Chapter 768: A Reluctant Transfer

Susan forced herself to calm down, watching the man approach. She couldn't find the words to begin a conversation. The distance between them seemed to grow. Perhaps her own self-awareness was driving them apart.

"Take a look," Manuel said, placing a document before her.

Susan's heart pounded as she glanced at the cover. She firmly believed Manuel harbored no interest in her family's property. Her accusations of intentional robbery against Manuel and Justine stemmed from her own hatred, a justification she knew was false. The Letter of Equity Transfer was unacceptable. She concealed her pain, maintaining a calm exterior.

"Can I say no?"

Manuel shook his head.

"Though I'm incapable of running Phillips Bank now, with diligent effort, perhaps I could in the future…" Susan explained, a little too hastily.

Manuel's indifference felt like a mockery. She imagined him viewing her as a useless liability. Without her father, she couldn't ensure the bank's survival. Helplessly, she lowered her head, rereading the document, scrutinizing each term. Her shares would be purchased at market value; it seemed a fair deal. Yet, summoning her courage, she refused. "I do not agree."

She was the decision-maker. No one could force her signature, not even Manuel. If her father awoke to learn she'd sold the bank, he'd be devastated.

"Sign the transfer now, and you can keep this," Manuel said, indicating a substantial sum with his finger.

He silenced Susan. "But if you refuse, I have other means of acquiring your equity. Your income could be halved, or even more," he added.

The implication was clear: a smart woman would accept. Manuel's ability was undeniable. Though previously uninvolved in the company's affairs, she knew, from her father and other staff, how capable he was. He could easily seize the bank if he chose.

Susan remained silent, unwilling to surrender so easily. Their family had built this financial empire over many years. Selling now would be unforgivable to her father.

"The ten billion deposit into Phillips Bank originated with me; the venture capital project was also my instruction to Theodore. My withdrawal would pose significant risk, especially with Edward hospitalized. The bank could face bankruptcy. I'm not trying to frighten you. Consult other executives, Hannah, even. Your resistance will cost you far more."

"So you planned this beforehand?" Susan murmured sarcastically, her heart aching.

Manuel refrained from explanation, deeming it futile. Susan wouldn't believe him. Why bother? His silence confirmed her suspicions. She'd believed his love for her was pure, unrelated to wealth.

Had his feelings changed since her actions hurt him? Or had she been wrong all along?

Her judgment, regarding both Henry and Manuel, had been consistently poor. Her mistakes were paving the road to a deserved tragedy.

Abruptly, she asked, "Manuel, did you ever truly love me?"

The unexpected question struck a chord in Manuel's heart.

"Perhaps it was my illusion," Susan answered herself.

Manuel remained silent, his lips pressed together. To Susan, his silence suggested reluctance, not shyness.

She accepted the past. She finally understood Manuel's lack of feeling for her; otherwise, she wouldn't have been left alone on the balcony, he would have noticed her distress.

With that realization, she could release her obsession with him and avoid the guilt she felt toward Henry, a guilt stemming from her belief in her own complicity in his death. A relationship with Manuel felt like a betrayal. This was why she'd kept her distance.

She'd wondered if Manuel would seek reconciliation. Now she saw her own folly. His love was gone.

She picked up the pen. A flicker in Manuel's eyes betrayed his surprise at her sudden capitulation. He attempted to speak, but faltered.

Susan signed. She was a traitor to her family, her failings the architect of this tragedy. Manuel was right; resistance was futile. The more she fought, the more she lost. If losing Phillips Bank was her fate, she might as well secure more money – for her father's care, for her own survival. She couldn't endure poverty. She was an indulged woman, lacking resilience and self-motivation.

She would surrender the fight, return to her comfortable life. She pressed her fingerprint onto the signature, handed the document to Manuel, and asked, "Is that okay?"

Manuel, stunned by her easy compliance, stared at her signature, holding the document so long that Susan wondered if she'd signed incorrectly.

"Is there a problem?"

"No," Manuel responded, roused from his stupor.

"Do I need to leave now?"

Manuel didn't answer.

"May I leave tomorrow? I want to…" She paused, swallowing the rest. She wanted to preserve the memories, perhaps take photos for her father. If Edward awoke, he'd want to see the place where he'd dedicated his life. Susan admitted to herself that she hadn't been a good daughter; with foresight, she would have worked harder.

But it was too late. Watching him silently, she changed her mind. "I will leave tonight."

The office, the bank – none of it was hers anymore. Her presence would likely be unwelcome to the new owner.