Chapter 744: History Once More

Manuel was right about Henry's caution. Henry hadn't even investigated the situation before whisking Susan away, solely reacting to the noise.

No sooner had Henry opened the door than he saw Manuel. He instantly tightened his grip on Susan, pressing a sharp knife against her neck. His face darkened; he hadn't expected Manuel to find his hideout so quickly.

Henry had only taken Susan to observe events outside the apartment. He hadn't anticipated anyone following. Yet, here Manuel was, exceeding his expectations once more. He regretted not killing Manuel the previous night, believing he should have done so regardless. Now, he feared Manuel would kill him first.

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Henry's expression turned cold. "Manuel, will wonders never cease?" he sneered.

Manuel glanced at the knife pressed against Susan's neck, then at Susan herself. He saw the longing in her eyes.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Susan could barely speak. Manuel's timely arrival, her usual savior, stirred a whirlwind of feelings. Tears welled in her eyes.

Henry sensed Susan's emotional turmoil, his own face darkening further. "You think you can save her?" he asked Manuel.

Manuel met his gaze directly. "Henry, you're courting your own doom. Even if you forced Edward to transfer his shares and then killed him, and now intend to kill Susan, you will still face legal consequences."

Henry, prepared to die, had accepted the bloodshed and the shared demise. Yet, he couldn't escape the legal repercussions of driving Edward to suicide and plotting Susan's murder. He hadn't acquired Phillips Bank and risked losing everything. His actions were purely acts of vengeance against Edward and Susan.

"Manuel, who the hell are you?" Henry demanded.

He had always considered Manuel an ordinary man, his love for Susan unrequited and lacking in assertiveness. He hadn't taken Manuel seriously as a rival until now, constantly thwarted by him.

"It doesn't matter," Manuel said. "The point is you can still minimize the damage. It's never too late to reconsider."

"Persuading me?" Henry scoffed.

"Henry," Manuel continued, "you don't have to spend your life consumed by hatred. Edward's actions toward your father were despicable, but ultimately a result of business competition. Many commit suicide over business losses; it's natural selection. You don't have to defy the law."

"You speak so eloquently," Henry retorted. "But what if your parents were murdered? I can speak dispassionately like you, but only because it hasn't happened to me. I believe anyone in my position would have done the same."

"But is it worth dishonoring yourself? You made Edward pay, but you'll face punishment. What have you gained?" Manuel pressed.

"I once valued my life," Henry said, glancing at Susan, his face hardening. "I even considered changing for Susan, but that desire now feels like a stain. It's a burning shame that I changed for a woman who didn't love me."

Susan's heart quivered; Henry's words resonated with her, prompting self-doubt.

As Manuel prepared to speak, his eyes fixed on the knife. Suddenly, Henry moved, and Susan felt a sharp pain in her neck. Fear gripped her as she trembled.

"Enough," Henry spat. "If I die, you both die with me."

He entered the elevator with Susan and pressed the button. Manuel followed cautiously, having concluded Henry was ready to die.

What a horrible man, Manuel thought.

The elevator reached the rooftop. A breeze kissed their faces. Henry took Susan to the edge.

A flicker of apprehension crossed Manuel's face. Hannah's description of Susan jumping from a building flashed into his mind – history repeating itself. He watched as Henry maneuvered Susan to the very edge.

"Henry!" Manuel shouted.

Henry sneered. "Scared?"

Manuel remained silent.

Terror seized Susan. She gazed at the towering building, her eyes nearly squeezed shut. Death loomed. She shivered.

Henry noticed and whispered, "Scared?"

"Henry, you're insane," Susan hissed.

Henry smiled. "It's revenge. But you've never considered my perspective, Susan. Do you want to know how I got here?"

Susan's heart pounded.

"My family was ruined by your father. I had a happy family, then my parents died, and I was sent to an orphanage. Do you know what it's like for a rich kid to live there? I was stripped naked, beaten, forced to eat mice, tortured endlessly – beyond your imagination!" Henry said, his voice devoid of humanity.

Susan's lips compressed. She felt no pity. Her own kidnapping and torture negated any sympathy.