiently.

"I'm transferring the shares now."

"What if I break my promise?" Henry threatened.

Edward's heart plummeted; he had no idea what Henry planned.

"You'll be dead before midnight. I don't want to see you alive tomorrow."

"Henry!" Edward seethed.

"This is precaution, not paranoia. I'm not worried about you, but about Manuel."

Henry's words silenced Edward. How did Henry know he'd spoken to Manuel?

"You told Manuel, didn't you?" Henry's brow furrowed.

"No, of course not," Edward denied desperately.

"Doesn't matter. But Edward, I don't trust Manuel. He doesn't love Susan; he wants to stop me from controlling Phillips Bank, likely to usurp your company. Still trust him?"

Edward gripped his phone.

Henry continued, "Within an hour, give me legally binding agreements granting me control of Phillips Bank's shares." He hung up.

Edward stared at the phone, consumed by anxiety. Henry had driven him to despair. His trembling body, he suddenly recalled Henry's words about Manuel.