Chapter 770: A Divorce Without Cause

Hannah smiled, envying Susan's positive attitude. Finally, the tragedy of her past life hadn't repeated itself.

"You just said Oscar was about to take away the Cooper Group?" Susan exclaimed, clearly struggling to process the information. Her voice rose sharply.

Hannah rubbed her ears. "You have slow reflexes."

"I can't believe it. He's your family, isn't he? What do you mean?"

"We're divorced."

"What?" Susan's voice soared, and she leaped from her chair. Fortunately, Hannah had anticipated this and moved her phone away.

"You're divorced? Seriously? When? And why?" Susan was agitated.

"When you were in trouble. I was going to come to you, but I wasn't well."

"You were afraid I'd feel worse knowing that, weren't you?" Susan asked.

"Maybe," Hannah admitted, fearful she wouldn't have been able to comfort Susan before calming herself.

"Hannah, why do you always keep things to yourself?" Susan's eyes reddened. It had been a difficult time for everyone, and Susan, feeling already unlucky, hadn't expected Hannah to suffer more. She felt terrible for Hannah, believing someone had dashed her hopes at life's peak.

Susan cursed Oscar's ruthlessness. Then, remembering Hannah's pregnancy, her anger intensified.

"I'm not taking this as hard as you think. I just need time," Hannah said, imagining Susan's devastation.

"I was upset you didn't tell me about Henry. You told Manuel, and that made me angry," Susan confessed honestly. She hadn't mentioned it earlier, sensing a barrier between them, and had chosen to avoid confronting it. Susan, a direct person, only spoke her mind once she'd processed her feelings.

"Now you're having such a hard time, I can't even be mad at you anymore."

Hannah smiled, wondering what this simple, kind girl would become facing future realities.

"I still want to explain. I hid Henry from you because I feared you wouldn't accept it, that you'd cut ties with your father after learning about his actions and believing everything he said. I knew he was the person you loved most then."

Susan's thoughts mirrored Hannah's. She might have done the same. Even now, she felt guilty about Henry despite his cruelty.

"So I tried to mend your relationship with Henry through Manuel. I thought you'd reconcile after the baby, but then came the miscarriage, and Manuel lost hope. I was about to tell you the truth, but Manuel wanted to fulfill your dream. He wanted to help you oversee Phillips Bank, preventing Henry's scheme. Without the bank, Henry could only be nice to you, and hopefully, his hatred would fade."

"Did Manuel say that?" Susan doubted Manuel's selflessness.

"Never underestimate his kindness toward you."

"But he's pushed me away many times!" Susan complained.

"Because he thought you still loved Henry."

"But he's dead now." Susan's emotions overwhelmed her.

"That doesn't mean your feelings are gone."

"So, Manuel thinks I still care for Henry?"

"I'm not sure. But I think you can fight for yourself if you still like Manuel."

"You think I still have a chance?" Susan asked.

"Yes," Hannah affirmed, believing Manuel still harbored feelings for Susan. If he didn't, he wouldn't have let her stay at Phillips Bank after buying it. He was reluctant to express his love or make the first move, hurt too many times to risk further disappointment. But with effort, Hannah believed they could reconcile. Manuel was the only man she trusted for Susan.

Susan was silent, hesitant to hope.

Hannah said nothing more, knowing only lovers understood their own complexities. She could advise Susan and Manuel because she hadn't experienced their pain, allowing her frankness. But someone suggesting she remarry Oscar would be repulsive.

"Susan, I called because Manuel asked me to convince you to stay at the bank," Hannah explained. Manuel had called, worried Susan was wavering. Keeping Susan with Manuel eased Hannah's mind.

"I don't know. I'm afraid he'll ignore me later." Susan was self-aware.

"You don't think he knows how insecure you are, do you?"

"Are you my best friend?" Susan asked, slightly irritated.

"Don't worry. Since he wants you to stay, fulfill his expectations. Working together will help you rebuild your relationship," Hannah teased.

"I have no hope," Susan said, lacking confidence.

"Give yourself a chance."

Susan acknowledged Hannah's appeal but felt undeserving.

"I assume you've agreed," Hannah said, feeling she had to guide Susan's decision.

Susan wanted to refuse but couldn't, remaining silent and acquiescing.

"Then I'll hang up."

"Hannah,"

"Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You divorced? Why? Politics or personal reasons?"

Hannah smiled faintly. "No one knows. Both excuses are valid for divorce, and neither matters if you don't want one."

There was no need to justify their divorce, she thought.