Chapter 748: Off the Roof
Before Susan could speak, Manuel declared, "I won't do it."
Henry offered a wry smile.
Susan bit her lip, swallowing the words she'd been about to say. Manuel's refusal should have been acceptable; she should have been relieved. Otherwise, even survival would be worse than death. At least, death would bring less burden.
"Susan, did you hear him?" Henry said. "He won't die for you."
"So what? I like him, but I don't like you!"
Henry's irritation was evident.
"It doesn't matter if Manuel doesn't love me. Even if he abandons me, I still like him! Henry, don't you think you're a loser..."
Suddenly, Susan screamed again as the dagger plunged into her thigh. Pain blurred her vision; she feared passing out. She fought to stay conscious; fainting would mean she couldn't make a final stand.
Gritting her teeth, she focused on Manuel, his expression indifferent. At least, her death wouldn't upset him; he didn't love her, so he wouldn't be distraught.
"Susan, provoking me is pointless," Henry warned darkly.
She was powerless to change his mind, to fight back, even if he wished to kill her. All she could do was save others. Calming herself, she fought the pain and said to Manuel, "Manuel, please take care of my dad."
Manuel frowned, sensing her resolve. Panic welled inside, but he masked it, wary of betraying any weakness that might embolden Henry.
"Okay, I will," he agreed.
Though disappointed, Susan saw it as damage control. Otherwise, her father would die too.
"I'm sorry," Susan apologized, genuinely remorseful for hurting him and for her past suspicions. She'd long blamed him for her broken marriage with Henry, never realizing he'd been trying to save her. Now, regretting her lack of appreciation, she could only strive for a peaceful death.
Manuel watched her silently. Her apology was futile, unable to undo the past. There was no time to wait for the police. She had much to atone for, but no time remained.
With a determined squint, she looked down at the building below. Then, with all her strength, she grabbed Henry and pushed him toward the edge of the roof.
Henry sensed her resolve; she wanted to die with him. But he couldn't die yet; his sworn enemy, Edward, lived. Revenge must come first.
"Susan, do you want to die?"
"I want to die with you! Henry, didn't you say my father killed your family? The daughter pays her father's debt, fair enough, right?"
"Susan, calm down!"
"Are you scared to death by now?" Susan taunted fearlessly.
"I'm not going to die until your father dies."
"I'm sorry, but I won't let my father die! If you want to die, I will die with you."
Suddenly, a surprising strength surged within the delicate Susan. Henry was taken aback.
The dagger, again driven into her thigh, seemed to cause no effect. Nothing could change her mind. Henry dropped the dagger, trying to restrain her with his hands.
Susan was beyond control. With her remaining strength, she shoved Henry toward the railing, and they tumbled over the edge.
"Ah!" Emily gasped, her face pale with shock as she watched them fall. She also saw someone sprinting towards the railing with incredible speed.
Emily couldn't bear to watch, to confirm if Henry had jumped, or to hear the impact. The sound of a fall from such a height would be deafening.
Terror pounded in her chest. The silence ticked by. One, two, three… No sound from below.
Rushing over, she saw Manuel grasping Susan's hand, while Henry clung to Susan's leg.
"Call the police!" Manuel gasped, his grip tight on Susan's wrist.
"Don't call the police!" Henry screamed. "Emily, don't let me hate you!"
"Call the police!" Manuel urged, leaning over the railing, one hand supporting himself, the other holding Susan.
Susan hadn't expected Manuel's timely intervention; there had been a considerable distance between them. Hanging in the air, the survival instinct kicked in, and she clutched Manuel's hand.
"Call the police!" Manuel sensed her response through their joined hands, turning to the shocked Emily.
Emily's hands trembled as she held the phone.