Chapter 769: Manuel's Decision

Susan attempted to contact her secretary for help packing her belongings. However, she reconsidered, realizing it was inappropriate to ask for assistance from former colleagues at Phillips Bank. She began packing herself, intending to gather everything in sight without meticulously identifying each item's ownership.

Observing her efforts, Manuel surmised the task would take more than a day.

"No need to bother," he said.

Susan stopped, surprised. Was he forbidding her from taking anything? Most of these items were valuable antiques, her father's legacy. Manuel was overstepping, she thought.

"Although Phillips Bank has been acquired, you can continue working here," he stated plainly.

Confused, Susan waited for clarification.

"I will hire you," he explained.

"You mean it?" Susan was incredulous. She believed no company would hire someone she considered a failed businesswoman.

"Yes," Manuel confirmed with a nod.

"What should I do… as an employee?" she asked, struggling to accept starting at the bottom. She was Edward Phillips' daughter; even if not a high-ranking executive, she had enjoyed a certain autonomy and freedom from criticism. Her self-esteem wouldn't allow for anything less.

"You will be the CEO," Manuel announced candidly.

"What?" Susan was shocked.

She suspected a joke. Even with Manuel's approval, she hesitated to accept such a position.

"Just think about it. You'll enjoy a salary as high as mine."

Susan's mind raced. Was this a manipulative tactic, or was he simply showing pity? After the bank's sale, she had no official connection, yet his extreme generosity seemed inappropriate, considering his upbringing within the Phillips family. Perhaps kindness remained.

After their conversation, Manuel left with the signed contract. Left alone, Susan's confusion lingered. She questioned his sincerity, doubting her qualifications and suspecting a prank.

A ringing phone interrupted her dilemma. Susan calmed herself as she viewed the caller ID.

"Hi, Hannah."

"Why haven't you contacted me?"

Susan remained silent, avoiding the distress this news might cause her pregnant friend. She’d kept everything bottled up.

"What's wrong?" Hannah pressed.

"Nothing much," Susan replied soothingly. "Just overwhelmed lately; heavy workload."

"Haven't you lost your job? Where's this stress coming from?" Hannah chuckled.

"How did you know?"

"Manuel told me."

"So he told you he took over Phillips Bank from me?"

"Yes."

"Damn! Didn't he know you're pregnant? How could he burden you with this?"

"I have plenty to worry about. You're not alone. It makes no difference."

"Don't worry about me. I've thought it through. Business management isn't for me. Manuel will be a better leader. The bank will likely thrive under him; under me, it might face bankruptcy within a year or two. Plus, I'll receive a substantial amount of money. It's a worthwhile choice!" Susan explained calmly.

"Really?"

"What else could I think? I can't compete with Manuel."

"If Henry had acquired Phillips Bank, would your attitude be the same?"

A pang of sorrow struck Susan's heart. "Hannah, he's dead."

"I know. I read it in the news."

"He..." Susan struggled to find the words.

"I knew everything," Hannah said.

"What? Must be Manuel again."

"I told him."

"What?" A wave of anger washed over Susan. "You knew Henry had ulterior motives too?"

"I learned later."

"Later? When, specifically?" Susan demanded.

"Since you said I'd changed."

"How did you know that?"

"You wouldn't believe me."

"So you'd rather trust Manuel Johnson," Susan snapped.

"I don't trust him, but I hope he can help you," Hannah explained.

"What the hell did he do? He took my family's legacy!" Susan raged.

"He had no choice."

"Huh? Now he's the victim?" Susan scoffed.

"Oscar told him to."

"Oscar?"

A sense of being deliberately misled settled upon Susan.

"Manuel probably hasn't told you yet. Besides Phillips Bank, the Cooper Group and the Wells Group are all controlled by Oscar."

"Why?"

"For power. He wants to control the economy."

"So he did this to us."

"I'm as confused as you; we share the same fate."

"Why would Manuel help Oscar? What's their relationship?"

"They're cousins."

"What?"

"I'm afraid I've told you too much."

"Don't keep me in suspense. Tell me the truth."

"So Justine is Oscar's aunt, from a privileged background?" Susan was astounded.

"That's right."

"Shit. That's why I always felt her temperament was different."

Hannah always admired Susan’s optimism; even amidst gloom, her attention could be easily diverted by gossip.

"I've always said Justine coveted my father's money. How will I face her now?" Susan asked awkwardly.

"Don't worry. She and Edward divorced, as did you and Manuel. You don't need to face her anymore."

"...I feel I've missed a lot," Susan said despondently.