Chapter 762: A Talk With Hannah

Manuel sensed his mother's distress. Susan was on the verge of a breakdown, having lost nearly everything, and could only weep.

"If it weren't for Hannah's request, I wouldn't have even looked at her," Justine huffed.

Manuel knew his mother, though sharp-tongued, wouldn't simply stand by. Justine disliked Susan, but she wouldn't remain inactive.

"How about Edward?" Manuel asked, changing the subject.

Justine sighed, saddened by Edward's fate. Witnessing Susan's constant crying had hardened her somewhat.

"The doctor said only a miracle could save him," Justine replied frankly.

Manuel nodded. "But what happened? Edward committed suicide, Susan was severely injured, you were wounded, and Henry Parker is dead…"

Manuel then revealed the full truth.

Upon hearing it, Justine muttered, "If Edward's actions caused Henry's tragedy, then that's the price he must pay."

Manuel agreed. Edward bore responsibility for Henry's family's suffering. Perhaps it was fate.

"Okay, you need to take care of yourself. I'll check on Susan," Justine said, taking a deep breath.

Manuel smiled, knowing Justine cared for Susan despite her pretense. He watched her leave, anxiety etched on her face. Silence descended once more. He lay down, staring at the ceiling. Everything would be different from now on.

A week later, Manuel and Susan were discharged. According to Justine, Susan had cried for three days straight, finally finding relief and resuming regular eating and sleeping. She left the hospital after five days and reportedly returned to work, seeming more determined. Manuel had no interest in probing the reason. Leaving the hospital, he went straight to Hannah's. He didn't intend to dissuade her, but to observe before acting.

He found Hannah lounging in a recliner, sunbathing. The sunlight on her skin was idyllic. Manuel wondered what Oscar would think of this scene; perhaps it would weaken his resolve to leave for the capital.

Hannah opened her eyes and smiled. He'd worried she'd be hostile because of Oscar.

"Manuel, welcome," Hannah greeted.

"You look well," Manuel replied casually.

"What else can I do?" Hannah offered a wry smile.

"My cousin…"

"Is this about him?" Hannah interrupted.

"Partly."

"Let's talk about something else then," she said, clearly wishing to avoid discussing Oscar.

Manuel nodded. "Okay."

"Before we begin, I have some questions about Susan."

"Ask away."

"Is Henry dead?" Hannah hadn't heard the news.

"Yes, after kidnapping Susan and attempting to drive Edward to suicide, he jumped from the building. That's why Susan survived," he explained concisely.

Hannah nodded. Now it made sense why Edward was in a vegetative state.

"How about Susan?" Hannah asked. She hadn't contacted Susan for a week, fearing it would cause her distress.

"She's probably fine."

Hannah sensed from his brevity that they hadn't reconciled.

"She's likely back at work. I don't know the specifics, but since she's working again, I assume she's mostly recovered," Manuel added.

"So, it's over between you and Susan?"

"What else could it be?" he asked rhetorically.

"Having gone this far, why not give yourselves another chance?"

"Why doesn't you give Oscar another chance?" Manuel countered.

Hannah remained silent. Manuel sighed. Reconciliation seemed impossible.

"Let's get to the point," Hannah said, maintaining composure.

Manuel stated frankly, "I'll help Oscar gain complete control of Northfield's economy."

Hannah's expression turned serious; she understood his meaning.

Manuel confirmed, "The Wells Group, Phillips Bank, and Cooper Group—all the corporations in Kensbury City—will be under his control."

Hannah sneered, "A hell of a risk to reach the top, huh?"

"I know you don't understand his actions, and I know you won't listen to him, but he had no choice. Refusal would mean another Collins member taking his place. Full Collins control of the economy would end his reign."

"Nothing's changed since I came back to life," Hannah muttered.

"No, something has. We all survived," Manuel said.

It was true. Hannah, her parents, and Susan had survived. Though Edward was in a vegetative state, he lived.

"But Cian is dead," Manuel said with genuine sorrow.

Hannah looked at him. He was a skilled negotiator. His apparent sorrow was a reminder of Cian's sacrifice for their survival; Hannah should be grateful and forgiving.

"This is a reminder, and I hope you won't oppose him. The Collins previously preyed on Kensbury's economy, but the Balderstons limited their power. Now, Oscar and the Collins are ostensibly allied. With their combined power, they could easily overthrow the top three families in Kensbury."