Chapter 742: The Girl Who Is Silent

Edward, lost in thought about Manuel's intentions, was startled by a ringing phone. He glanced at the screen; it was Manuel. Edward felt a surge of complex emotions but quickly composed himself.

"Manuel, how's it going? Did you find Susan?" he asked.

"I've almost located her, but I need time to pinpoint her exact location. And did Henry call you?" Manuel replied.

"Yes, he just did."

"Did you speak to Susan?"

"No. He just threatened me to give him the letter of assignment."

"Next time you speak with Henry, make sure to hear Susan's voice. Henry is cunning; I worry he'll hide Susan. Even if I find him, I can't guarantee I'll find her," Manuel cautioned.

"Fine."

Manuel hung up, hiding in a deserted corridor on the 23rd floor.

He initially thought Henry was well-disguised, but then reasoned that Henry might have anticipated being followed and exited the elevator early. This meant more time was needed for investigation—a prediction Manuel himself had made. Henry was proving far more challenging than expected.

Meanwhile, in the room, Henry was having lunch with Emily after his call. Susan, refusing to eat, watched the seemingly warm and affectionate couple with indifference.

Henry always projected an air of loneliness. Except for Susan, he treated everyone coldly, but Emily seemed to receive special treatment. Were they siblings, or related in some other way?

"Sure you don't want some?" Henry asked, his gaze sharp.

"I don't eat!" Susan replied.

Henry sneered. "Susan, you'd better understand your situation."

Susan felt intense resentment.

"Disobey me, and you will suffer!" he threatened.

Susan remained indifferent, her attitude seemingly wearing Henry's patience thin. He took some food, walked to Susan, and using a fork, held a piece of meat near her mouth. "Open your mouth."

Susan kept her lips firmly closed.

"Isn't this your favorite?" Henry asked, his eyes narrowed. The food was indeed all Susan's favorites; Henry had shown considerable restraint. Yet, he seemed to believe Susan would never appreciate it, never understand the pain he endured.

"It makes me nauseous," Susan said slowly.

"Nauseous?" Henry laughed hysterically. "Would it be more nauseous if I kissed you, huh?"

"Henry!" Susan's tone shifted.

"Why? We've kissed before. Why are you so repulsed by me? Or is this for Manuel?"

"Shut up!"

"Manuel can have you, why can't I?" Henry's eyes widened. "Thinking about it, I feel unworthy. I've spent so much on you for years, and I can't even… it's absurd!"

"Enough! Henry!" Susan shouted. "Don't you dare…"

Suddenly, she was smothered with kisses. She struggled against her restraints, trying to bite his lips, but he grabbed her jaw, preventing her. Tears streamed down her face as the cruel image of his face burned itself into her memory.

Emily remained in the room, silently watching from behind the table, her expression unchanged until Henry finally released Susan. The loathing in Susan's eyes was unmistakable.

Henry wiped Susan's lips. "Do you eat?" It was a threat.

Susan fought back tears.

"Alright, I'll eat then." Without waiting for an answer, Henry moved to kiss her again.

"Yes!" Susan conceded, tears falling freely. This was her first experience of such desperation.

Henry laughed, a self-satisfied expression on his face. "That's my good girl." He fed Susan again.

Susan ate slowly, painfully, tears constantly falling.

"Good girl," Henry patted her cheek as she finished. Susan glared at him with detestation.

"I'll torture you if you dare cry again," he threatened.

Susan's eyes widened.

"Don't doubt it. You know men can't resist a delicate, soft woman," Henry said, wiping her tears.

Hate surged within her, threatening to overwhelm her.

"Be good, don't tempt me again, I'm afraid of falling for you again," Henry said, rising to leave.

Emily had already cleared the dishes. Henry took the tableware to the kitchen for her to clean. As he was about to leave, Emily asked, "Henry, do you still love Susan?"

Henry hesitated, then blurted, "I don't love her."

Emily looked at him, unconvinced.

"I'm going to rest. Wake me at three," Henry said, leaving the kitchen.

"Okay," Emily replied, asking no more.

They both seemed to know the unspoken truth, a foreseen reality they chose not to voice. Emily had anticipated this day since Henry decided to pursue Susan. He, she thought, would always be drawn to beautiful, wealthy women of the upper class. As a simple woman, she would never receive his love; his kindness stemmed from their shared childhood.

Emily finished the housework and returned to the lounge, where Susan remained bound in a corner. Emily approached and looked down at her with a condescending gaze.

Susan returned her gaze, sensing something malicious in her presence. Emily had always been quiet and obedient, yet now Susan inexplicably felt afraid.

"What do you want?" Susan asked warily.

"Is it your beauty that makes Henry love you?" Emily asked, her tone somber.