Chapter 803: Sarah’s Second Visit

Susan returned to her office, collapsing into her chair with a sigh of relief. She’d been terrified, her heart pounding wildly, but thankfully Manuel hadn't ejected her. A lingering flutter of fear remained. She vowed to be less impulsive in the future, then composed herself and opened the blue folder Manuel had given her.

Inside, she found meticulously organized work plans. Every project, its start date, and inventory requirements were detailed. Had he not handed it to her personally, she wouldn't have believed he'd done it. He'd practically completed six months' worth of her work; all she needed to do was follow his plan.

"Manuel, you little bastard," she muttered. "He did my work plans and still deliberately made a fool of me. If he'd shown them to me earlier, none of this would have happened."

Despite her inner scolding, she was inexplicably touched. She couldn't fathom creating such comprehensive plans, even if given multiple lifetimes.

Susan reviewed the plans thoroughly, her admiration for Manuel growing with each page. This time, her admiration was heartfelt.

"No wonder Dad liked Manuel so much," she mused. "If I were the boss, I'd treat him exceptionally well. He's a business genius."

Lost in her work, Susan didn't notice the time until a knock came at her door. "Come in," she said.

Manuel entered. Susan, still engrossed in her work, didn't look up.

"Understandable?" he asked softly.

Startled, Susan looked up. "Why is he here?" she wondered, then quickly replied, "I'm reviewing it."

"Stop. Leave early."

Stunned, Susan thought, "Is he showing concern? Trying to get me to leave and rest? After what happened today, this is… unexpected."

Just as her imagination soared, Manuel said, "I need you with Hannah."

Susan's sentimental thoughts evaporated. "He can't have suddenly changed his attitude," she realized.

"What's happened to Hannah?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Oscar left Kensbury City, leaving Hannah alone at the villa."

"That asshole… cough, cough," Susan paused, remembering Oscar was Manuel's cousin. Diplomacy prevailed, and she smoothly shifted the subject. "Did the Commander return to the Capital?"

"Yes," Manuel replied, clearly understanding her unspoken concerns.

"I'll go to her immediately," Susan said eagerly.

Manuel nodded, said nothing more, and left.

Quickly clearing her desk, Susan left work. She'd longed to visit Hannah but work had always intervened. She didn't want to disturb Hannah's rest. She was surprised to see it was 8 PM. Her focus had led to skipped meals.

Driving to Hannah's villa, Susan felt for her friend. With Oscar's betrayal, Hannah was still living in his house. Susan imagined Hannah crying herself to sleep, unaware of her friend's resilience and self-control.

Many bodyguards stood at the villa gate, but Susan was on the access list and entered without delay. Hoping to surprise Hannah, she was instead stunned by the sight of Sarah.

"What is that bitch doing here?" she thought.

Sarah, noticing Susan, displayed disgust. "What's she doing here?" she sneered.

Susan's internal retort was, "This is my best friend's house! Why can't I be here?" Instead, she exploded, "I'll ask you the same question! How dare you!"

"I'm here to speak with Hannah," Sarah said coldly.

"Speak? About your sister being the other woman? Too late; the whole country knows!"

"Susan!" Sarah raged.

Even the most refined person crumbled in Susan's presence.

"I'm not deaf," Susan retorted, deliberately escalating. "Older generations had a better sense of justice. Now, a mistress's sister can brazenly visit a friend's home. Back then, she'd be executed and her family shamed!"

"Susan, enough!" Sarah snapped, barely containing her fury. Had she not been so proud, a physical fight might have ensued.

"Feeling ashamed?" Susan taunted.

"Susan," Hannah intervened.

Susan hesitated. Hannah should have been less lenient, but Susan didn't want to cause further unpleasantness. She sat beside Hannah, ignoring Sarah's fury. This wasn't about Sarah; it was about Hannah.

Composing herself, Sarah said, "Hannah, I need to speak to you, alone." She wanted to dismiss Susan.

"Susan doesn't need to leave." Hannah’s response was firm.

A dark glint crossed Sarah's eyes.

"Speak now, or return another time when Susan isn't here." The implicit message was, "I won't remove Susan for you."

Sarah felt a surge of suppressed anger. "This woman, reduced to this, yet still so composed?" she thought venomously.