Chapter 771: Courage

"Hannah," Susan said pitifully, "I want to kill Oscar."

"I'm fine," Hannah replied peacefully. "I don't feel that bad. I've been through worse, and I'm used to it."

Susan felt even more distressed. Hannah thought about her last life, far more miserable than this one. Now, at least she wasn't dead, and neither were her parents—a thought that surprisingly motivated her.

"I'm joking," Hannah smiled. "Anyway, I'm fine now."

"What about your baby?" Susan asked.

"My baby..." Hannah trailed off.

"You still want her to be born?" Susan pressed, worried Hannah might make a rash decision. She knew she could only offer support, regardless of Hannah's choice.

"We can only leave it to God," Hannah said.

Susan felt a pang of sympathy. Hannah’s words hinted at underlying distress despite her apparent eagerness for the baby.

"I need to slap that buster!" Susan exclaimed, referring to Oscar. "That's enough. Manuel's probably still at work. Go find him and tell him you'll stay at the bank."

Susan hesitated. She lacked the courage.

"Talk to you later," she said.

"You must tell me if anything happens," Susan urged, her voice agitated. She’d had no idea of Hannah's recent hardships. She’d assumed Hannah was merely unhappy; she hadn't realized the depth of her struggles.

"Sure," Hannah replied.

After the call, Hannah sat in her office. The sunset had faded, replaced by the city's glowing neon lights. The city felt familiar, a place of belonging despite its rapid growth since her childhood. She wasn't sure if she'd be reluctant to leave.

Later, she called Rose. "Rose, come over here a second."

"Yes," Rose replied. She was reliable; Hannah knew Rose wouldn't leave early unless Hannah did.

Rose entered. "Ms. Hannah," she said.

"Are you ready for the all-hands meeting next week?" Hannah asked.

"Yes. The entire staff, and all branches via video," Rose confirmed. "I've arranged everything."

"Thank you," Hannah smiled faintly.

"It's my pleasure, but..." Rose began.

"You can say what you want. We may not see each other much longer," Hannah said.

Rose's eyes welled up. She knew about the impending takeover of the Cooper Group. She couldn't believe the best company in Northfield faced such a fate.

Hannah smiled, masking her sadness. "You can stay here. Your job will remain the same, regardless of who takes over. So stop being sad."

"It's not just about my job," Rose said, a hint of anger in her voice.

"But that's all I can offer," Hannah replied gently.

"Ms. Hannah, please don't say that. You've been so considerate of your employees. I don't think any boss has shown more consideration. I'm touched, and I think everyone feels the same," Rose insisted.

"I'm not as great as you say. I just don't want to owe anyone," Hannah responded.

"But you're the best!" Rose exclaimed.

"Keep that thought. And if I need your help in the future, please don't hesitate," Hannah said.

"I swear I won't," Rose affirmed. Hannah's genuine kindness touched her.

"It's late. You can leave early," Hannah said.

"What about you?" Rose asked.

"I'm ready to go," Hannah replied.

"Those two guys at the door will protect you?" Rose asked.

"Did they bother you?" Hannah countered.

"No, I just wondered..." Rose hesitated, then said, "Will Jimmy ever come back?"

Hannah compressed her lips.

"Don't get me wrong, I don't have feelings for him anymore," Rose clarified. "I just want to confront him, or I'll feel angry for a long time."

"Time heals all wounds," Hannah offered. Rose, sensing Hannah's reluctance to discuss Jimmy, didn't press. However, her own heart ached for her former relationship. She mumbled to herself, "Even if you don't have anything left for me, couldn't you just tell me straight? This indirect rejection is annoying."

Hannah noticed Rose's emotional turmoil. "I'm going home now. You can go early," she said peacefully.

"Yes," Rose replied.

Hannah left, escorted by her bodyguards. In the car, she gazed thoughtfully at the city lights.

At Phillips Bank, Susan sat in her office, hesitating. The prospect of telling Manuel her decision filled her with dread. She feared facing him, lacking the courage to speak. Finally, overwhelmed by anxiety, she made up her mind.

"It's not the first time I've lost face," she muttered to herself. She was accustomed to it.

She approached Manuel's office and knocked. Her heart pounded.

"Come in," Manuel's familiar voice called. Taking a deep breath, Susan entered.

Manuel worked at his desk, not immediately looking up.

"Have you thought it over?" he asked.

"Yes," Susan said, nodding. Manuel's fingers momentarily stilled on the keyboard, but his expression remained impassive.

Susan faltered, then said, "I'm not very capable. So please don't embarrass me in the future, even if you dislike me."

Manuel continued working, without looking at her.

Susan took a deep breath. "I'll stay at Phillips Bank. It's been a pleasure working for you." She bowed deeply, her heart racing.

"OK, I know," Manuel replied, his voice cold. His face remained expressionless.